Play: Sightseeing

The East Point Sanctuary Trail is maintained by the Maine Audubon Society and is on the edge of the East Point Sanctuary at Biddeford Pool. It starts out as a crushed gravel trail and develops into a dirt path. The short 0.9 mile trip showcases spectacular ocean views and the Wood Island Lighthouse. The lighthouse is not accessible except by boat. Dogs are not permitted in the Sanctuary.

The Portland Breakwater Lighthouse is a relatively minor navigational aid designed to mark the end of a breakwater and help guide vessels past the shoal-laced entrance to Portland Harbor. The breakwater was built in response to popular demand after an 1831 storm that, together with a high tide, caused widespread damage to ships, piers, and buildings in Portland's exposed harbor. After surveying the harbor, the Army Topographical Engineers submitted a report in 1833 recommending the construction of a 2,500-foot rubblestone breakwater along the southern side of the entrance to the inner harbor.

The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1966 in cooperation with the State of Maine to protect valuable salt marshes and estuaries for migratory birds. Located along 50 miles of coastline in York and Cumberland counties, the refuge consists of eleven divisions between Kittery and Cape Elizabeth. It will contain approximately 9,125 acres when land acquisition is complete. The proximity of the refuge to the coast and its location between the Autumn Sunrise eastern deciduous forest and the boreal forest creates a composition of plants and animals not found elsewhere in Maine. Major habitat types present on the refuge include forested upland, barrier beach/dune, coastal meadows, tidal salt marsh and the distinctive rocky coast.

The Saco Historic District extends one-half mile along Main Street from approximately the Saco Museum to Saco Island. See several historical locations along the way and examples of Greek Revival and Federal architecture.

Wood Island Lighthouse is an active lighthouse that has been lighting Saco Bay since it was commissioned in 1808. The light is just outside the entrance to Biddeford Pool. In 1986, the last keeper left the island and the light was automated. Wood Island Light is Maine's second oldest lighthouse and the eleventh oldest in the country. Deer can sometimes be seen on the island and are reported to swim the half mile channel to Biddeford Pool. In winter, it is sometimes possible to see snowy owls on the island. FOWIL's Historical Committee has worked to preserve the history of this location along with countless volunteers, and contributions of past keepers and their families.