10 Haunted New England Lighthouses

New England is known for its scenic coastlines, rich maritime history, and haunted lighthouses. These historic beacons have not only guided sailors through fog and storms but have also become the setting for ghost stories and paranormal encounters. Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of the supernatural, or just looking for a spooky adventure, these haunted lighthouses in New England are sure to give you chills.

A red and white lighthouse with a square structure stands in the ocean under an overcast sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Portland Head Light – Cape Elizabeth, Maine

A haunted lighthouse stands on the rocky New England coastline next to a weathered house, overlooking the calm sea under a cloudy sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Portland Head Light is Maine’s oldest lighthouse, and it’s not just the crashing waves that send shivers down visitors’ spines. Rumors suggest that the spirit of a former keeper still roams the grounds. Strange noises and shadowy figures are often reported here.

Hendrick’s Head Lighthouse – Southport, Maine

A white lighthouse with a red roof is perched on a rocky shoreline, surrounded by greenery, with an old wooden dock extending into the water under a clear blue sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

This lighthouse is haunted by the Lady Ghost of the Dusk. Her shadowy figure is typically seen at Twilight. It is believed that this is the ghost of a woman who had washed up on the shore near Hendrick’s Head Lighthouse. It is believed she was murdered.

Nubble Lighthouse – York, Maine

A white lighthouse with a red-roofed house stands on a grassy hill, surrounded by a white picket fence under a blue sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Many shipwrecks happened around the area before the lighthouse was built due to the rocky coastal area. The most well-known was the sinking of the Isadore on Thanksgiving in 1842 where everyone aboard died. This ship still seems to appear as a phantom ship patrolling the bays. Fishermen have claimed to have seen it, only for it to disappear when they get near.

Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse – New Castle, New Hampshire

A haunted lighthouse stands beside a rocky New England shoreline with a house nearby. The water is calm, and the sky is clear. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Some of the lighthouse keepers of this lighthouse seem to have stayed. People have reported hearing disembodied voices, strange photos, and apparitions. This lighthouse has been investigated by many paranormal investigators and it has even been featured on “Ghost Hunters.”

Southeast Lighthouse – Block Island, Rhode Island

A red brick lighthouse with a sloped roof stands under a clear blue sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

It is believed that a former lighthouse keeper’s wife haunts this beautiful Block Island lighthouse. She was pushed down the stairs by her husband during an argument, which was how she died. Mad Maggie, as she is known today, harasses male visitors or male keepers of the lighthouse. She has been known to throw things, lock doors, and shake beds.

Sheffield Island Lighthouse – Norwalk, Connecticut

A historic stone lighthouse with a black-domed lantern room sits on a grassy lawn. A pine tree and two people are visible in the background. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

This beautiful lighthouse situated on an island in Norwalk also has some eeriness to it. People on the island have reported hearing strange music, a faint foghorn, distant cries for help, and other strange noises. You can visit Sheffield Island Lighthouse with the Norwalk Seaport Association.

New London Ledge Lighthouse – Groton, Connecticut

One of New England’s most famous haunted lighthouses, New London Ledge is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former keeper named “Ernie.” After his wife left him, Ernie reportedly threw himself off the lighthouse, and his spirit never left. Today, visitors and Coast Guard personnel report hearing his footsteps and finding doors mysteriously opening and closing.

Rose Island Lighthouse – Newport, Rhode island

Lighthouse on a rocky island with a nearby bridge spanning the background under a clear blue sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

During visits to Rose Island Lighthouse in Newport, people have heard disembodied voices and footsteps in the halls. Additionally, doors close with no one around. You can actually stay in this lighthouse and find out for yourself if this lighthouse is truly haunted.

Owls Head Light – Owls Head, Maine

A lighthouse stands on a hill with a white railing fence and staircase leading up to it, illuminated by the setting sun against a clear blue sky, embodying the mystique of haunted New England lighthouses. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Owls Head Light is home to at least two ghosts. The first is known as the “Little Lady” who is usually found in the kitchen or looking out the window. There have been reports of doors slamming and silverware rattling, but people say her presence brings a feeling of peace. The other is said to be a former lighthouse keeper.

Boston Light – Boston, Massachusetts

A white lighthouse with black trim stands on rocky terrain by the water, accompanied by small outbuildings under a cloudy sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

It should not come as a shock that America’s first lighthouse is reportedly haunted. A former lighthouse keeper’s wife claims that the lighthouse is haunted by a former lighthouse keeper. She heard footsteps behind her, maniacal laughter, and she even claimed that the engine for the foghorn and the beacon turned on by themselves. You can view this lighthouse on the Lighthouses and Tales of Boston Harbor boat tour.