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The Gift Shop will reopen late April 2025
Welcome to Nubble Lighthouse!
Located in scenic York, Maine, Nubble Lighthouse (formally known as Cape Neddick Light Station) is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. It sits just off the mainland on Nubble Island and can be viewed by visitors from Sohier Park. "The Nubble", as many locals refer to it, stands as an iconic symbol of Maine's maritime history.
A Brief History
In the late 1870's, the decision was made to construct a lighthouse along the rough shoreline in York after numerous boat wreckages. In 1878, Congress appropriated $15,000 to begin the construction of a lighthouse off the coast of York. By July 1, 1879, the Cape Neddick Light Station was illuminated using a fourth-order Fresnel lens.
From the moment the tower was lit for the first time, the Nubble Lighthouse played an important role in guiding ships through the perilous waters. The light itself is visible for 13 nautical miles and helped mariners navigate around the reefs and shoals.
For over a century, the Nubble was manned by 13 different lighthouse keepers and their families, who lived on the island. The keepers ensured that the light was operational and maintained the structure during harsh New England coastal conditions.
In 1985, the Nubble Lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its historical significance and architectural beauty.
In 1987, the Nubble was automated and marked the end of the full time keeper era. Automation included modernizing the lighting system and improving the efficiency and reliability of the light itself. In 1997, the Town of York gained ownership of the Nubble Lighthouse.
Today, the lighthouse is maintained by the Town of York Parks and Recreation Department. It is the town's responsibility to preserve and upkeep this historic landmark, ensuring its continued maintenance and accessibility to the public for years to come.
Now Hiring for the 2025 Season!
The Nubble Light Gift Shop is looking for new members to join the team. Availability would be from mid-May until mid-October for 20-30 hours per week. The Gift Shop is open daily from 9:00am - 6:00pm. Morning, mid-day, and afternoon shifts available. Daily duties would include, but not limited to, checking customers out, restocking shelves within the store, folding apparel, and answering questions about Nubble Light and the surrounding areas.
If you are interested in working at the Gift Shop, please either fill out an online application (click the button on the right) or contact the Sohier Park Gift Shop Manager, Marquis MacGlashing, at mmacglashing@yorkmaine.org.
Want to join the Gift Shop staff?
Fill out the online application below if you're interested in working at the Nubble Light Gift Shop.
Visitors Information
Sohier Park
York, ME 03909
Maintained by: York Parks and Recreation (207) 363-1040
Sohier Park is located on the mainland in York, Maine. It is situated along the coastline overlooking Nubble Island, where Nubble Lighthouse is located. The park provides one of the best viewpoints for visitors to admire and photograph the lighthouse from a distance. Within the park is a Welcome Center that holds restrooms and a small gift shop that is open seasonally from early May to mid October. Sales made within the gift shop support the upkeep of Nubble Lighthouse and Sohier Park. Parking within Sohier Park is free and allows for tour bus and trolley visits.
Amenities
- Public restrooms open from early May to mid October.
- Granite benches
- Grassy area for picnics and relaxing
- Scuba Diving (see ordinance)
- Fishing
- Restaurant and take-out nearby
- Seasonal gift shop
- Bike rack
- Water bottle refill station and dog water dish available
Parking
FREE
There are around 50 lined parking spots available for visitors to view scenic Nubble Lighthouse.
There is no overnight parking allowed at Sohier Park.
Updating the Master Plan
The Sohier Park Committee and the Parks and Recreation Department are working to update the Sohier Park Master Plan. The goals of updating the master plan are two fold.
- Improve pedestrian safety
- Make the park more climate resilient
Pedestrian safety has been an ongoing challenge in Sohier Park. The parking lot design requires pedestrians to navigate through car traffic in a number of areas. The park does not have sidewalks leading into the park and there are several locations where pedestrians must navigate between parked cars and two way traffic. Our goal is to minimize the person/car interactions as well as create separated walking paths into and around the park.
In 2024 the park incurred significant storm damage and the gift shop had minor flooding. We must prepare for the inevitable challenges created by climate change including sea level rise and more frequent large coastal storms. The current draft of the master plan includes a substantial revetment along the south facing portion of the park to harden the park and protect the gift shop.
To see a draft of the current plan click here.
Please note that this is currently in draft form and feedback is ongoing. If you have questions about the master plan process and potential future construction, please email Parks and Recreation Director Peter Murray at pmurray@yorkmaine.org.
February 11, 2025 Master Plan Update Presentation
Click here to view the Sohier Park Draft Master Plan presentation from the February 11, 2025 Sohier Park Committee Meeting.
Want a chance to spend a day at Nubble Light?
The only way the general public can get to Nubble Lighthouse is by winning our picnic raffle. We sell 1,000 tickets and then pull one winner. Winners can select up to five of their closest friends to accompany them on this once in a lifetime experience, that includes having lunch in Nubble Lighthouse.
Tickets are $10 each and must be purchased in person either at our seasonal Gift Shop (located within Sohier Park), or at the Town of York Parks and Recreation Department (200 US Route 1 York, Maine).
Interested in Volunteering at Nubble Light
Do you love Nubble Light? Do you love meeting new people from all over the world? Want to give back to the community? If that sounds like you, consider becoming a Nubble Light Volunteer. Anyone who is interested, click the button below to fill out a Volunteer Form.
More happenings in town!
Stay connected with everything happening around town! Our community calendar is your go-to source for local events hosted by other groups, businesses, and nonprofits. Have an event coming up that the community should know about? Let us know, and we’ll make sure it’s added to the calendar. Together, let's keep our town vibrant and informed!
Community Event Calendar
See what else is going on in town with other groups, businesses and non-profits!
Sign up for our Yorks Illustrated Brochure!
The Yorks Illustrated is mailed to every household in York. To be put on a list to be emailed a digital version, please complete this form.