Recreation & Environment
While the Cuckolds Island Fog Signal and Light station will be open to visitation by the general public, the nature of the Cuckolds Light’s location and the difficulty of accessing Cuckolds Island from the mainland generally precludes unscheduled visits.
Access by sea is comfortable with favorable weather conditions. To minimize the risk of injury, we plan to manage water access by providing scheduled launch service from Cape Newagen to the Cuckolds. With advance notice, we can also receive appropriate private vessels and assist with their landing on the island’s ways.
The Cuckold’s Island’s ledges afford exceptional views, rocky picnic spots, intriguing tide pools, and the opportunity to explore rugged terrain. These activities will be encouraged and our docents will regale visitors with stories and provide information about the Station.
The council will maintain and preserve the Cuckolds Island Fog Signal and Light Station as a historic and educational facility. The keeper’s house will be reconstructed to offer overnight stays at one or two guest suites designed to provide overnight accommodations for visitors seeking the drama and quietude of a private, Maine Island experience, similar to that experienced by lighthouse keepers.
Overnight stays at the Cuckolds Island Fog Signal and Light Station will educate the public about the lighthouses and seaside living. Past experiences of the American Lighthouse Foundation, other lighthouse groups, and other preservation groups clearly demonstrate the success of overnight stays in increasing membership support and contributions. Moreover, the experience has proven invaluable in promoting local involvement in historic preservation education efforts and developing advocated for lighthouse preservation and maritime history.
A rotating system of caretakers will staff the island in the summer and fall months to greet visitors to the island, explain the rules of the Cuckolds Island Fog Signal and Light Station, protect the structures and environment of the island, guide overnight guests and provide security for the island and Station.