Wood Island Lighthouse – Haunted Lighthouse in Saco Bay, Maine

Wood Island Lighthouse, located off the coast of Maine in Saco Bay, is one of New England’s most eerie maritime landmarks. Built in the early 19th century, this remote lighthouse has long been the subject of chilling ghost stories and unexplained phenomena.

Many believe its tragic history is the reason behind the hauntings, with reports of eerie voices, ghostly figures, and strange lights appearing in the darkness. Sailors, lighthouse keepers, and visitors have all experienced unsettling encounters, making it one of Maine’s most infamous haunted locations.

Historical Background

• Year Built: 1808
• Original Purpose: Guide sailors safely through the treacherous waters of Saco Bay
• Significant Events:
  • In 1896, a violent murder-suicide took place on the island when a local fisherman, Howard Hobbs, shot and killed his landlord before turning the gun on himself. The event sent shockwaves through the small coastal community and is believed to be the origin of much of the hauntings.
  • Various shipwrecks and maritime disasters near the lighthouse have added to its dark reputation, with lost sailors said to haunt the island.

Paranormal Activity Summary

• Visitors and lighthouse staff have reported hearing disembodied voices echoing through the tower and surrounding island.
• Apparitions of a shadowy figure have been spotted near the lighthouse entrance and inside the keeper’s quarters.
• Mysterious flickering lights have been seen in the lighthouse windows, even when no one was inside.
• Cold spots and unexplained whispers are commonly experienced by those visiting the lighthouse at night.
• Doors have been known to slam shut on their own, and objects move without explanation.

Ghost Stories & Reports

• Howard Hobbs’ Restless Spirit: Many believe that the ghost of Howard Hobbs lingers on the island. Visitors have heard gunshots in the distance, followed by the eerie sound of a man groaning in pain.
• The Phantom Keeper: A former lighthouse keeper, believed to have died on the island, is said to make his presence known by rearranging items and leaving behind the scent of seawater and oil lamps.
• The Weeping Woman: Some claim to have seen a sorrowful woman wandering the rocky shore, possibly the spirit of a grieving widow awaiting the return of a lost sailor.
• Mysterious Knockings: Late at night, visitors and workers have reported hearing persistent knocking sounds on the lighthouse walls, as if someone—or something—is trying to get in.

Most Haunted Spot Inside

• The keeper’s house is said to be the most haunted area. Guests staying overnight have reported seeing a ghostly figure standing at the foot of their beds and feeling an invisible presence pressing down on them.

Can You Visit?

• Open to the Public? Yes
• Entry Fee: Free, but donations are encouraged
• Tour Availability: Seasonal boat tours and guided lighthouse tours
• Photography Allowed? Yes
• Visiting Hours: Daylight hours, with occasional nighttime ghost tours

Best Time to Visit

• September to November—Many paranormal experiences are reported in the fall when the weather turns cold and the island is shrouded in fog, creating the perfect eerie atmosphere.

Paranormal Investigations & Findings

• The lighthouse has been featured on several paranormal investigation shows, with ghost hunters capturing eerie EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) and detecting unexplainable temperature fluctuations.
• Several paranormal teams have recorded shadowy figures moving near the lighthouse and strange lights appearing in photos.

Safety Warnings & Legal Restrictions

• The waters around Wood Island are known for being treacherous, and visitors must take guided boat tours to reach the site safely.
• The island is remote, and emergency assistance is limited, so visitors should exercise caution when exploring.