Owls Head Transportation Museum & Lighth
Duration: 2 3/4 hours
Tour Code: rkd-001
Transportation buffs intrigued by planes, automobiles, motorcycles and even bicycles will love the Owls Head Transportation Museum. You'll even see an historic lighthouse nearby.
It's a shore drive from the pier through Rockland, following the picturesque shoreline of Rockland Harbor to Owls Head promontory, which supposedly got its name because early mariners thought the shape resembled the head of an owl. Near the tip, you'll find the Owl's Head Transportation Museum, which holds one of the world's finest collections of pioneer-era aircraft and automobiles, with more than 100 antiques in the permanent collection alone.
The aircraft on display here include an 1804 Cayley Glider, which was the first man-made machine to fly, and a World War I Curtis "Jenny." There's a 1907 Cadillac Runabout, a 1926 Pierce-Arrow touring car, and a Ford Model T that you may have the chance to ride in. Two-wheel vehicles range from a 1919 Harley Davidson to an 1868 Velocipede Boneshaker, a bicycle that would literally shake your bones when ridden because the roadways were so poorly maintained at the time. Dozens of steam and combustion engines are also exhibited, some of them as cut-aways to show the inner workings. It's one classic antique after another, and you can take your time browsing this fascinating museum before continuing on to Owls Head Lighthouse.
Located at the entrance to Rockland Harbor, the lighthouse was commissioned by President John Quincy Adams in 1825 to safeguard the increased shipping traffic due to a brisk lime rock trade. During your free time here, it's your choice to make the 10-minute walk to the base of the lighthouse for a closer look, or instead, remain a bit further away and just enjoy some great panoramic views.
At the conclusion of your visit, you will re-board your coach and transfer back to the pier.
Please note: Walking on this tour is mainly at the guests' discretion during the stops. Those who choose to walk to the lighthouse, which is not wheelchair accessible, will encounter uneven surfaces which can be slippery when wet. The tour is available to wheelchair guests who have a collapsible wheelchair, are able to make their own way on and off the coach and have an able-bodied companion to assist them. Scooters under 60 lbs. are permitted. Those with mobility concerns are cautioned to carefully evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability. Rain resistant layered clothing and flat, comfortable walking shoes are suggested.