Ladies Delight (Cobbossee) Lighthouse
Winthrop, Maine
Built in 1908
Location:
On a small rocky island called Ladies Delight Island in northern Lake Cobbosseecontee. It is not open to the pubic but can be viewed by boat. Ladies Delight also referred to as Cobbossee Light, is the only land locked lighthouse in Maine. Technically it is not in the Rockland and Camden Region of lighthouses, but can be easily accessed from Route 1 coastline from the Rockland area by taking Route 17 West or Route 32 West towards Augusta (see Directions below). Latitude: 44° 18' 16"
Longitude: 69° 53' 48"
Historic Stories:
Lake Cobbosseecontee is one of the longest lakes in Maine at about nine miles in length and became a major tourist attraction around the Augusta region in the 19th century. The popularity of the lake brought steamboats to provide transportation to the various vacation inns and cottages, and the area also became a social mecca for numerous sailing regattas.
In amongst its beauty, the lake has its share of rocky ledges and reefs, which became a challenge as tourism increased. There was also a passenger launch that would transport visitors around the northern area of the lake and would occasionally run aground on Ladies Delight Island and nearby islands in foggy or stormy weather before the lighthouse was constructed.
The Lake Cobbosseecontee Yacht Club was established in 1904 as a result of this scenic region
| The club was directly involved in the construction of the Ladies Delight lighthouse in 1908 out of the necessity in helping mariners navigate around the island and surrounding areas. | 
Older Tower Courtesy |
Note: Two other lighthouses, the Belle Island Light, and the Crow Island Light were also constructed during this period and are no longer around today.
In constructing the Ladies Delight Lighthouse, two oxen were to be used, but only one could be brought over at a time because of the size of the barge the workmen were using. As the crew dropped off one ox on the tiny island and attempt to retrieve the other on the mainland, they found the first ox, who probably was bored and lonely for his buddy, attempting to swim back to the mainland. They finally were able to keep both oxen on the island and completed construction of the lighthouse over the summer of 1908.
In the early days, the lighthouse was maintained by a volunteer keeper from the Cobbosseecontee Yacht Club.
| They were directly involved in major renovations to the lighthouse completed in 2005, in time for the lighthouse's celebrated 100th birthday in 2008. |
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Ladies Delight Lighthouse is still the only land locked lighthouse in Maine. Today the lighthouse is maintained by the Cobbosseecontee Lake Association.
Places to Visit Nearby:
Lake Cobbosseecontee lies just south of Augusta, Maine, and is the largest lake in central Maine. Ladies Delight Lighthouse is about a mile in the lake and is best viewed by boat. The Cobbosseecontee Lake Association, which maintains the lighthouse, are directly involved with preserving the lake, and may provide cruises out to the lighthouse by special appointment only, as they are a voluteer organization.
| They sponsor many events that help to educate and raise funds for preservation efforts not only for the lighthouse but for the lake itself. Membership is very reasonable and you don't have to be a resident either! |  |
If you stay at the Lakeside Motel and Cabins, you can rent a boat if you stay overnight, or kayak to get out to the lighthouse. There is a public boat launch about 100 yards from the motel and it is about a mile of paddling to get to the lighthouse.
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The lake has some of the best fishing and sporting events you'll find anywhere. Many of the state's largest bass have come from this lake. |
If you enjoy outdoor museums, visit the Monmouth Museum which houses eight buildings and exhibits from Maine's 19th century. Enjoy a local show at the totally renovated Theater at Monmouth, a Shakespearean theater that provided plays and musicals during the summer months.
In nearby Augusta, Maine's capital city, you'll find plenty of museums, parks, night life, and other attractions. The Maine State Museum contains thousands of educational collections of items from Maine's history, pre-history, and environment, while the Children's Discovery Museum provides plenty of educational interactive exhibits and events. If you enjoy some architectural splendor, explore the Blaine House, the Governor's mansion is open to the public. The Viles Arboretum (also known as the Pine Tree State Arboretum) provides plenty of walking trails to appreciate the many varieties of Maine's trees, and flora.
Directions:
- The best way to view the lighthouse is by boat, which you can rent a kayak from the Lakeside Motel and Cabins, if you stay overnight.
- To reach the public boat launch site, it is a mile west of Augusta Country Club and a hundred yards beyond the Lakeside Motel.
- From Maine Turnpike Route I-95 North, go to the Augusta/Winthrop Exit 109.
- From the exit, take Route 202 West for 3 1/2 miles toward Winthrop.
- Look for the Lakeside Motel sign; turn left. Travel parallel to the highway past the sign and you're there. If you bring your own boat and use the public boat launch, it's about 100 yards away from the motel off Turtle Run Road.
- From Route 1 on the coast, from Waldeboro, take Route 32 towards Augusta.
- Continue to follow and take Maine's Route 17 West towards Augusta.
- Turn right at Stone St, then at the traffic circle, take the 3rd exit onto U.S. 202 West.
- Take Route 202 West for 4 miles toward Winthrop.
- Look for the "Lakeside Motel" sign on the left. Turn left. Travel parallel to the highway on Turtle Run Road past the motel for about 100 yards and the public boat launch is off the road.
- From Route 1 on the coast, from Rockland take Route 17 towards Augusta.
- Continue to follow Maine's Route 17 West for about 40 miles.
- Turn right at Stone St, then at the traffic circle, take the 3rd exit onto U.S. 202 West.
- Take Route 202 West for 4 miles toward Winthrop.
- Look for the "Lakeside Motel" sign on the left. Turn left. Travel parallel to the highway past the sign and motel. The public boat launch about 100 yards away from the motel off Turtle Run Road.
- To get a distant view from shore, in Manchester, Maine,
- Take Pond Road south, turn right on Lighthouse Lane, follow to the end, be wary this is a private road and should ask permission first.
Contact Info:
Cobbosseecontee Lake Association
P.O. Box 17
Manchester, ME 04351
E-Mail: lakecobb1@gmail.com
They may provide a lighthouse tour on special occasions by request, depending on availability of those that volunteer at the organization. They are involved in many events that promote preservation and education of Lake Cobbosseecontee and the lighthouse. Visit LakeCobb.org/events.
My 300-page book (with over 360 images), Lighthouses and Coastal Attractions of Northern New England: New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont, provides human interest stories from each of the 76 lighthouses, along with plenty of coastal attractions and tours near each beacon, and helpful contact info to plan your special vacation. Look inside! |
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