Portland Observatory
Portland Observatory
4.5
About
Opening May 25th for the 2022 season! Breathtaking views and fascinating history at America’s last standing maritime signal tower. In the 1800s, Captain Moody used this observatory to monitor the routes of ships as far as 30 miles away. Today visitors can tour a museum focusing on the history of the watch tower and get a stunning bird's-eye view of Portland and the harbor.
Duration: < 1 hour
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- bianca0907Louisville, Kentucky14 contributionsgorgeous on a nice dayWe did the guided tour. Knowledgeable docent. The view from the top was very nice. I am not sure what it would be like if the weather had not been so clear ... so I would consider the weather before heading up there. Walking around the neighborhood was also interesting as this is a little bit further away from the main Portland attractions.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 September 2023
- joshandjenna117Charleston, South Carolina38 contributionsLast minute decision - worth it!This place is a lot neater than expected. The history of the tower and its uses, as well as the person who started it is very interesting. On a hot day, it was still cool inside with a breeze blowing through the windows. We missed the guided tour and went in the 5 PM hour self-guided. I’m sure the guided is interesting, but we found the self-guided to be perfectly fine.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 4 July 2024
- Eleni75Charlottesville, Virginia135 contributionsFun and informativeDon't be daunted by the idea of climbing stairs: the guided tour takes 30 minutes to reach the top. You stop on multiple floors for approximately 5 minutes each to look at exhibits--maps, artifacts--and hear what your guide has to say. On each floor, you can sit on a chair if you want. Every floor has windows. Then up one more flight. Great view from the top. You come down on your own. It's an interesting, worthwhile tour. You find out a lot about the history of Portland.Visited August 2024Travelled soloWritten 10 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
541 reviews
Excellent
347
Very good
163
Average
25
Poor
4
Terrible
2
LovesPhotoOps
Hoover, AL1,133 contributions
Jun 2022
We parked on the street a couple of blocks away and arrived in time to buy $10 tickets for the 3pm tour, which took about 45 minutes. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the history of the 86-foot-tall observatory and how it was used in the 1800s and early 1900s to signal the town about the arrival of ships by raising various flags. To preserve the historical nature of the building, it has not been modified to add restrooms or air conditioning, but they said the restrooms in the nearby building on the other side of the fire station were available for visitors. The windows were open with breezes blowing through so it was fairly comfortable. The tour stopped on each floor to view the interesting exhibits, hear more from the guide, and allow everyone to move upstairs at a reasonable pace. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour and taking photos of Portland from the top of the observatory. Note that self-guided tours are no longer available so be sure to check the hours and time your visit accordingly. They said some unsupervised visitors had caused problems before so now all tours are guided.
Written 5 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Moosevilleco
Littleton, CO422 contributions
Jun 2021
We really enjoyed our tour of the Portland Observatory. Having spent most of my life in Texas and Colorado, I really did not know what this was. Yes, the Observatory reminds you of a lighthouse, but it is not a lighthouse. The Observatory was constructed during a time when communication was challenging - no phones or other rudimentary means of sending messages existed. So this was used for people to spot ships coming in to port and flags were raised to let workers know it was time to come to the dock and unload the cargo. There is a ton more history involved in the Observatory that you can learn on the approximately 90 minute tour. Of course, there are plenty of photographic opportunities and certainly some of the best views of the city from the top of the tower. There are a lot of steps, but you stop and rest several times on different floors as your guide provides details of the tower. We were there in June and it was really warm inside as it is not airconditioned. Don't miss this unique part of Portland's history.
Written 25 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharon A
Hackettstown, NJ37 contributions
Aug 2021
Wonderful tour, the guides are so friendly. Lots of stairs, but you pause to learn more on each level so a very do-able climb. Timed tickets so it is not crowded, and masks are required at least when we went in August 2021.
Written 10 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shane W
Brooklyn, IA88 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
We almost chose not to do this,but glad we did. Check their hours- we went on a Wednesday night and it was not crowded at all and the tour was $10 per person and self guided with a docent at the top to answer any questions. The history was interesting as there were story boards on each floor on the way to the top to tell the story of the observatory. It’s worth the money for the incredible views on a gorgeous evening!
Written 21 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KthSch
Aurora, IL3,527 contributions
Oct 2021
The ticket includes an informative tour that gradually takes you to the top of the Observatory. It stops on 4 or 5 levels making it quite manageable for people like me who are, shall we say, “not thin.” Then you have time at the top to just take in the views. On my visit it was a little hazy which hurt photo ops, but it was still a beautiful day to be there.
Written 14 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MaineMountainOwl
Maine281 contributions
May 2021
If anyone sought a unique view of Portland, this would be the place to go. Built in 1807, this adorable edifice stood atop Munjoy Hill in the city’s East End. When I went, the signal tower was still closed for the season, but the unusual octagonal structure itself was worth a stop. Time-limited parking was curbside. Sidewalks were uneven. The area had an extraordinary array of places to eat, drink, and shop. Historic Eastern Cemetery was just downhill on Congress Street. I liked all that I saw here; I only wish the tower had been open.
Written 28 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dana
Arlington, VA15 contributions
Aug 2021
I highly recommend the Portland Observatory tour for fans of local history or maritime history. The tour leads you from the main floor (intro information, gift shop) to the observation deck up top, and you stop on each level for information about the construction and purpose of the observatory, important events in its history, the biography of the original owner and his family, and different aspects of shipping in the area. If you're not in town for long and on the fence, you can definitely do the tour in about an hour while on your way to the Eastern Promenade, and the top offers a full view of the area and the bay on a clear day.
Written 17 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eleni75
Charlottesville, VA135 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
Don't be daunted by the idea of climbing stairs: the guided tour takes 30 minutes to reach the top. You stop on multiple floors for approximately 5 minutes each to look at exhibits--maps, artifacts--and hear what your guide has to say. On each floor, you can sit on a chair if you want. Every floor has windows. Then up one more flight. Great view from the top. You come down on your own. It's an interesting, worthwhile tour. You find out a lot about the history of Portland.
Written 10 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan H
Lyon, France32 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
A worthwhile stop. In about 45 minutes on the tour, you will learn the history of the town via the life and times of this building and tits owner and in the end be rewarded by amazing views (if not foggy). But even if foggy it’s still worth the climb.
Written 11 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael H.
Chester, UK60 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
What a wonderful way to spend an hour or so. We wandered past here on a walk to a planned bike tour and decided to pay a visit as it looked fascinating. The lovely ladies working here were a delight and we received a private tour which was wonderful. Every floor hosts a display explaining some part of the tower's history. The fact this is a rare ballast supported building is incredible and something you will think about at the top. Thoroughly enjoyed the story of Captain Moody and how the sea trade operated in Portland back in the day. The highlight of course is the small telescope room and open walkway at the top - incredible views all the way around and a stunning view across the waters towards all the islands. Wonderful place, wonderful people, and do check out the gift shop as they carry some fantastic items to take away with you.
Written 15 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What are your hours on September 27th and 28th?
Written 1 September 2017
From their website: "Open every day until October 9, 2017
10 am - 4:30 pm"
Written 2 September 2017
Do you have to take the guided tour or can you just go up on your own?
Written 13 August 2017
A Tripadvisor member
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
not required for guided
we did our own self tour but ended up speaking to a guide and they do know so much interesting information
Written 23 August 2017
Does the street parking near the observatory have a time limit?
Written 26 July 2017
Yes, the street parking does have a time limit. I can't remember if it was a 2 or 3 hour time limit, but you can probably do the entire Portland Observatory tour (even the one with the tour guide) in about an hour.
Written 26 July 2017
A Tripadvisor member
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
8.00 we recall
Written 9 July 2017
Where fo you suggest we park when visiting the observatory? Thank you
Written 24 May 2017
If I recall correctly, there is quite good street parking near the Observatory. Note: the Observatory is in a residential area, not downtown. You should find a good spot after a short hunt.
Written 24 May 2017
Can you still view the Observatory outside during November?
Written 26 October 2016
Yes, you can see it from outside for sure, there are just no tours. You might even be able to go inside alone, w/out a tour. See if you can call someone associated w/the restoration of the building perhaps? But it's nice to just walk over to it and look at it, then visit the nearby graveyard (don't miss the two sea captains' graves - they died fighting each other) and have a lunch or snack at 3 Buoys just down the street!
Written 26 October 2016
Two friends and I plan a Sept 23rd visit. What times will there be guided tours?
Written 20 August 2016
It seems to be pretty random. If enough people collect and there's a volunteer around to give the tour, the tour will take place. It's well worth it.
Written 20 August 2016
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