Penobscot Narrows Bridge & Observatory Tower/Fort Knox Historic Site

Penobscot Narrows Bridge & Observatory Tower/Fort Knox Historic Site Review

These neighboring attractions are owned by the state and managed together—observatory admission includes the fort. The 2,120-foot-long Penobscot Narrows Bridge, opened at the end of 2006 and replacing a 1931 span, has been declared an engineering marvel. It's certainly beautiful to drive over (no toll) or look at—from the surrounding countryside it pops up on the horizon like the towers of a fairy-tale castle. Spanning the Penobscot River across from Bucksport, the best part is the observation tower at the top of the western pylon, the first bridge observation tower in the country and, at 437 feet, the highest in the world. An elevator shoots you to the top. Don't miss it—the panoramic views, which take in the hilly countryside and the river as it widens into Penobscot Bay, are breathtaking.

Fort Knox is the largest historic fort in Maine and was built between 1844 and 1869, when despite a treaty with Britain settling boundary disputes, invasion was feared—the Brits controlled this region during the Revolutionary War and again during the War of 1812. The fort never saw any actual fighting, but it was used for troop training and as a garrison during the Civil War and the Spanish-American War. Visitors are welcome to explore the fort's passageways and many rooms. Guided tours are given daily during the summer and several days a week in the shoulder seasons. There are interpretive panels throughout the fort.