If you ever find yourself around coastal Maine, somewhat south of Bangor and west of Acadia National Park, a fun stop is Fort Knox and the Penobscot Narrows Observatory. The fort is HUGE and super well-preserved and restored. But the real gem is the bridge observatory. It is really cool! So if you can stand heights, it’s a lot of fun.
Penobscot Narrows Observatory
I’ll start with what we did first – the Penobscot Narrows Observatory. The Penobscot Narrows is – you guessed it – the narrow part of the Penobscot River across from Bucksport. There’s been a bridge here since 1931, but the old suspension bridge was replaced in 2006 by this beautiful cable-stayed version. The towers are designed to look similar to the Washington Monument, and an observation deck is incorporated into the tower nearer Fort Knox.
When I heard “observatory,” I didn’t think it would be as impressive as it is. The tower is 447 feet tall, taller than the Statue of Liberty! And the whole experience is fun. There’s a super-fast elevator to get you to the almost-top (though you don’t really feel the motion.) There’s a lower deck, then you can take a short flight of stairs to the top level. I believe there is a short corner elevator to get to the very top as well.
It’s a beautiful room of glass and metal with a compass inlaid on the floor. And the views! The river, the fort, the town of Bucksport and even glimpses of farther mountains and towns. What you can see out each window is labeled on a board on each of the four walls. And we found it a very friendly space – we arrived when the park opened and were the first up the lift. But soon after, we were joined by some other folks, and everyone was very friendly and chatty. It was fun.
Fort Knox
Access to the Penobscot Narrows Observatory is through the Fort Knox historical site. Fort Knox was established in 1844 to defend against British Canada for the rich lumber in this area. Construction was finished on the structure you see today in 1866, and held troops as early as 1863. And while it was also briefly occupied during the 1898 Spanish-American War, Fort Knox never saw military action. It remains the largest fortification in Maine and the best-preserved along the New England coast.
Fort Knox is really big! The large, circular structure has arcades and cannons along the front river-facing side, a kitchen, an infirmary, bunks, and dining rooms along the back, and a long, stepped corridor behind the whole thing. All the repeating arches and patterns make for really interesting photos. You can walk around all of it, and you can tell certain areas have been newly restored.
Toward the riverbank are two large batteries with rows for cannons closer to the water level. You can walk down the hill, or take staircases built into the hill. An education center, bathrooms, and gift shop are located near the parking lot and entrance. You can park near the entrance to the fort or at the base of the observation tower.
Admission & Hours
To visit Fort Knox and the Penobscot Narrows Observatory in Maine is pretty cheap. It’s only $9 for non-residents for both the fort and the observation deck. Price only goes down from there – $7 for Maine residents, $5 for children 5-11. Seniors 65 and over pay $5.50 if non-residents, $2.50 if residents.
For just Fort Knox without the tower, it’s $6.50 for non-residents, $4.50 for residents, and $2.50 for kids. Non-resident seniors pay $3, and resident seniors visit for free.
Fort Knox and the observation tower are open from May 1 – October 31. The Penobscot Narrows Observatory is open from 9-5, and until 6 pm between July 1 and August 31. The Fort Knox also opens at 9 am and stays open for an hour later than the tower, or until sunset, whichever comes first – so usually 6 or 7 pm.
During the winter months, the Fort and the tower are closed but the grounds stay open and anyone can visit for free. Dogs are welcome on a leash and must be cleaned up after. The grounds stay open from 9 am to sunset daily.
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