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Prospect, Maine: Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory, Fort Knox Tunnels

Take an elevator 42 stories up to see the view from an observation deck inside a suspension bridge pillar, or just marvel at it from the ground.

Address:
711 Fort Knox Rd, Prospect, ME
Directions:
Just south of the Waldo-Hancock County suspension bridge, turn north onto Fort Knox Rd. Fort Knox -- and the entrance to the bridge observatory -- is a quarter-mile on the right.
Hours:
May 1 - Oct. 31, 9 am - 5 pm, Jul-Aug 6 pm. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
207-469-6553
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
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Visitor Tips and News About Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory, Fort Knox Tunnels

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

Bridge.

Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory, Fort Knox Tunnels

Great engineering and crystal clear views.

[Lizkirk, 08/02/2019]

Penobscot Narrows Bridge.

Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory, Fort Knox Tunnels

Be sure to read the history of the old bridge and this replacement in the entry -- as interesting as the view is great. A monument to what can still be done to improve our infrastructure when we put our minds to it.

[Kathy & Ron - On N X NE, 09/16/2015]
Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory

This was one of the highlights of our trip to Maine. The lobby waiting for the elevator is very nice and the views at the top are amazing! There is an overlook for cars to pull off and then signs directing you to the observatory.

Since a parking fee is required while on the campus of the Observatory, definitely take time to tour Fort Knox. There is a walkway to the fort. Once inside, individuals can navigate their way around on their own.

[John, 08/27/2015]

Observatory.

Penobscot Narrows Observatory and Bridge

What a grand sight this bridge over the Narrows is! The bridge alone is worth a detour, but the observatory makes it all the better as an off-the-beaten path engineering destination. The observatory itself, about 420 feet above the river, offers amazing views and was opened in 2007, a year after the bridge opened. This is the only bridge observatory in the U.S. and only one of four in the world.

There is a large pull-out from Highway 1 on the fort side of the bridge with signage and photos of both the bridge and observatory.

[Casaflamingo, 10/21/2014]

Bridge tower and fort.

Penobscot Narrows Observatory and Fort Knox State Historic Site

This is a two-for-one attraction! The Penobscot Narrows Observatory is the tallest bridge observatory open to the public in the world. Visitors ride the observatory elevator up 420 feet to a multi-level, floor to ceiling window viewing platforms, which provide expansive views of Penobscot Bay and all the way to Acadia National Park!

The other attraction -- at the same location and covered under the admission price -- is the Fort Knox State Historic site. The massive granite Fort, built in the 1800s, is one of the best preserved seacoast fortifications in America. Kids love to explore the cannons and wander through the vast tunnel systems.

[Leon Seymour, 03/24/2009]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Colonel Buck's Cursed TombColonel Buck's Cursed Tomb, Bucksport, ME - 1 mi.
Alexander the Dead SeagullAlexander the Dead Seagull, Searsport, ME - 9 mi.
Cole Land Transportation MuseumCole Land Transportation Museum, Bangor, ME - 16 mi.
In the region:
Stephen King's House, Bangor, ME - 17 mi.

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