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

Great engineering and crystal clear views.

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.

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.

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.

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.