The Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory is a great stop on your way to the Rockland/Camden area from Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park or vice versa. On a clear, beautiful summer’s day from the Observatory, you will be able to see for miles and take in such sites as the mighty Penobscot River, Penobscot Bay and its islands, Verona Island, Bucksport, historic Fort Knox and the mountains of Maine.
Late in the fall season, when the leaves are changing colors, and the blueberry fields have turned vivid red, the view from the tower is absolutely breathtaking against the backdrop of a bright blue fall sky. On a clear day, one can see about 40 miles, which is essentially the distance from the bridge to Rockland.
Penobscot Narrows Bridge Construction and History
The Penobscot Narrows Bridge itself is special in its own rights also. It is one of only three bridges in the US that is built with what they call a cable-stay system, where epoxy-coated steel strands are placed within 1-inch steel tubs to support the bridge. Each strand is independent, so it can be replaced or removed as needed to ensure the integrity of the bridge system.
The bridge spans 2,120 feet and connects Verona Island and Prospect, Maine. The roadway is about 135 feet above the waters of the Penobscot River. The bridge was planned, funded and completed in about 3.5 years as an emergency replacement for the old Waldo-Hancock Bridge built in 1931, which was Maine’s first long-span suspension bridge.
Visiting the Observatory Tower
Observatory Tower and Fort Knox Operating Hours
The Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory Tower opened to the public in May 2007. At 420 feet above the Penobscot River, or the equivalent of about 43 stories high, the Observatory is the tallest occupied building in the entire state of Maine and the tallest observatory tower of the four that exist in the world. Visitors enjoy 360-degree views from the three decks.
You take an elevator, supposedly the fastest elevator in Maine, which makes the 43 stories in a minute’s ride to the first of the three decks. You will then take the stairs to the other two decks. For handicapped-accessible guests, there is a lift from the main elevator to the Observatory, which is fully enclosed with safety glass. The Observatory Tower has a capacity of only 49 people at a time.
When you purchase your tickets with the attendant, they will tell you the next available time and your ticket will be time stamped also. This system allows all visitors the time necessary to enjoy the breathtaking views.
Have a Fright at Fort Knox
Fort Knox sits on about 124 acres and is considered to be one of the best-preserved military forts in New England. It was named for America’s first Secretary of War, Major General Henry Knox. A replica of his homestead and personal artifacts are on display at the General Knox Museum in Thomaston, Maine, located just a few miles south of Rockland.
After many naval defeats and scrimmages in the area, the fort was established in 1844 at the mouth of the Penobscot River to protect the Penobscot River Valley and its rich lumber lands desired for shipbuilding. Although nearly one million dollars was spent on the fort it was never fully completed per the original plans, the fort reached its final state of completion in 1869 and became the first fort in Maine to be built of granite instead of wood.
Visitors can enjoy the grounds and the catacomb of tunnels that run under the ground and look for ghostly creatures such as Civil War Sgt. Leopold Hegvi, who supposedly roams the fort. Every year for two weekends near Halloween, the fort is transformed into “Fright at the Fort,” which is considered to be Maine’s best Halloween experience in the state. Small groups of visitors are led through the tunnels in the dark by lantern light and meet all types of creatures of the night—some from this world and some perhaps not!
Updated May 2024