The Penobscot Narrows Observatory is atop one of the massive vertical supports for the bridge that spans the Penobscot River gorge. The bridge's design is modern and sleek. It's a snap to get to the observatory — the entry is located on State Route 174 in Prospect, just off well-traveled US Route 1.
Fort Knox & Penobscot Narrows Observatory: One Ticket for Both
The observatory and the Fort Knox State Historic Site are adjacent to each other and share the same parking lot. Tickets gain you entry into the fort as well as the observatory. Tickets are:
- $5.00 for adults (12 years old and up)
- $3.00 for those aged 5 to 11
- free for children under five
Holders of the Maine State Season Pass and Senior Citizen Pass must still pay the observatory fee. Tickets are stamped with the time visitors are expected to be at the elevator to go up to the top. For those who have a wait, there's adjacent Fort Knox to explore, plus a visitors center and gift shop, too.
Fort Knox is one of the best preserved fortifications on the New England seacoast. It dates back to about 1844, when Maine was concerned about British naval attacks (Maritime Canada, just next door to Maine, was still under British rule). The fort was named after Major General Henry Knox, America's first Secretary of War. For history buffs, the Friends of Fort Knox provide details on the fort's early days and the soldiers stationed there.
The observatory's elevator is fast – 50 feet a second, and it takes less than a minute to ride to the first observation deck. Visitors can climb the remaining two flights up to access the top two observation areas. The top deck is 437 feet above the river, equivalent to a 43-story building!
The top of the observatory is encased in safety glass and provides 360 degree views, often to 15 miles in all directions on clear days. Interpretive panels offer names of the hills, lakes, and towns seen in the distance. Built in 2007, the observatory has become a popular spot for visitors heading to Downeast Maine and also for those visiting historic Fort Knox.
The observatory is open year-round, seven days a week. Hours are 9am to 5pm, with hours in July and August extended to 6pm. Summer is a great time to go, as well as fall foliage season (early to mid-October), with birch, maple, and oak trees dressed out in gorgeous colors like a rich tapestry.
Take note:
- If scared of heights: visitors may wish to reconsider; the huge, floor to ceiling glass wall immediately after the elevator can be a dizzying experience.
- The decks, even though encased, can be cool on windy days; consider taking a light jacket or sweater.
- The elevator and observatory decks are accessible for people with mobility restrictions, and for those with visual restrictions, interpretive assistance is available from the staff.
World's Tallest Public Bridge Observatory
Penobscot Narrows Observatory is the tallest (top deck is 437 above the river), but other observatories in Europe (Slovakia) and Asia (China, Thailand) rival it.
There are, of course, many skyscrapers that are much taller. Taipei 101 in Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan is the world's tallest completed skyscraper (101 stories), with observation decks on the 89th and 91st floors.
Burj Dubai in Dubai, United Arabs Emirate, is a contender for the world's highest building (141 stories), but is not yet completed.
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