Penobscot Narrows Observatory

On our way up the Maine coast towards Acadia National Park we decided to hit a couple more spots recommended by others. Amy's parents were going to be visiting Fort Knox later in the year and my parents had previously visited the Penobscot Narrows Observatory.  Today's post will be about the observatory and the next one will cover the fort.

The Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory is the crown jewel of coastal Maine, offering spectacular 360-degree views of the Penobscot River and Bay, the Maine countryside and the distant western mountains. Tourists and travel writers alike have been attracted to the unique character of this structure, its historical significance and the stunning vistas. Engineering and transportation geeks are fascinated by the award-winning and innovative design.
--from Maine DOT website

The bridge was built rather quickly when it was discovered back in 2003 that its predecessor was decaying rather rapidly and couldn't be easily repaired long-term.  The decision was made to fast-track a bridge and to incorporate an observatory at the top. I found this video from the early days of construction on the Maine government's website.

We saw the bridge first from a decent distance away as we drove up Route 1.

 The route to the observatory actually goes right across the approach to the bridge.

You then drive through the Fort Knox parking lot (after you pay for admission) until you park in the shadow of the bridge.

More lupine!  I seriously couldn't get enough of these flowers as we drove through Maine.

There was a decent amount of parking available with the parking lot split into two levels.  Not many cars were present when we arrived.

 A few signs explained some of the history and natural history of the area.

Prohibition signs are common, but less common are signs that detail what you are allowed to bring.  It was nice to see a sign that tried to eliminate guesswork about what was appropriate to bring with you to the site.

The Waldo-Hancock Bridge was the old bridge that was replaced by the Penobscot Narrows Bridge

The entrance to the observatory is located right at ground level in the base of the tower.
The Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory is located in the heart of midcoast Maine. The bridge spans the Penobscot River, linking the town of Prospect with Verona, just south and a bit downriver from the town of Bucksport.

At the ground level of the observatory, the interior floor and exterior terrace are paved in granite from the nearby Mosquito Mountain quarry, as are the granite wall sheathings and entry facings. And in a nod to neighboring Fort Knox, the observatory entryway and its iron gate are designed to replicate the granite pediment of this historic and distinguished neighbor.

Interpretive panels at the top and the base of the observatory give visitors a sense of the importance and richness of this site from a historical, transportation and natural history perspective, providing a fascinating background to one of the most beautiful locations on the Penobscot River.
--from About the Observatory website

 You can look across the river to see the other tower at the far end.

 Thankfully your transportation up is accomplished by elevator instead of stairs.

 The view from the first level of the observatory is pretty amazing.

The view towards the other tower also gives you a clue of how high up this point is located.

 The boat visible in the picture above sped below the bridge as we watched.

Then we walked up the stairs to the upper level.

I found this sign about the floor decorations quite useful and informative.

 The compass rose is quite beautiful inlaid in the floor.

We had a good view of the approach road that we'd driven past recently.

 The walls are all glass so that you can get some great views from the observatory.

 Before too long we headed back down so we could drive the short distance back to Fort Knox to tour that site.  All of the pictures from the observatory are in this album.

~Matt