Fort Knox and Penobscot Narrows Bridge

Last Updated on September 12, 2023 by

A short drive away from Bar Harbor, Fort Knox and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge offer an opportunity for some history and sightseeing away from the crowds.

Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory

The Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory has an observation deck at the top of one of the main struts at nearly 450 feet up. The deck provides fantastic 360 degree views of the Penobscot River and surrounding area. It is the first bridge observation tower in the United States and the tallest public bridge observatory in the world. It was opened in 2006 to replace the Waldo–Hancock Bridge, which was built in 1931. The bridge itself is 2,120 feet long using and innovative cable-stayed bridge that has won several awards.

Fort Knox Historic Site

After you’ve taken in the views, either drive or walk down the road to the Fort Knox historic site. It is one of the best-preserved examples of coastal defense fortifications constructed in the mid-1800s, named after Major General Henry Knox. I was briefly very excited before I remembered the Fort Knox of stored gold fame is actually in Kentucky.

History buffs will recognize the classic five sided figure common to the period. British invasions and occupation of areas of coastal Maine in and around the fort during both the American Revolution and the War of 1812, prompted construction of the fort in the event of future hostilities. The fort took nearly 25 years to complete from 1844-1869, spanning several superintendents and by the time it was completed, most likely obsolete. Fortunately, the fort never saw military action which is also a common feature among coastal forts during this time period.

As an added bonus, if you are here during the fall, the Fort is completely decked out for a haunted house during Halloween.