The Penobscot Narrows Bridge observatory is a favorite aerial view destination for Mainers and visitors alike with a breathtaking view of historic area from over 420 feet in the sky!

Penobscot Narrows Bridge via Amanda McDonald
Penobscot Narrows Bridge via Amanda McDonald
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Who knew there were only 3 public bridge observation towers in the world, and only one in the United States residing in Prospect. With a quick 50 second ride on one of the fastest elevator rides in Maine you can be at the top of this beautiful modern bridge. The observatory has 3 levels once you get off the elevator. The first level offers a wheel chair lift that goes to the very top level which is above the elevator shaft and offers a 360 view!

On a clear day you can see all the way to Cadillac Mountain in Acadia and some have said they have even seen all the way to Katahdin on an extremely clear day. The view is still something to experience even on a rainy day as you can still clearly see Bucksport, Verona Island, Castine, and Stockton Springs.

I spent some time working for the Friends of Fort Knox who staff the observatory and historic site 'Fort Knox' which resides in the same park. Every day spent at the top of the tower was a different experience with a new sight to see from Peregrine Falcons soaring at your eye level to observing water life like harbor seals swimming from above. Although the tower is often evacuated during lightning events if it is not directly overhead it is one of the coolest things I ever witnessed in the tower. It would be sunny in Prospect and you would see lighting hitting Bald Mountain in Dedham!

The Penobscot Narrows Observatory also offers full moon viewing nights during the summer season allowing you to view the moon like never before. It looks like it is right next to you!

If the only thing keeping you from taking the ride to the top is a fear of heights you may be reassured to know the observatory is all enclosed with floor to ceiling glass windows and there are attendants at the top and bottom to assist you at all times.

The Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory opens this Friday, May 1st. Open 9AM until 5PM and is open until November. The scheduled full moon viewing for summer 2015 is August 29th.

For event details, admission prices and more information visit the Friends of Fort Knox website.

While you're there be sure to visit America's first Fort Knox included in the admission fee to see one of the most well preserved Civil War era forts in the country.

 

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