Penobscot Narrows Bridge
Penobscot Narrows Bridge is located in Prospect, Maine…it opened in 2007 and is one of only three bridges in the United States to utilize a unique cradle system that carries the support strands within the stays…from bridge deck, to bridge deck as a continuous element. These engineering innovations made Popular Science take notice as the bridge appeared in the December, 2006 edition as one of the 100 best innovations of the year.
The Penobscot bridge is also unique for its observation tower, which stands 437 feet above the Penobscot River. A one-minute elevator ride will take you to one of the most unusual sights in Maine, a 360 degree view above the Penobscot River. Located atop the northern tower, the observatory gives visitors a spectacular look at mountains, lakes, and portions of Penobscot Bay.
Look directly below at the river on which the young explorer Samuel de Champlain sailed in 1604. And, where the American navy suffered its most disastrous loss when 37 vessels burned and sank in the Penobscot Expedition of 1779. Located on the grounds of Fort Knox, a third-system granite fortress built to prevent another naval disaster on the Penobscot, the Observatory tower is open to the public during the same regular seasonal hours as the fort.
If you’ve ever been to the Penobscot Narrows Bridge, please share your experience by posting a comment below.
Penobscot Narrows Bridge Information:
Located at: Fort Knox State Park 711 Fort Knox Rd, Prospect, ME 04981
Fees: Park and observatory entrance is $5 for Maine residents, $7 for non-Maine residents.