The Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory in Bucksport Maine

The Penobscot Narrows Bridge & Observatory is not only one of the most visually stunning landmarks in Down East Maine; it's also one of the most uniquely engineered bridges in the world. Connecting Prospect, Maine with Verona Island and Bucksport, the bridge also serves as a gateway to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. And while there's plenty to do in Bucksport and Verona, visiting the Penobscot Narrows Bridge & Observatory is a must for anyone vacationing in Maine this summer.



At more than 2100 feet long, the Penobscot Narrows Bridge was completed in 2006 as an emergency measure to replace the failing older bridge that still rusts beside its replacement today. The PNB was constructed using a unique engineering method that cradles the cables in such a way that anchors are not required in the pylons. In fact, this uniqueness won the bridge a featured spot in Popular Science magazine as one of the top 100 innovations for the year of 2006.



The Penobscot Narrows Bridge boasts the world's tallest bridge observation deck at more than 420 feet. The bridge observation tower is the first in the United States and has drawn tens of thousands of tourists to the area each year since its completion. From the top of the observation deck there is an incredible panoramic view of Penobscot Bay and Penobscot Harbor, nearly flawless views of old Fort Knox and the quaint town of Bucksport, and views of island chains stretching far off into the distance.



Besides the breathtaking scenery from the observation deck of the PNB, the bridge itself is beautifully designed. Specially constructed lights illuminate the length of the cables in the evening, casting unusual shadows on the often foggy harbor. At a distance the bridge reaches up out of the Maine wilderness, announcing its presence for miles in either direction. It has been the subject of countless professional and amateur photography projects; and justly so.



If you're traveling north toward Bar Harbor this summer, plan on making a day trip or an afternoon adventure out of the Penobscot Narrows Bridge & Observatory. After you've seen the entire area from over 400 feet up, you can spend a few hours next door at one of America's most well-maintained forts: Fort Knox. Public tours are available or you can browse the underground prisons, armories and cannon stations at your leisure. For breakfast, lunch or dinner, stop by Nana's Kitchen right after you get off the bridge (on the right if you're heading north). Nana's coastal Maine seafood restaurant serves traditional hearty Maine fare like clam chowder and boiled lobster, as well as unique and inspiring creations from Nana herself. It's one of Maine's best restaurants, and chances are great that Pappy will greet you and Nana will cook your food in the open-view kitchen.



After eating at Nana's, you'll be less than an hour away from Bar Harbor. On your way, don't forget to stop at Acadia Zoo and the Lumberjack Chainsaw show in Trenton. And on your return trip, don't take route 1A to Bangor- come back to Bucksport and see the Penobscot Narrows Bridge at night! From there, you can simply take Route 15 to Bangor and catch your flight or get on the interstate. After all, if you visit Maine and you don't see the new bridge, you'll be missing out on one of the country's most unique landmarks . . .