The World's Tallest Bridge Observatory Is Right Here In Maine And It's Bucket List Worthy
By Michelle|Updated on January 17, 2024(Originally published February 28, 2019)
×
Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
There are plenty of bridges to visit in Maine. From the covered bridges of Maine to the more unique ones like the Cribstone Bridge, built primitively to help locals move around more effectively. A lot of people assume that a place like Maine is quaint. And that means perhaps we’ve only got these small, adorable bridges. But once you lay eyes on this beauty, you might change your tune. The Penobscot Narrows Bridge is the tallest observation bridge in the world so what are you waiting for? Pay a visit to our world-breaking bridge on the famous Route 1 today!
There are only four observation bridges like this one in the world. The other three are located in Slovakia, China, and Thailand so this makes our Maine counterpart incredibly unique.
This picture is taken on the west side of the river where you can pull off and get a great view of this impressive structure before you take the journey across.
The Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory is a cable suspension bridge measuring at an impressive 2,120 feet.
We have driven over it many times and each time feels like a total thrill. Seeing the massive cables zooming by your window at dizzying heights makes the trip across the bridge feel fresh and new every time.
Advertisement
It connects the towns of Verona Island and Prospect by spanning the Penobscot River, which is also known as "the Narrows."
If you have been around in Maine for a while you may remember a very different bridge crossing this road. The Waldo-Hancock Bridge was the only way over the water on land to continue on Route 1. However, once the Penobscot Narrows Bridge was completed the two existed side by side for the next seven years. Finally, in 2016, the Waldo Hancock Bridge was demolished leaving only the new and improved bridge. Some will remember this iconic bridge but others will just have to live vicatiously through this areal shot of the two bridges.
Just looking at this beautiful structure is enough to wow visitors, but the fact that it’s also the first bridge observation tower in the country makes it even more incredible. In addition to that, it’s also the tallest public bridge observatory across the globe.
The bridge is incredible, but the observatory at the top is truly remarkable. The 420-foot observatory offers 360-degree views of the area including over historic 1844 Fort Knox, which is adjacent.
You’ll also see Bucksport. Just beyond that is one of our favorite campgrounds which is the Bucksport/ Fort Knox KOA which features an incredible treehouse we would highly recommend staying in.
Park near the west side of the bridge and purchase a ticket for the observation tower. To get to the top, take an elevator all the way up 42 incredible stories.
The Penobscot Narrows Bridge & Observatory is located along Routes 1 and 3 in Prospect, Maine. For more information please visit the Penobscot Narrows Bridge website. Then check out this interesting video about the bridge.
If you’ve now got a special place in your heart for bridges, check out our top 10 favorite covered bridges in Maine. They’re some of the state’s favorite covered bridges.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
