• Top Attractions
• >
• Penobscot Narrows Observatory

Penobscot Narrows Observatory - the tallest public bridge observatory in the world

In your trip to Maine, you understandably want to see the kinds of views you have heard about. The tree-dotted mountains, the pristine lakes, and the ocean views; these may top your wish list. If this is the case, the Penobscot Narrows Observatory is not only one of the most impressive engineering structures in the world, it is also one of the best ways to see Maine. The Penobscot Narrows Observatory was built in conjunction with the Penobscot Narrows Bridge. The tower can be accessed through the Fort Knox State Historic Site. At 42 stories above the Penobscot Narrows Bridge, it is the tallest public bridge observatory in the world. Here at the top, you get a bird’s eye view of the Midcoast region of Maine and even Mount Desert Island.

The Observation Tower opened in 2007 and quickly became one of the most popular attractions in Midcoast Maine. In this glass tower, visitors stand directly above a bridge that spans 2,120 feet over a steep, plummeting gorge. In addition to this breathtaking site, people get a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire region. On a clear day, people can see more than 100 miles in every direction, including views of Camden Hills (known as the place where the mountains and sea collide), to Mount Katahdin (the highest mountain in Maine), and even the terminus of the Appalachian Trail.

The Penobscot Narrows Bridge was built to replace the Waldo-Hancock Bridge, which was completed in 1931. Today, this new bridge is one of only two bridges in the United States that uses a cradle system. With this system, the strands are carried within the stays from the bridge deck. This creates a continuous design and eliminates the need for anchorages into the pylons.

Getting a little technical for engineering buffs, each strand is composed of epoxy-coated steel and is situated within a one-inch tube. Since each strand may act independently, strands may be inspected, removed, and replaced on an individual basis unlike most bridges that require group replacement cables. The cable-stay system utilizes super-pressurized nitrogen gases that help defend it against corrosion.

The bridge is also being used to test carbon fiber strands, which are believed to be stronger and more durable than their steel counterparts. Six reference strands have been placed within the bridge cables and will be monitored to evaluate the effectiveness. Considering the cutting-edge technology used to construct this bridge, it is amazing that this structure was completed within 42 months.

Whether you appreciate engineering or just have a simple love of nature, Penobscot Narrows Observatory brings the best of both worlds to the forefront. It is arguably one of the best ways to truly see Penobscot Bay and the beautiful Maine landscape.

Photo Credits (in order of appearance):
“Two Bridges Below” by Muffet on Flickr Creative Commons
“Penobscot Narrows Observatory” by Muffet on Flickr Creative Commons
“View from Tower” by Muffet on Flickr Creative Commons