Traveling on Route 3 will take you to some incredible places and amazing views, but the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory is one of the best sites to see. This bridge, however, is fairly newer, and depending on when you last visited, you might remember the old bridge as well. Let’s travel through the history of what makes the Penobscot Narrows Bridge And Observatory so great. 

The original bridge, Waldo-Hancock was a large suspension bridge and the first bridge to span over the Penobscot River.

Bruce C. Cooper/ Wikipedia The Waldo-Hancock bridge was built in 1931 and was used all the way till 2006. This bridge had its own beauty to behold and was enjoyed for many years. After many routine inspections, however, it become clear that the cables were corroded and would no longer be able to support the bridge.

The new project for the Penobscot Narrows Bridge And Observatory began and was finished in 2006.

Bruce C. Cooper/ Wikipedia In 2013 the Waldo-Hancock bridge was demolished. So for eight years, while traveling on Route 3, you would drive across the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and see the Waldo-Hancock bridge a few yards away.

One of the biggest attractions to the Penobscot Narrows Bridge is the observatory.

Bruce C. Cooper/ Wikipedia Sitting at 420 feet tall, it’s the largest observation bridge in the world! Looking out over the top, you will get great views of the river, Fort Knox, and the surrounding coast.

While driving from the south on Route 3, make sure to keep a lookout for a beautiful view of this looming structure.

Sarah Dodge / Facebook

The nearby Fort Knox is a great place to go and explore an old fort with your kids.

Melody K./ Tripadvisor Make sure to bring a flashlight because it will get really dark when you explore the interworkings of the fort. This awesome view is accessible from the fort.

With such a high bridge it can be quite a thrill to drive from one end to the other.

P K/ Tripadvisor Looking up at the long cables can almost make you dizzy as you drive and really puts into perspective this massive structure. The Penobscot River is beautiful and worth taking in while driving across.

Whether you decide to just drive across or take the elevator to the top, the Penobscot Narrows Bridge And Observatory is an amazing find in Maine. Make sure to buy your tickets to the tower, Fort Knox, or both and enjoy this wonderful site. 

Bruce C. Cooper/ Wikipedia

The Waldo-Hancock bridge was built in 1931 and was used all the way till 2006. This bridge had its own beauty to behold and was enjoyed for many years. After many routine inspections, however, it become clear that the cables were corroded and would no longer be able to support the bridge.

In 2013 the Waldo-Hancock bridge was demolished. So for eight years, while traveling on Route 3, you would drive across the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and see the Waldo-Hancock bridge a few yards away.

Sitting at 420 feet tall, it’s the largest observation bridge in the world! Looking out over the top, you will get great views of the river, Fort Knox, and the surrounding coast.

Sarah Dodge / Facebook

Melody K./ Tripadvisor

Make sure to bring a flashlight because it will get really dark when you explore the interworkings of the fort. This awesome view is accessible from the fort.

P K/ Tripadvisor

Looking up at the long cables can almost make you dizzy as you drive and really puts into perspective this massive structure. The Penobscot River is beautiful and worth taking in while driving across.

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Address: Penobscot Narrows Bridge, US-1, Stockton Springs, ME 04981, USA