1. Fort Knox State Historic Site
City: Prospect, ME
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (207) 469-7719 (in summer)
Address: 711 Fort Knox Rd.
Description: Not to be confused with the U.S. Treasury and mint, this Fort Knox was named for Henry Knox, George Washington’s secretary of war, and it’s Maine’s largest fort. Built of granite and an imposing presence looming large over the Penobscot River across from Bucksport, the roughly pentagonal bastion was begun in 1844, when tensions were great over the Maine-Canada border. It never took a bullet, either—but it was capable of raining shot down on the river from 69 cannons. This place is fascinating to explore, especially the underground bunkers (bring a flashlight). And the grounds are impressive, with a fair prospect. Nice picnicking as well. This is the state’s most visited historic site—renovated a few years back by an excellent friends group—and it’s a must if you’re in the area. Open May 1 through October 31 daily from 9 a.m. to sunset.
2. Penobscot Narrows Observatory
City: Prospect, ME
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (207) 469-7719 (in summer)
Address: 711 Fort Knox Rd.
Description: At 420 feet up in this magnificent new tower, the views of Bucksport, the Penobscot River, and beyond are pretty dizzying. The facility sits atop one of the stanchions of the new Penobscot Narrows Bridge, and it’s the highest public-bridge observatory in the world. Right next to Fort Knox, making for a perfect two-fer. Open daily from May 1 to October 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and later in high summer.