We first found interest in the observation tower inside the bridge, which was amazing! Arriving early/mid-morning (and mid week) parking and access was very quick and easy. The elevator to the top was fast, quiet and seemingly motionless (for those of you who are squeamish). There are some more steps at the top, but still have a great view if you choose not to move higher (for those of you who have walking and steps limitations). The view is amazing and there are displays that indicate what you’re seeing as you look out in any direction. Fort Knox (no….not THAT Fort Knox) which is included in the ticket price, has a self guided tour of the fort, complete with canons, quarters, displays with pictures and descriptions of daily life, timeline and purpose of this fort designed to protect inland invasion during the Spanish-American war.

Stumbled upon this gem during our drive back from Bar Harbor to New York City. Located about an hour west of Bar Harbor/Acadia along Route 1. Saw a beautiful bridge and signs for “Fort Knox” observatory and headed toward that direction. Admission to the Fort alone is about $6.50 for out-of-state visitors and combined with the bridge observatory (recommended) is about $9.50. After paying the fees at the gate, you can either head to explore the fort or down toward the bridge’s observatory deck. There is a separate parking area for the bridge observatory. Once there, you head down along the path to the bridge’s tower entrance. You then take an elevator up to the top. From there, there are two short flights of stairs to get to the top/observatory section. The views there are spectacular…more than worth the nominal price of admission. The elevator operators/greeters were both super nice and very informative. The fort itself is also great with lots of area to explore on multiple levels. The top and bottom levels offer some great view of the Penobscot River. The gift shop there is also nice…lots of souvenir and snack options. All staff we encountered were very nice and helpful.

We visited here on our way from Camden to Bar Harbor. I separately reviewed the Penobscot Observation Tower which was also a great experience. Upon arrival in the parking lot you are given the option to purchase a ticket for just the Fort or for the Fort and Ovservation Tower; there is no Observation Tower only. Our priority was the Observation Tower and ww used what time was remaining to explore the Fort. There is a gift shop and restrooms you pass on your way into and back out of the Fort itself. The first thing I noticed was how intact the structure of the Fort was. Many of the ones I have seen in other places are reconstructions or ruins with walls crumbling. My husband and I explored a good bit of the area, although not all of it due to time constraints. I loved that you were able to walk through the same places soldiers did 200 years ago. The views from outside the walls were also incredible and very much worth stopping for on a sunny day. Overall, a truly great slice of history. We were just 2 adults, but I imagine kids would also love exploring this place, too. Highly recommend, especially as a way to break up the drive to or from Bar Harbor.

A well preserved fortification. Great place to bring well behaved pups. As they are welcomed onto all the grounds. SnickleFritz loved it. The folks working here are as friendly as can be. Especially in the gift shop and at the entrance gate. Great entertainment for kids of all ages.

Nice to visit fort. Nice, but small Visitors Center, which included giftshop. Long walk to inside of fort, but I made it and I'm disabled. Getting into the fort was difficult because of a steep ramp. Lots of big stairs and steep ramps throughout. I pretty much sat while my husband looked around. It was really big with lots to explore. He like it.

This fort is awesome! Fully explorable, and friendly staff. It’s a great mostly restored and a great historical location, the guide signs are helpful in figuring out what things are. There is a great book about the fort in the gift shop too, paperback and affordable, worth it. “The Observatory” visit is the most awesome thing I’ve done on a bridge, ever! Absolutely worth every penny. I’ve been here before and I’ll be back to visit again. Great visit 👍

Really cool place to explore! It’s quite the hidden gem as there weren’t very many people when we went. It’s incredibly impressive, especially for how old it is, they have done an amazing job with the upkeep. Doesn’t take too long to explore, which is nice, and it also provides a beautiful view of the water.

One of 4 bridge observatories in the world. Love coming here. Admission includes access to Fort Knox's rich history, too!

My human and I almost embarked on a legendary journey to the top of the world: an observatory with views so vast they whisper ancient secrets to the wind. But alas… destiny was cruel. We stopped. I peed. She said, “Back in the car.” No exploration. No panoramic glory. No moment of reflection under the endless sky. Just asphalt and betrayal. As we drove away, I stared longingly out the window — my fur tousled by the air of unrealized adventure — and whispered to myself, “The stars deserved better.” Final Verdict: Great potential. Poor execution. I’m bringing a different human next time.

Enjoyed a couple of hours visiting the bridge, the observatory at the tip of the bridge, and the accompanying fort. Elevator ride to the observatory was quick and easy. Views were great.

Excellent views. Entry fee gets you into both the tower and the nearby fort. Glad we stopped.

Wonderful experience, if you're in the area you need to go and see its amazing I wish the Alabama Dot would do one in our state

Was quite pricey to visit the observatory. We just stopped by, took a view for free and left. By the way this was not the original bridge - they rebuilt a modern version. Still cool tho.

Eye catching bridge that has an observatory on top of one main support tower. Was a beautiful day and a nice place to spend a few hours.