Reviews of Fort Knox and Penobscot Narrows Observatory (Park)

Cas Mc

Grounds are maintained very well. Lots of history, you're free to walk around on your own, at your own pace. The observatory is a 50 second elevator ride up then 2 short flights of stairs for a great view 550 feet up.

Andrew Garris

A fun place to visit if you like old forts! And the observatory is right there as well: what a view from 500ft up! You could almost get lost in the fort there is so many passage ways, gun batteries, powder rooms etc. There are a few artifacts and history. The gift shop is a great place to finish the tour. Great views of the river as well!

Scott Straub

The Fort and the Observatory are incredible. The fort is open to just wander at your own leisure or take a guided tour. The structures were amazing but the staff left little to be desired. Olga power tripping on her traffic flow attending left a poor impression. God forbid you step to the left when you enter. She will remind you 3-4 times it was incorrect. Thankfully the view was amazing because it over shadowed the poor first impression. I gave the grounds and structures 5 stars but the staff 1.

David Lugo

Amazing place fortknox was right next to it and got to visit both sites staff are amazing and kind....

Robin Richardson

Great fun for younger kids who can run around exploring the tunnels of the fort.

Joshua Sainz

I love all the places to explore. I'm glad they are fixing up some of the stuff there as well.

Jesse Newman

A lot of fun with plenty of areas to explore. Keep an eye on your little kids and they will be fine.

Joan Lawrence

Fabulous bridge and nice fort, do both!

Laura Lane

Great views from the bridge observatory. There were interesting historical displays at the fort.

Jamie Cook

Beautiful views from atop the observatory! We only got to see a little of the fort since we were on a time crunch but there was so many cool views. Nice visit! Pet friendly!

STOD_Viperz

Really cool place, giftshop was cool. Good place to bring kids and entertain them for a while.

clara loose

They should add exit signs. Was very confusing on how to get out of the fort. Beautiful site.

JIN IUS

A good place to watch an overlooking view in a 360 at Main

Tom Catuosco

Well preserved 19th century fort. Views from the bridge observatory are great.

Sam Helm

This is one of the college state parks in Maine. The fort itself was wonderfully cool on a hot day, and if skies are clear you can see for miles in the observatory.

rick cote

Great fort to explore and learn about. The observation tower in the bridge is a unique experience.

ed rolfe

Been here many times. On hit days always cool inside. Lol

Carrie Willey

Great fireworks by Rick Archer and Central Maine Pyrotechnics!

Chee Thao

- it's an awesome place to visit!

kevin wendover

Interesting, who would of thought not a one soldier stayed there inside? Not one cannon was ever fired from there.?

sally leachko

Great Historic Fort. Very interesting. The dog had a great time exploring.

Brett Hayden

It's family tradition to go whenever we visit Maine, and its still so much fun and interesting all these years later. Will bring my grandkids for sure when visit next. Really worth a look!

William Andrew

I go to Fort Knox several times a year every year and now that the observatory has been added I go there too. Is a wonderful piece of History and it's well maintained by the friends of Fort Knox... It's inexpensive to go in and tour and it's a wonderful place to take kids and educate them about history.

Adam Ninja

This place is awesome. It's basically a giant US Castle. And you get to fully explore it.

Disloyal Gaming

Fun place to explore go once or twice a year with the family. Though some of their events are over priced and over hyped.

Marilyn Gould

This was great value for $8 the Fort Knox and the observation deck! Historic site free guided tour by Andrew was full of knowledge.

Tracy Harrington

Hugh old fort. Free tour was very informative.

Francesco

If you have kids take them! So much fun just walking around finding spooky rooms and “secret” passages lol

Michelle Mitton

We enjoyed the view from the top of the bridge and the walk around the area. A nice place to stop on our roundtrip

Isaac Jack

Great views, excellently maintained, if you have even the slightest interest in history Fort Knox is worth the trip. If you are adventurous bring a flashlight for the tunnels.

Neil

I went during the King Halloween event this year (2018). It was amazing, the fort is spectacular, and I'm sure would be a great place to visit any time of year, but with this spooky haunted event I must say I am REALLY impressed. For roughly 15 bucks, my whole family got to experience the best haunted "house" we've ever seen. The fort does cost a little money to enter year round, a few bucks will do. A word of caution, the fort is dark, bring a light, even in the day, the waters edge is sharp and not defined, keep your eyes on your surroundings and enjoy Maine's incredible history. Nearby: Moody's dinner (try this if your hungry) yum!

philip peralta

Amazing views, but go during summer . Winter closed

Joe Payton

I love visiting this fort. We go every few years since I was young. Its so much fun exploring the tunnels in the outer wall and all the spaces inside. The history is amazing and the craftsmanship is stunning. Its a great place for the whole family.

Dev G

Beautiful area. The scenery was amazing and the fort was awesome

Jerry Carpenter

Amazing architecture, & wonderful granite stone work! Especially amazing to know this was engineered in 1800's!

Ruth Ladd

Unexpectedly excellent site to visit. Well maintained and very interesting.

josh guenard

Fright night at the fort around Halloween is an event worth attending. Go early and walk the fort before the afternoon

Lauren Tauer

We made an unexpected stop on way home from Acadia this year. It was a great choice! I love that you can bring dogs through the fort and grounds! (They just can't go up in the observatory)

Jen Levesque

Always love going to Fort Knox and the Observatory for the views and fresh air! I have yet to use one of the standing grills in the picnic area, but love the idea of bringing along a picnic and charcoal so we can "grill and chill". Plenty of space to do so with bathrooms nearby and all at a great price!

Alan Lord

The bridge observatory was an eye opener.Great views, fast elevator,not for those who are afraid of heights. Didn't get to do the fort tour as it started to rain as we exited the bridge.

Goldie C

I grew up visiting Fort Knox, and I still love it!

Makenzie Wilson

Lovely staff, clean locations, and awesome sights! Take time to read the information, you'll learn so much. Also, bring a flashlight for the fort, there are some spooky spots!

Gordon Grant

Nice piece of history.

Helen Hincks Knowltom

Very kid friendly! The visiting pirates we're great!

somkietr rojanasathit

Nice 360 degree view from the observation tower. Ascenging up by an elevator. It was built to replace the old bridge opening in 2007.

Marcia Gochenaur

a wonderful place to tour and learn of our history.

Nathan Gross

A memorable spot to explore. History buffs will enjoy the fort and its stories. It is also worth visiting for incredible views of the landscape that are seen from the observatory. On a clear day, make a picnic of it. Lots of picnic tables are available.

Sandi Mizell

Have gone by Ft Knox several times in our travels but have never stopped. But now, with the new bridge and observation tower, it is a must see. I liked the fort and the grounds were very pleasant and well maintained. The bridge is amazing with it’s observation tower... the view from the top is so worth the elevator ride. By the way, it is a high speed elevator and the trip to the top takes an instant.

Gabriella Leach

Beautiful, I've been coming here since I was a kid and will continue to do so. Lots of walking so bring drinks and snacks, great place for a picnic!

travis tripp

Went to fright at the fort here. I was not impressed by the event but.... The fort itself was really cool. I'd love to wander around it with a flashlight.

gary ulrich

Awsome to just walk around it

Becky Noyes

Such a cool place to explore! Well worth the visit of you've never been! I especially enjoy that you can discover the fort at your own pace.

B. B.

Tour of the Fort was very informative and free. Cost to the park great value and a must see is the bridge observation deck best photos you will take.

Joe Parlon

Amazing, beautiful views at this park are supplemented by a friendly and engaging park staff!!!

Roy Towle

If you want to see Old style construction that would be The place, I love the brick work it's beautiful.

manndy mckenney

Amazing take my children every year. New exhibit Everytime!

Bill Staples

The Fort is still being fixed, repaired and restored. However, an awesome Structure of it's time. I enjoyed the walk through this Historical piece of work.

Tim Bouchard

Hahahaha! Prices to go up the tower are INSANE!!! HIGHLY DO NOT recommend.

DockLight Productions

Incredible experience. As an adventure seeker I can highly recommend this place. For the price, you really can’t beat the view for the region. Highly recommend.

Karen Foster

Well worth the stop. The view is amazing. The fort is fun for young and old. Wear good walking shoes, lots to see. There is a mid-evil society that dresses in a period prior to 1700s there to add interest!

Kimi Smith

Went to an evening viewing of the full moon, unfortunately the clouds came out as we were headed up, but the view even from the bottom was spectacular.

M Pierce

The bridge is beautiful. However, my friend tripped and fell off the old platform onto the new one. Really should be painted RED!

Steve Sawyer

It was very informational. I enjoyed the history that's been preserved.

Ian Ferguson

Honestly I really like the exercise but the 2 female staff at the observatory today were horrible

Andrew Stine

Very well preserved example of a fortification from just after the war of 1812. A great stop on the road to Bar Harbor and Acadia.

david snell

This place is awesome

Melissa Dekanich

Neat place, fun walkways and lots of areas to explore.

Rich C

Very cool place that allows you to walk freely throughout. It's easy to place your self in the fort 170 years ago and visualize what a direct attack may have looked like. A lot of stairs if you want to see all of the fort but impressive when you can experience it.

Matt Alsaker

Friend who grew up in the area recommended the Fort. So glad we stopped. Very impressive.

Martha Malik

Well maintained historic site. Friendly volunteered. Bathrooms were clean & they even had a nice big water bowl for your dog to enjoy water from. Yes, dogs are welcomed there. Highly recommend if you're a history buff.

Danielle

Great place to visit.. the views of the Penobscot River are so nice on a clear day!

Vlad Makarenko

Nice views. Plan to spend at least couple hours there.

Richard Noyes

I go here.at least 2 x a year . Its a family thing .

Deborah Wagner

Haunted Fort Weekend Fun. Packed. Not scary. Long walk to entrance. Built on a hill /cliff. Not a place for the handicap. Terrific fun watching the groups having fun. Also not for kids under 8 yr since the little goblins freak and hold up the flow of the group. Krista the Terrifying Clown rocks!!!

Kern Hesseltine

Wonderful place to visit! Great history!

June Plaud

Nice place to learn and explore history

Sam Clark

Great place to stop in Maine. Go up there observatory. It's the highest in the world.

Jeffrey Mank

Great place to walk around and learn. Has a great view of the river.

B Hutch

Amazing place to take family fun time in the observation tower

A Perry

So interesting. Worth going to both the fort and observatory.

Cher Bewick

442' up the elevator for this beautiful view. The engineering feats alone are incredible ! There is a fee to ride the elevator to the top of $6

Timothy Harrington

Great views and great tour of fort knox

Sal's Pals

Great experience and novel idea! Putting an observation tower at the top... Fort Knox was great, enjoy seeing old forts...

Walter Guptill

Drinks were great, but service is slow and disorganized. We had 4 burgers, they eere of good quality but not cooked to our specifications. The fish and chips looked awesome. Great location on the river.

John Pozadzides

Extremely well preserved, clean and accessible 1800's era Fort. Great for the whole family, and a must visit location for anyone in the area. Bring a flashlight! You'll need it to walk around the underground tunnels!

Angie Taylor

The Fort was Awesome. However, if you are afraid of heights, you shouldn't take the Elevator to the top of the Bridge. My Husband says it was a breathtaking view. He Loved it!

Regina Merrick

Beautiful scenery. Elevator to ride to top of bridge

Natalia Bastian

This place was very overpriced for what it was and was also underwhelming. While the view is beautiful, it is not worth the money in any way. Looking at pictures gives you the same exact experience as paying the money.

Doug MacCartney

Great place to visit and photos opportunities beautiful ride from Ellsworth

Soren Oboro

Very Kool place, very knowledgeable staff. Very cool to see history in todays time

mary ellen hussey

Great fun, handicap accessible, knowledgeable people at the observatory. Fort is also fun, safe but keep small kids in eye view lots of twists and turns. Able to bring dogs to explore fort but not the observatory, No they cannot be left in cars, so plan accordingly. Both worth it.

Neil Walkowski

Wonderful place to stop by on your way up north!

Remington Bailey

very clean and nice place and really affordable for fort Knox and the new observation tower! one bad thing on the history side is that the fort was never actually used in war but that's part of the fun of exploring and reading is why and how it was used. the new observation tower is very nice, fast elevator, 3 viewing decks, and amazing views. well worth the stop!

K P

Amazing view, great price,just so cool to see the river and view!!

Debbie Doyle

Found this on a road less traveled. History, observation deck and fort. Very surprised

Matthew Witt

If you are in the area this is a must see. The fort is awesome and the view from the observatory is outstanding. We could see Mt. Baker at 74 miles away.

Kaila Lee Gibbons

This interesting fort was a joy to walk around and the observatory has a great view of the surrounding landscape.

Jessica Simpson

Beautiful view from 420' up. No hassles, knowledgeable staff, inexpensive. Well worth your time.

Sam E

Observatory was good. Fort was a bit boring.

Bill

Awesome! History buff or everyone should check this place out if in the area!

Mark Cowperthwaite

Well kept grounds, historical information and guided tours make Fort Knox a great place to learn and explore for the whole family.

Mary Balbach

Wonderful view from observatory. Well worth the trip.

stephanie wassmouth

One of the coolest place I have ever been, so much history there

Victoria Young

Highly recommend both sites! The observatory & bridge were beautiful and the guides there were very friendly. Would be amazing to visit on a clear day, but even overcast it was great. Fort Knox was also quite enjoyable, and offered great views of the bridge and water. It cost us $8/person to get in, and it was definitely worth it. Only thing to be aware of is the bugs were a bit bad, so make sure to protect against that!

Peggy Brown

Amazing history & walk through lessons.

Paul Davis

Wow! From the friendly and informative staff to the well kept grounds, this is a must place to visit for history buffs. There is plenty of space for families of younger ones to do their own “re-enactments,” or have a picnic on the spacious grounds. I had lengthy conversations with 2 different staff members and even this old dog learned some new things!

Butch Dawbin

Beautiful view excellent service awesome place to visit even if you live in Maine

Dawn Ledbetter

Gorgeous bridge, enjoyed the observation tower. The fort was nice as well. It was all interesting.

Ted Hersh

Very cool fort with lots of dark caverns to explore. Cannons, dungeons and lots to see.

Elena Carter

Had a great time exploring! Very nice.

Bruce Peter Morin

We travel to northern Maine often and we wanted to find something different to do with the kids. This was great. The views are awesome, the price is reasonable and the staff are very friendly. The Fort is amazing too, especially if you are a history buff. Overall a pleasant experience and would do it again.

Beth Dail

The view from the top of the bridge is breathtaking!!

Linda Pridemore

Great history. Beautifully maintained

Katrina Culpovich

Great place to learn some history, take a tour (bring a flashlight), stop at gift shop and take a tour of the Penobscot Narrows Bridge highest observatory in the world

James Nichols

Awesome touring around the and fort and the view from the observatory is great

Steve Page

We love our family trips to Fort Knox! This is a very well-kept historical site with lots of signage and information for visitors. The staff are also super-helpful and friendly. One word of warning - be ready for LOTS of steps and stairways! But the beauty of the craftsmanship and the excitement of exploring the long hallways and 'hidden rooms' make it worth the effort!

Colby Geoffroy

Very impressive and well preserved old fort oh the river with impressive views of the surrounding area. Going on a rainy day really sells the illusion of what it would’ve been like living at the fort. The observation tower gives you 360 degree views of miles of the surrounding area and even has maps on each side of the tower to show you what you’re looking at. Overall a great place to spend a day in Maine and even better if you go early or late in the summer season before the potential crowds.

Brittany Knight

Super cool!! Definitely recommend this stop!

Kristine Wilde

The bridge truly was an experience! Fort Knox was interesting to walk around. We've been to several different forts and it's interesting to see the similarities but the differences and the history for each of the different forts. This one had its own unique history protecting a sheltered body of water.

Marcus Kenney

This place is great! I used to visit Fort Knox when I was a kid, but I hadn't been since they built the new bridge and observation tower. Such a great time showing my wife this beautiful place and experiencing something new together!

Cassandra Vachss

I always love going here. So much history that I learn something new every time. The staff are all very friendly and very knowledgeable about the site. I highly recommend this to everybody.

Jeremy Dooley

You can probably skip this one, there are better things to do.

Nicholas Wainer

It was a fabulous experience filled with delicious views and lovely people.

Lauren Cummings

Lots of fun for the kids to run around

Maurice Ribble

Best fort I have seen. Our daughter loved exploring both inside and out.

Jason Patrick

Very cool location to explore! and PET FRIENDLY!! My family and I (including our dog) were welcomed at this property. There's not a lot to see and do when traveling with your family pet, but this place hit the spot. We walked and explored the Fort for an hour and everyone enjoyed it. A+

Ron Osborne

Experience both 19th and 21st century architectural wonders, with beautiful vistas, in one stop!

Christy Deming

Great place...with so much to see. Only cost $16 for two adults and a child to see both the bridge observatory and Fort Knox. The views from the observatory were absolutely breathtaking... especially in the Fall. Would definitely recommend this place!!!

Hannah Mooers

Would definitely recommend, great experience. The fort is like an American castle with lots of space to explore. Would also recommend to visit the observatory tower, great view!!

Amy Lantry

Wicked cool views on a sunny day!!

Anna Horn

If you’re looking for history and interesting stories this is not for you. The fort was never actually used during its tenure as a military post. The most that happened was 500+ troops from Connecticut spent a month here before being recalled. That being said the top has nice views of the river and if you’re looking for a nice park for the family you’ll find it here. There are plenty of areas to let the kids run free and a nice picnic site. Lots of rooms to run through and stairs to scale. But don’t expect to come here for rich history. Expect it to be a paid picnicking park.

Jhovanie Alvarez

Awesome place. My kids loved it

Jean Dupre

Excellent morning walking about. Informative plaques throughout

Tamara Plimmer

Fun walk about in history. Architecture. Tours or on your own.

Danny Ojeda

Been to a lot of the forts in Maine and this one by far has been the largest in a single area. So many different spots to walk around in and explore. They give a lot of info on the different areas and what their purposes were. There is a fee to get in the park and the observatory is a separate price so you can do both or just the fort. For two Maine resident adults and a kid age 12 for both the bridge and fort cost $18. Well worth it to me especially when maintaining that place must cost a tone.

james tauber

It was a great experience walked the grounds and climbed my fear of heights by going up to get a better view.

Dan Morse Sr

Just a great place for the family church groups

Marianne Bryan

Amazing place to visit whether you're a history buff or for an outting

Jeff Rizzo

Fun stop on our way north trying to avoid interstates. Enjoyed the history and great work engineering.

Jack Merchant

Did not know that the Fort was there till we turned the corner on the highway. beatiful

MIke Adams

Great place to spend the day with family. Park staff were great and very helpful.

Brandon russell

I feel a very strong personal connection to this fort. I have spent significant amounts of time studying it and the Fort never dissapaionta. And the Observatory is a sight you cant get anywhere else. Highly recommended visits

Shane Ashe

Great historical place a must see. The tower is amazing! Just breath taking!

Mindy Ziehler

We had a lot of fun exploring all of the fort

Mihir Shah

This not something I would go out of my way to visit, but if you're passing through, it's worth it.

sam davis

Cool place to spend the day exploring the fort

Robert Thomas

Love it and our kids had so much fun

Andy Truscott

Wonderful old fort to export Bring a flash light for dark passages. Soft Target. No armed Guards.

Marvin B.

The only suspension bridge with an observation tower. The view from the top is just breathtaking. I can only imagine how jaw dropping this site during autumn.

Norman Zimmermann

A Very awesome and interesting place...

Daryl Johnson

Educational, Historical and in a beautiful area

Terry Drake

Nice Fort to explore with kids. Observatory gives a great view of the surrounding area.

Rudy Bagonia

Great view from the observatory.

Comfort Eagle

The lady at the booth was pleasant and helpful. Enjoyed the fort and also went in the observatory. Very nice views despite being a little nervous about heights.

Alaina Swartzlander

The Observatory was so cool. Amazing views and the fort was so fun to explore.

Ellen Boucher

The fort itself is very interesting and actually an amazing example of architecture. The views from both the fort and the Penobscot Narrows bridge are absolutely fantastic. $6 to see both is a good bargain.

Jake Fullerton

My grandfather grew up in that area and even played in there as a kid (before it was a historic site.) and I visit there every year when I stay in my summer cabin. No matter how many times I visit, it never gets boring!

Venu Parimi

Excellent location, breathtaking views from Observatory. Easily accessible .