When you approach Bucksport prepare to be awed by the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory. Spanning the Penobscot River, the 42 story observation tower provides a  360 degree panoramic view that stretches to the Camden Hills, Mount Desert Island and Mount Katahdin.

Below the tower you can see the ingenious design and sweep of the granite construction of Fort Knox.  Although it was never completed or involved in a battle the fort’s underground passages and earthworks make for fascinating exploring. Bring boots and a flashlight.

If you enjoy fishing or water sports you’ll find Bucksport a paradise. There are more than 2,000 acres of fish-filled ponds and lakes.  Along with your fishing pole bring your camera. You might spot a bald eagle, osprey and a collection of visiting seals and porpoises.

Visit the Alamo Theatre, which shows live and movie productions and the Northeast Historic Film Archive, which stores motion picture and stock footage related to northern New England.

East of Bucksport is Ellsworth. This area was home for the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot tribes when French settlers discovered it in the 1500s.  The town was incorporated in 1800 and named for Oliver Ellsworth, a delegate to the 1787 National Convention which crafted the Constitution for the new United States of America.

Today, Ellsworth welcomes visitors to its many restaurants, accommodations, large shopping centers, tennis courts and golf courses, public marina, theaters and art center.

Visit the Black Mansion, built by Colonel John Black in 1828. You’ll see a fine exhibit of rare period furniture as costumed guides give historical details of the era. A great place for a “nature” picnic is The Stanwood Museum and Bird Sanctuary, also known as “Birdsacre”,  featuring a nature walk through a variety of Maine wildflowers, woodland, small ponds and a bird nesting area.