Bucksport ME Maine
2
Cruises availables
At departure or passage at this port
Frequently Asked Questions
At the town pier, right in the heart of the village. River and coastal cruise ships come up the Penobscot and tie up a few steps from Main Street.
Not for the village itself: the riverwalk and Main Street start at the pier. For Fort Knox and the observatory, count a few minutes by taxi or excursion shuttle, since they sit on the opposite bank.
The 1.5 km riverwalk in the morning, a browse along Main Street, then across the water to Fort Knox and up the bridge tower. That's a well-filled half day.
Maine's first fortification built entirely of granite, constructed between 1844 and 1869 and named for Henry Knox, the country's first Secretary of War. It has nothing to do with the Kentucky gold vault. Casemates, spiral staircases and underground passages are open to explore.
Yes. An elevator climbs 128 metres inside the west tower to a glass observation room — the tallest public bridge observatory of its kind in the world. On a clear day you can see the peaks of Acadia National Park.
A flashlight. The underground passages and casemates are unlit, and sturdy shoes help on the granite stairs. Allow two hours to see it without rushing.
Founder Jonathan Buck's headstone bears a dark mark shaped like a leg. Local legend calls it the curse of a woman wrongly condemned; the stain resists every cleaning, and the curious travel a long way to check.
US dollars and English. Cards are accepted everywhere; carry some cash for small shops and tipping.
Late spring through early fall. The September and October colours over the Penobscot valley are worth the trip on their own, but the air cools fast — bring a windbreaker.
Very much so. Children love exploring the Fort Knox tunnels with a flashlight, and the tower elevator impresses everyone. The riverwalk is flat and stroller-friendly.
