Seven Wonders of Waldo County

THE BELFAST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ASKED VISITORS AND LOCALS TO NAME THE REGION'S MOST SPECTACULAR SITES. PLANNING A VISIT? DON'T MISS 'EM.

Fort Knox

Benjamin Williamson

Penobscot Narrows Bridge & Observatory

Benjamin Williamson

1 - FORT KNOX HISTORIC SITE & PENOBSCOT NARROWS BRIDGE & OBSERVATORY

You can explore the cavernous innards of this 1844 fort on the Penobscot River, which hosted troops during the Spanish American wars, but never saw any action. It's Maine's largest historic fort, and one of the best preserved forts in New England. While you're there, don't miss the Penobscot Narrows Observatory, the country's first bridge observatory and the tallest public bridge observatory in the world, soaring 420 feet - 42 stories - above the river. At the top, you'll get spectacular panoramic views. The fort and the observatory are usually open May to October, and the park grounds are typically open year round. Check for pandemic related closures before you go. 207 469 6553. fortknoxmaine.com

2 - BELFAST HARBOR WALK & RAIL TRAIL

Belfast Harborwalk

Benjamin Williamson

Belfast Rail Trail

Benjamin Williamson

This 2.3 mile pathway, which opened in

2013, begins at the Armistice Footbridge on the waterfront in downtown Belfast, travels along the Passagassawakeag River, and reaches to the City Point Central Railroad Museum before connecting to the Hills to Sea Trail, which stretches to Unity. This level pathway is wheelchair accessible and perfect for an easygoing walk or bike ride. Head south from the footbridge and hop on the Harbor Walk to explore the working waterfront, and downtown shops and restaurants. belfastmaine.org/ about our area/things to do

3 - SEARS ISLAND, SEARSPORT

Sears Island

Shutterstock

One of the largest undeveloped islands on the Eastern Seaboard, Sears Island offers more than 900 wild acres to explore, with forests, meadows, two sandy beaches, and more than six miles of trails. The 600 acre conservation area is protected by an easement held by Maine Coast Heritage Trust, and is free and open to the public. It's an ideal spot to swim, fish, hike, bike, paddle, or ride horses. In the winter, you can snowshoe or take an excursion on cross country skis. The nonprofit Friends of Sears Island, which manages the conserved land, offers guided nature walks and educational programs year round. 855 430 2882. friendsofsearsisland.org

4 - LINCOLNVILLE BEACH

Lincolnville Beach

Benjamin Williamson

Halfway between Belfast and Camden, this family friendly sandy beach offers a perfect place to swim, paddle, and soak up the rays near a cluster of restaurants and shops, where you can grab a lobster roll and locally made wares. It's also where you can catch the Maine State Ferry to Islesboro, which is just a 20 minute ride away. Bring your car and your bike, check out Grindle Point Lighthouse and the Sailor's Museum, as well as the public beach or any of the dozen nature preserves maintained by the Islesboro Islands Trust. mainesmidcoast.com

5 - PENOBSCOT MARINE MUSEUM

Penobscot Marine Museum

Benjamin Williamson

Encompassing more than a dozen historic buildings in downtown Searsport, the Penobscot Marine Museum has nearly 7,000 maritime artifacts, paintings, and sculptures that celebrate maritime history and culture, in addition to the largest collection of historic images in Maine. In 2021, the museum plans to offer guided walking tours of the campus for small groups in addition to online programs that allow the public to explore the collection year round. 207 548 2529. penobscotmarinemuseum.org

6 - ARMISTICE FOOTBRIDGE

Armistice Footbridge

Chris Siefken

Originally built in 1921 to carry vehicle traffic across the Passagassawakeag River, the bridge was closed to cars in the 1960s, and now serves as a popular bike and pedestrian link between the east and west sides of the city. The bridge, a memorial to local men who lost their lives in World War I, is a centerpiece of the harbor. On any given day, you might see anglers, birders, and photographers lolling away on the bridge. It's also a popular site for city events, like dances and concerts. Just follow the Belfast Harbor Walk west from Main Street.

7 - FORT POINT STATE PARK & LIGHTHOUSE

Fort Point Lighthouse

Located about three miles off U.S. Route 1 in Stockton Springs, the 120 acre Fort Point State Park offers wide open views of the Penobscot River and the bay, more than a mile of rocky shoreline, yawning elds and forests for hiking, and a great place to paddle, fish, or picnic. Interpretive panels tell the history of the site as a military and tourist center. Take time to get a look at Fort Point Light, rebuilt in 1857 to guide boats to the lumbering port of Bangor, which was the first river light in Maine. The lighthouse and two story keeper's house aren't open to the public, but you can visit the grounds daily. Learn more about the park at maine.gov.

HIDDEN GEM: BAYSIDE

Bayside Village

Just five minutes from Belfast, nestled on the shores of Penobscot Bay, tucked away from bustling Route 1, is the seaside village of Bayside. First settled as a religious summer camp in 1850, this enclave has since blossomed into a vibrant year round community without losing any of its tiny town charm or the pristine natural beauty that made it such a destination 170 years ago. With an extraordinary collection of historic homes, a sandy beach, and wide open views of the ocean, Bayside offers a feast for the senses whether you're up for an afternoon drive or a vacation getaway. Take Shore Road off Route 1, or plug this address into the GPS: Ruggles Park, Northport, Maine 04849.