Penobscot is a town located in Hancock County, Maine. The town has a population of 1,136 people as of the 2020 census. The town is located along the Bagaduce River. There are a number of things to see and do in Penobscot.
Castine
Castine, Maine is a lovely coastal community with a charming historical past and picturesque, quiet streets. You’ll find evidence of the town’s early colonial past and a rich history of Native American settlements. There’s also a museum dedicated to Castine’s history, and many affordable lodging options nearby.
While you’re in Castine, take the time to visit the Maine Maritime Academy. Founded in 1971, the Maine Maritime Academy is known for its excellent engineering, science, and management programs. The school is consistently ranked among the top colleges in the northern United States. You can also explore the school’s Naval Oceanographic Research Vessel, which is open to the public through August. Midshipmen will take you through the ship on 30-minute tours.
If you’re looking for a day trip, you can explore Fort Point State Park. The park includes the earthworks of the 18th-century British Fort Pownall and Fort Knox, a sprawling granite fort built in 1844. Backshore Beach, located west of Penobscot Bay, offers beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. Sunsets over the bay turn the waters a beautiful shade of pink.
If you love hiking, you can get in some good exercise at the Rene Henderson Natural Area, a two-kilometer trail in Castine. The forest setting is beautiful and the trails are accessible throughout the year. Dog owners can also bring their pets on the trail, because it is dog-friendly.
A day trip to Castine, Maine is a unique experience with plenty of activities to keep you busy. This seaside town has a rich history and a unique central location.
Holbrook Island Sanctuary
Located in Brooksville, Hancock County, Maine, the Holbrook Island Sanctuary is a publicly owned nature preserve. It includes 1,345 acres of upland forest, meadows, wetland marshes, rocky mainland shores, and Holbrook Island.
Visitors can walk the nature trails, picnic, and admire the scenic views of Penobscot Bay. Hikers can also enjoy a short hike along the Goose Falls Trail. This 0.8 mile trail will take them past Bakeman Cemetery and Holbrook Island. Another great hike is the Bakeman Farm Trail, which starts from Cape Rosier Road and crosses a beaver flowage. Then, it leads back to Cape Rosier Road.
A natural preserve located in Brooksville, Maine, Holbrook Island Sanctuary is a great place to get out in nature. The island is made up of a forest, wetland marshes, ponds, and a small island that can only be accessed at low tide. It has two campgrounds, one on the island and one on the mainland. Visitors should keep their dogs on leash under six feet and clean up after their pets.
If you’re into hiking, Holbrook Island Sanctuary is the place to go. The island is a protected area, and there are trails and beaches that offer spectacular views of the island and its wildlife. The island is located just across the harbor from downtown Castine. Other hiking trails in the area include the Blue Hill Peninsula. The Pentagoet Inn offers a hiking adventure package that gives guests a personal account of the area’s major trails.
If you’re a foodie, Holbrook Island Sanctuary offers several dining options. You can eat on the island at the Watermark, a pop-up pizza shop. The restaurant also serves homemade soups and salads. The island is also home to Warren’s Waterfront Restaurant, which serves a full American breakfast and lunch. You can also find pizza and burgers at Glenn’s Place.
Fort Knox State Park
If you’re interested in history, you can visit the Fort Knox State Park and Historic Site, located about five miles from the mouth of the Penobscot River. The site was once home to the American Revolution’s largest fort, and now it’s a wonderful tourist attraction.
While at Fort Knox, you can visit its observation tower and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge, which has been open for visitors since 2007. The tower’s observation deck is the tallest occupied structure in Maine and is the only observatory bridge in the Western Hemisphere. The observatory is open to the public on most days, and the views from the top are impressive.
Fort Knox is a treasure of United States and Maine history, and a must see for anyone visiting the area. It is open to the public from May to October, from 9:00 am to sunset. Visitors can also tour the grounds, which are open year-round.
Fort Knox State Park is a national historic landmark and is a fascinating place to visit. It is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a mid-19th century granite coastal fortification. The park is also home to the Penobscot Narrows Observatory, which sits 420 feet above the Penobscot River. The park includes over 144 acres of land, and admission includes self-guided tours and interpretive talks.
Fort Knox is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area, with over 100,000 visitors a year stopping by the fort and surrounding area. In addition to the fort, Penobscot Bridge Observatory, which is the world’s tallest bridge observatory, is another popular tourist attraction. Visitors can take in views from the observation deck, where they can see Fort Knox and the Penobscot River.
Cruises on Penobscot Bay
One of the best ways to explore the Midcoast region of Maine is to take a cruise on Penobscot Bay. This 40-mile bay features more than two hundred islands, and offers a unique blend of beautiful scenery, quiet coves, and bustling fishing communities. In addition to sailing, you can enjoy scenic views of the bay while dining and shopping at waterfront restaurants.
A Morning in Maine departs from Rockland Harbor and offers multi-hour cruises on Penobscot Bay. Guests can view the iconic Owls Head Light and Rockland Breakwater from the sea. The company’s schooner, the Heron, was constructed by the captain’s family and offers lunch and dinner tours.
The Lazy Jack II offers passengers a unique way to see the bay. With spacious decks and cabin tops, this two-hour sailing excursion offers a comfortable, scenic experience. During the sail, passengers can watch for harbor seals, bald eagles, and other wildlife. There are also opportunities to watch white-sided dolphins.
While sailing in Penobscot Bay, you can anchor on the shores of nearby islands, including Little Brimstone. The latter is less than four miles away, and is an excellent day anchorage. It has a rocky bottom, so it is best to visit it during settled weather.
Aside from sailing on the water, you can also experience fine dining and a relaxing atmosphere on shore. You may even enjoy a complimentary breakfast at the Pentagoet Inn. The Pentagoet Inn has a cozy atmosphere, and it features a maritime history museum and a quaint, elegant restaurant.
The Maine Windjammer Association offers eight boats in its fleet. The best time to book a cruise with the Maine Windjammer Association is early summer, and there is room in the fleet.
Kayaking on the Bagaduce River
The Bagaduce River is a tidal river, and the currents can reach three to four knots. Several launch sites are available. There is limited parking at some launch sites. The water is typically mild and can even be warm enough to swim.
The river passes through the towns of Brooksville and Castine. It contains nine Maine Coast Heritage Trust preserves, state owned conserved land, and a 1,345 acre island sanctuary. Many of the preserves are open and accessible by kayak.
The Bagaduce River is a picturesque setting for kayaking. It offers many scenic overlooks and plenty of opportunities to view wildlife. Several B&Bs are located near the river. Some of them offer comfortable lodging. The river is known for its wildlife, and many people enjoy bird watching.
When kayaking on the Bagaduce River, be sure to check the tides before setting out. It can be dangerous to kayak in rough water if you are unfamiliar with kayaking. Fortunately, there are plenty of guides to teach beginners and seasoned paddlers how to get around.
When kayaking in Penobscot, Maine, you can enjoy a natural wonderland. Penobscot Bay is the largest bay in the state, and extends for nearly twenty miles from the entrance to the mouth of the Penobscot River. The bay contains hundreds of wooded islands and ledges, as well as unspoiled fishing villages, tall wooden windjammers, and a wide variety of wildlife.
Among the sights to view are Cobscook Falls, which are best seen from the Reversing Falls Park in Pembroke. During the tidal cycle, the river creates spirals of water as the tide rises and falls.