One of my absolute favorite things to do when I am out riding around is to find roadside oddities and attractions. I have been known to make many a U-turn while driving down the road. This page will be dedicated to any roadside attractions that I have found in the state of Maine.
It will be a constant work in progress as I will add new oddities and attractions every time I find one. Make sure you check back often for new updates. Better yet, subscribe to my site so you will be informed each time content is added. Don’t worry, no spam here. I only send out emails once a week, usually on Fridays. Subscribe Here
Bass Harbor Head Light Station
Location: 116 Lighthouse Rd
City: Bass Harbor, Tremont
Region of State Located: South/Central
Google Maps Pin
The Bass Harbor Head Light Station is the only lighthouse on Mount Desert Island and serves as a rugged, picturesque gateway to Acadia National Park. Perched precariously on a jagged granite cliff, it perfectly captures the dramatic beauty of the Maine coastline.
Natural Setting: Unlike some of the more “manicured” lighthouses, Bass Harbor feels wild and remote. The sound of the waves crashing against the cliffs and the scent of the surrounding pine forest make it a true sensory experience.
Historic Sentinel: Built in 1858, the lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. While the keeper’s house is a private residence for Coast Guard personnel, the grounds and the light itself remain a major draw for history buffs.
The “Classic” View: To get the famous photograph you see on postcards, follow the wooden walkway to the right of the lighthouse. It leads down a set of stairs to the rocks below, where you can look back up at the tower silhouetted against the Atlantic.
Sunset Central: This is arguably the most popular spot in the area for sunset. Photographers often arrive hours early to claim a spot on the rocks, as the light hitting the red brick and white tower during the “golden hour” is legendary.
Fisherman Statue
Location: 754 Bar Harbor Rd
City: Trenton
Region of State Located: South/East
Google Maps Pin
The “Fisherman” is a classic piece of Maine folk art. While the area has several famous fiberglass giants (like the one in Boothbay), this one is special because it’s a hand-carved wooden sculpture that captures the rugged, “Old Salt” spirit of the coast.
Photo Op: It’s a favorite stop for travelers who want a “Full Size” Maine memory without the crowds of the national park. Standing next to him really puts the scale of these carvings into perspective.
The Artist’s Touch: Unlike the mass-produced fiberglass “Muffler Men,” this fisherman was carved by local artisans at Acadia Wood Carvings. You can often see the saw marks and the texture of the wood, which gives it a much more authentic, rustic feel than its plastic cousins.
Gateway to Acadia: This spot is on the main drag (Route 3) that everyone takes to get onto Mount Desert Island. It’s a perfect “slow down” landmark that signals you’ve officially reached the land of lobster pounds and woodworkers.
Penobscot Narrows Bridge
Location: 740 Fort Knox Rd
City: Prospect
Region of State Located: South/Central
Google Maps Pin
Spanning the Penobscot River between Prospect and Verona Island, the Penobscot Narrows Bridge is a modern engineering marvel that replaced the historic Waldo-Hancock Bridge in 2006. It is one of only three cable-stayed bridges in the world to feature an integrated observatory, making it a “must-stop” for any roadside enthusiast.
Fort Knox Connection: The bridge sits directly adjacent to Fort Knox State Historic Site, one of the best-preserved military fortifications in New England. The juxtaposition of the 19th-century granite fort and the sleek 21st-century bridge is a photographer’s dream.
World-Class Views: The Penobscot Narrows Observatory is the tallest public bridge observatory in the world. An elevator whisking you up 420 feet (about 42 stories) provides a 360-degree view of the Maine coastline, the river valley, and distant mountains.
Innovative Design: It was the first bridge in the United States to use a “cradle system” for its stay cables, which allows individual strands to be removed and inspected without closing the bridge—a huge leap in infrastructure technology.
A Side-by-Side History: If you look closely at the granite pilings near the shoreline, you can still see the footings of the original 1931 bridge, serving as a silent reminder of the area’s industrial evolution.
Music Used in the Video: Great Falls by Dillon Knighton- Licensed via Epidemic Sound
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