10 fun and cheap things to do in Bucksport, Maine

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We found lots of fun and cheap things to do in Bucksport. Here are 10 of them, compiled during a recent visit to the Downeast Maine community.

Located along the Narrows of the Penobscot River in Downeast coastal Maine, Bucksport is a lovely and enchanting place to visit. A working waterfront community, Bucksport draws thousands of visitors annually but definitely feels less crowded than some of the more popular towns in the area.

Rich in history and tradition, Bucksport is notable for its charming riverfront walkway, the historic stone fort overlooking the river, and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge, which features the only bridge observatory in the United States. Fantastic hiking trails, kayaking on Silver Lake, and other outdoor opportunities abound in Bucksport and the surrounding area. And let’s not forget about food – Bucksport has everything from seafood snack shacks and cafes to more refined dining options, sure to please any palate.

On this page:

A brief history of Bucksport, Maine
What to do in Bucksport
Where to stay in Bucksport
Where to eat in Bucksport
Things you can't do in Bucksport anymore

A brief history of Bucksport, Maine

The Founding of Bucksport

The area that later became Bucksport, Maine was inhabited by the Red Paint (Maritime Archaic) people around 5,000 years ago. The name for this ancient civilization comes from the red ochre they used in traditional burial ceremonies.

Later, the Wabanaki tribes lived in the region, until the late 1600s when widespread conflict with the English broke out. By the late 1700s, the Wabanaki in the area had largely been supplanted by English settlers.

In 1762, the English General Court of Massachusetts issued a land grant between the Penobscot and St. Croix Rivers. John Buck, the captain of the sloop Sally, was hired to explore and settle the area. In 1763, he began building the town known as Bucksport.

The Revolutionary Era

By 1779, the Revolutionary War had come to Bucksport, largely as a result of a failed American attack on Fort George, a British outpost near Castine. The resulting response by the British beat back the American raid. During the battle, a fleet of English warships extended up the Penobscot River from Bucksport to Bangor.

The War of 1812 brought more infiltration into the Bucksport area, as the British sought to sink the U.S.S. Adams, in for repairs at Hampden. The British occupied Bucksport during this conflict, an episode that area leaders vowed would not happen again.

Concern that towns along the Penobscot River remained vulnerable to attack led to the construction of Fort Knox in 1844. Although its cannons were never fired in battle, Fort Knox remains a symbol of American resistance to British aggression. It’s also one of the best-preserved granite forts along the Atlantic seacoast.

The Industrial Era

From 1770 to 1891, Bucksport was a major ship-building town, home to five different shipyards during that time span. Like most waterfront communities, the town also had an active commercial wharf, which operated until the early 1900s.

In 1931, the Waldo-Hancock Bridge was constructed over the Narrows of the Penobscot River, connecting the mainland to Verona Island . Voted Most Beautiful Bridge in the US by the American Institute of Steel Construction, the Waldo-Hancock Bridge was the first long-span suspension bridge in Maine.

The Modern Era

Although its innovative design and fabrication was a major step forward for bridge builders at the time, the Waldo-Hancock Bridge eventually deteriorated to the point that it was deemed unsafe. It was replaced by a new bridge in 2006, and demolished in 2013. Built just a few yards from the original bridge, the Penobscot Narrows Bridge features a 437 foot observatory, the only one of its kind in the USA.

In the early 20th century, Bucksport was home to a thriving paper-making industry. The sudden closing of the mill in 2014 caught the community by surprise, and it took several years for the town to recover.

Now Bucksport looks to fishing and tourism as its primary sources of income, supplemented by some farming. Meanwhile, a local firm has been busy turning the site of the former Verso paper mill into a sustainable Atlantic salmon farming facility, bringing more jobs and opportunities to Bucksport.

What to do in Bucksport

1. Take a walk on the riverfront walkway

One of the most enjoyable ways to experience Bucksport is to stroll along the waterfront walkway that stretches for about mile along the Penobscot River. You’ll enjoy fantastic views of the impressive Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory, historic Fort Knox, and the boats and wildlife that frequent the river. The riverfront walkway is also a great way to access downtown Bucksport and its charming New England architecture. Free.

Art installation (granite sculpture) along the riverfront walkway in Bucksport, Maine — Sculpture on the river walk

View of the Penobscot River from the waterfront walkway in Bucksport, Maine — River views on the walkway

2. Visit Fort Knox Historic Site

Built in 1844 as a defense against British attacks on towns along the Penobscot River, Fort Knox Historic Site is one of the best preserved granite forts along the coast. Fort Knox is located across the Penobscot River from Bucksport; public access to nearly all areas of the fort is permitted. Access to the grounds area is free and leashed dogs are welcome everywhere except the observatory.

Fort Knox still has many of its original cannons, which can be seen around the grounds and in the parking lot. The 15-inch Rodman smoothbore guns are examples of the largest weapon produced during the Civil War era. $2.50 – $6.50 per person

View of Fort Knox Historic Site and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge from Bucksport, Maine — Fort Knox and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge

3. Ascend the Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory

Second on the list of the best things to do in Bucksport is the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory. Constructed in 2006, the impressive structure features the only bridge observatory in the United States, one of only four in the world.

The breathtaking views of Bucksport, Fort Knox, and the surrounding area, including the river estuary and Penobscot Bay, are well worth the price of admission. The Penobscot Narrows Observatory is open May 1 to October 31. $2.50 – $9.00 per person (includes entrance to Fort Knox)

View of Bucksport, Maine, Verona Island, and the Penobscot River from the top of the Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory — View from the bridge observatory

4. Experience Bucksport’s history and culture

Bucksport has a variety of cultural opportunities. Visiting art and history buffs will certainly enjoy what the town has to offer. Here are a few highlights.

The Bucksport Historical Society Museum is housed in an old railroad station and displays items and exhibits that reflect the local history. The museum is open in July and August, Wednesday through Saturday from 1pm to 4pm. The Society also organizes a tour of local homes with historical interest every September. Suggested donation $2 per person

Serving the communities of Bucksport, Orland, and Verona Island, the Buck Memorial Library on Main Street was built in 1887. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The library offers art exhibits, classes, and other events, as well as a chance to learn about the area’s history and culture from a local librarian. Free

The Alamo Theater is the headquarters of Northeast Historic Film, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of historic film and video about New England or shot elsewhere by its residents. The theater also shows first-run movies with tickets available for purchase at the box office. $10 general admission

The Bucksport Area Cultural Arts Society (BACAS) supports local arts / culture festivals and events. In addition, the organization offers musicals and other theatrical productions at its Bucksport Performing Arts Center. Ticket prices vary but are usually in the $8 – $12 per person range

5. Visit the quaint village of Orland

Located about 15 minutes east of Bucksport, the town of Orland will charm you with its rural beauty and sense of community. A sizeable chunk of the town’s businesses are housed in the community center, which is the former K-8 school.

The community center is a bit out of the way, but really not that difficult to find, and worth it when you get there. We went for a bite at Moments Cafe, a small, unassuming place that serves up some great food. Other businesses in the building include a barbershop, beauty salon, massage therapy, a gift shop, and more. Free admission to community center

The Orland, Maine community center and business plaza is located in the former k-8 school building — Orland Community Center

Orland community center directory of businesses and services — Business plaza directory

Hallway in Orland, Maine business plaza showing various businesses including a local hair salon — Curls & Crosshairs salon

Quiet corner table in Moments Cafe in Orland, Maine — Moments cafe

6. See the Great Pond Mountains Wildlands

Owned and managed by a conservation trust, the Great Pond Mountain Wildlands encompasses 5,000 acres of forest, mountains, lakes, and streams. Public access to these lands is free.

A network of gravel roads can be used for walking, running, biking, horseback riding and snowmobiling. In addition, there is a variety of hiking trails, from easy to strenuous. Leashed dogs are welcome in all areas except the Wildlife Protection Zone.

7. Visit Verona Island

Another can’t-miss thing to do in Bucksport, Maine is visit Verona Island. Across the Penobscot River from Bucksport, Verona Island is accessible via the Penobscot Narrows Bridge. The small community features the Unique Rock Shop, Island Traders Antiques, and the Verona Island Lobster Company.

8. Visit Silver Lake Nature and Wildlife Area

The town of Bucksport maintains a park and boat launch on 682-acre Silver Lake north of town. Activities include boating, kayaking, fishing, or hiking the 2.6 mile trail network. You can also take a self-guided tour of a species forest and learn about native trees in their natural environment. Free

9. Attend a festival

Visitors to Bucksport in July flock to the Bucksport Bay Festival, which offers food, music, a parade, and fireworks along the waterfront. Events include a 5k race, raffles, rides, craft booths, and much more. Free admission

In September, the International Maritime Film Festival, held both in-person and on-demand, returns to Bucksport. It’s a juried contest of films “celebrating the heritage, spirit of adventure and ingenuity of boats and waterborne pursuits… the premier event for maritime-themed filmmaking”, according to its organizers. $10 -$15 per person

"Bucksport" postcard-type mural along the riverfront walkway in Bucksport, Maine

10. See some historic buildings

Every list of fun and cheap things to do in Bucksport should include a driving / walking tour of its historic homes and buildings. Nine of these are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One of the most famous is Wilson Hall and its belltower, which sits on a hill overlooking Bucksport.

The other notable historic buildings in Bucksport are the Brown-Pilsbury Double House on Franklin Street; the Elm Street Congregational Church and Parish House at Elm and Franklin; the Duck Cove School on Maine State Route 46 south of Duck Cove Road; and the Bucksport Railroad Station, the Phineas Heywood House, the James Emery House, the Buck Memorial Library, and the Jed Prouty Tavern and Inn, all located on Main Street.

Note that while you’re free to view and take pictures of the exterior of these historic buildings, most are private property, and require permission from the owner to enter the grounds or view the interior. A tour of historic homes is offered in September through the Bucksport Historical Society.

Where to stay in Bucksport

If you’re going to stay in Bucksport, there are two fantastic hotels that we highly recommend. The Fort Knox Park Inn is located on Bucksport’s waterfront walkway and features amazing views of Fort Knox and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Obervatory.

Since we had a dog with us, we stayed at the cozy Bucksport Inn, a marvelously clean and well-appointed property. We especially enjoyed the large wooded backyard, complete with picnic tables and Adirondack chairs.

Where to eat in Bucksport

Bucksport is home to Carrier’s Mainely Lobster, one of the best seafood snack shacks in Maine. We got the special, a large PLUS a small shrimp basket, far more shrimp than two people can eat in one sitting – and it was delicious!

For gastropub aficionados, there’s The Friars’ Brewhouse, a brewery owned and operated by Franciscans of Maine. The lobster roll here is a step above most that you’ll find in Maine – dare we say heavenly?

Warren’s Waterfront Restaurant is the local favorite breakfast and lunch diner, serving reasonably priced comfort food in an appropriately comfortable setting. There’s a bar too, so you can get a mimosa with your eggs benedict if you like.

If seafood dinners and American fare are your thing, you’ll love MacLeod’s Restaurant. Another local favorite, MacLeod’s serves everything from burgers and nachos to fresh salmon to roast raspberry duck.

For fine dining in an open-air setting, head to Verona Wine and Design. Shareable appetizers are the thing to order here, like the smoked salmon bruschetta and the baked brie. The crab melt sandwich is to die for.

Moments Cafe, located in the Orland Town Community Center, is a quirky and unique place that definitely reflects the personality of its owner. The food is great, and the most reasonably priced you’ll find in the area. We enjoyed some delicious croissant breakfast sandwiches. We also took two of the best roast turkey sandwiches ever with us to go.

Things you can’t do in Bucksport anymore

Despite what you may read on the internet, there are a few things that you used to be able to do in Bucksport that you can’t do any more.

Stubborn Cow Glass. This glass art gallery is no longer located in Bucksport.
The Lighthouse Arts Center used to showcase local art and artists but is no longer a gallery open to the public. You can, however, inquire about art classes through the facility’s website.