A unit of the National Park Service. Site of the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812, where Francis Scott Key was inspired to pen "The Star-Spangled Banner" in September of 1814.See more..
4.5B&O Railroad Museum(852 reviews) - Great place for kids and adults Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • History Museums
The B&O Railroad Museum, a full affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and the birthplace of American Railroading, is home to the oldest, most comprehensive collection of railroad artifacts in the Western Hemisphere including an unparalleled roster of 19th and 20th century railroad equipment. You’ll enjoy exploring our expansive Museum campus, known as the Mount Clare Shops and Station and was the original railroading complex of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O). Founded in 1827, the B&O had a dramatic economic, social, and cultural impact on our society. Its nearly 200-year history is deeply intertwined with the story of America and helped shaped our nation through invention, innovation, and ingenuity. Experience two centuries of American railroading history throughout our campus of historic buildings, exhibitions, interactive displays, and our world-class collection of rolling stock —locomotives, passenger cars, freight cars, and maintenance vehicles. All Aboard!See more..
4.5Baltimore Museum of Art(825 reviews) - A fabulous Art Museum- and Free! Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Art Museums
Over 100 years ago, The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) was founded on the belief that access to art and ideas is integral to a vibrant and healthy civic life. This belief is at the heart of the BMA and remains our core value. The BMA has long focused on acquiring the art of the present moment, while maintaining and deepening a historic collection made relevant through vigorous development and reinterpretation in all collecting areas. Through the courageous and risk-taking vision of previous Museum leaders, the BMA assembled and presented one of the most important collections of 18th-, 19th-, and 20th-century art in the United States. These visionary actions established the fundamental character of this Museum. Building on this legacy of excellence, the BMA will form an equally compelling collection for the 21st century. Socially relevant, cutting-edge acquisitions, exhibitions, and programs will lead the way both locally and globally—and historical accuracy, merit, and equity will beSee more..
4.5Maryland State House(699 reviews) - Worthy of Your Time Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Government Buildings
The seat of government for the state of Maryland.See more..
4.5Historic Downtown Frederick(675 reviews) - Great Place to Visit (or live) Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas • Scenic Walking Areas
Fredrick is a delightful place to visit full of character, history, shops and restaurants to mention just a few of it's charms. The Carroll Creek is another reason to visit and enjoy. The creek has beautiful water lilies, ducks and sculptures. Often called 'Little Philadelphia', the architecture is colonial and civil war with beautiful brick buildings and newer buildings as well. An active arts community and foodie destination, a city full of history, a minor league baseball stadium, a community airport, festivals...you need to visit!See more..
4.5Federal Hill Park(568 reviews) - Great place to see the city views while chilling!! Sunday: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas • Parks
Former lookout during the Civil War and the War of 1812 is now a scenic park overlooking the Inner Harbor.See more..
4.5Main Street Berlin(359 reviews) - Lovely shopping Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Berlin Main Street is a thriving and diverse community designated both as a Maryland Main Street Community and an Arts and Entertainment District located just 7 miles from Ocean City & Assateague Island. Our Welcome Center is always open - Our Main Street boasts over 75 boutiques, dining establishments, coffee shops, bakeries, sweets, galleries, antiques and more. Many ‘Made in Berlin’ shops too! 2nd Fridays in Berlin every month features live music, shops open late & wine tastings! The Berlin Farmers Market is Sundays 9-1 May-Sept. History is everywhere with 47 structures on the National Historic Register. The Taylor House Museum is the local archive for all things historic in Berlin. Come visit Berlin and join us for a quiet journey back in time where we are Historically Charming & Artistically Alive.See more..
4.0The Kunta Kinte - Alex Haley Memorial(293 reviews) - Make sure you stop here when in Annapolis Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites • Monuments & Statues
I remember vividly the series Roots when it aired on television and how it impacted the way I view that part of our history. So it was wonderful to see the Alex Haley memorial right in the middle of everything. The statues are wonderful and I loved seeing such an art exhibit down on the waterfront.See more..
4.5William Paca House & Garden(266 reviews) - Don't miss this! Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Gardens
The William Paca Garden is a two acre oasis of natural beauty in the bustling center of Annapolis’ Historic District. Although many colonial Annapolitans had gardens, only Paca’s has been returned to its original splendor and opened to the public. Intrigued by garden details in the background of Charles Willson Peale’s 1772 portrait of Paca, researchers were able to reconstruct the site from a series of archeological digs that turned up evidence of the garden’s former glory. Visit and learn the stories of the people who lived and labored in the home and garden throughout the years. The William Paca House and Garden is open daily for guided tours of the house and self-guided tours of the garden.See more..
4.5Ladew Topiary Gardens(251 reviews) - Magical place worthy of a visit Temporarily closed - Closed until Apr 1, 2023 Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Gardens
Ladew Topiary Gardens, located in the countryside of Harford County, Maryland, features 250 acres with 22 acres of formal gardens including 15 themed 'garden rooms,' a Nature Walk, native Butterfly House, and circa 1747 Manor House. The Manor House is filled with English antiques and fox hunting memorabilia, and the oval library is listed as one of the most beautiful rooms in America. Both the House and Gardens are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Named "the most outstanding topiary garden in America" by the Garden Club of America, and "one of the top 5 gardens in North America," Ladew Gardens is a nonprofit, 501 (c)(3) organization whose mission is to maintain and promote the gardens, house and facilities in keeping with the creative spirit of Harvey S. Ladew for the public benefit and for educational, scientific and cultural pursuits. Ladew Gardens welcomes 50,000 visitors annually hosts more than 130 educational programs and special events each year.See more..
So first: the area is under construction due to landslides which means that you can enter and walk through the tunnel but that you have to turn around and walk back out the way you came instead of continuing on to the trail. I really enjoyed this tunnel and this hike. I had a headlamp in preparation. I couldn't imagine doing this hike without some type of light. It's a unique experience inside as it feels like you're in a cave walking along the path. There are mushrooms growing and even some water dripping throughout. The floor is a bit uneven, so be careful with that. Once you leave the tunnel the way you came there is a trail that goes up the side and goes over the tunnel and back towards the campground parking lot. Some nice views from up there too! I would definitely recommend this hike.See more..
Once possibly the largest private home in America by 1790, the Hampton mansion serves as a grand example of late-Georgian architecture in America. Hampton is also the story of its people, as the estate evolved through the actions of the Ridgely family, enslaved African Americans, European indentured servants, and paid laborers within a nation struggling to define its own concept of freedom.See more..
4.5Hammond-Harwood House(123 reviews) - Very nice tour Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites
The Hammond Harwood House is the Jewel of Annapolis, preserved intact since 1774. In addition to its magnificent, perfectly preserved architecture inside and out, this National Historic Landmark contains an outstanding collection of John Shaw furniture and Charles Willson Peale paintings.See more..
The original house of Dr. Samuel Mudd, the physician who set the leg of John Wilkes Booth.See more..
4.5Pemberton Historical Park(106 reviews) - Great hiking area - lots of trails Historic Sites • Parks
Amazing meandering trails. Lovely woodland/wetland/pond setting. Definitely a great area to bring your dog for a walk. I know other reviews said the trails were well marked, but we managed to get a bit lost. Rather surprising as it’s rare for us to lose direction. But there were some trails crossing each other, joining and/or running parallel..I would have loved for just a dot of color coded paint on some trees by the trails. Just to let you know you’re on the blue vs the yellow vs the pink trail… not too many so that it looks like delinquents tagged the trees. The buildings were still closed to visitors.See more..
4.5Surratt House Museum(82 reviews) - Nice bit of history; well-maintained site Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
Built in 1852 as a middle-class plantation home, historic Surratt House recaptures life during the mid-19th century and features the fascinating web of the Lincoln conspiracy. Tours & Museum Shop Monday & Tuesday: closed Wednesday-Friday: 11 am - 3 pm Saturday & Sunday: noon - 4 pm Tours depart from the Visitor Center every half hour and the last tour begins one half hour prior to closing. Office Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm and during weekend open hours. Group Tours Group tours of 10 or more may be scheduled in advance. Please call the office to schedule your group.See more..
4.5St. John's College(72 reviews) - Beautiful and Historic College Sunday: Historic Sites • Educational sites
Our daughter is a grad student at St. John's, so when we helped her move there a year ago and then visited her last week, she gave us a tour of the campus and the buildings she frequents. Just such a beautiful campus! She loves the education she's getting there - and although I can't speak to that, I know she's recommend it to anyone.See more..
4.5Historic London Town and Gardens(69 reviews) - Wonderful Gem Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Gardens
Welcome to Historic London Town and Gardens where discovery and learning are daily experiences. The 23-acre museum and park features history, archaeology, and horticulture. Explore the Historic Area, which includes the circa 1760 William Brown House, a National Historic Landmark, and reconstructed colonial buildings from the "lost town" of London. Wander the eight-acre Woodland Garden of native plants and exotic species arranged along a one-mile trail before enjoying the seasonal Ornamental Gardens overlooking the South River. Kids of all ages enjoy the Sound and Sensory Garden. Our modern Visitor Center and Pavilion support weddings, business meetings, family events, as well as school and group tours.See more..
4.5Sotterley Historic Plantation(66 reviews) - Historic Sotterly Plantation Sunday: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Historic Sites • History Museums
An 18th-century house that sits on a high bluff with wonderful views of the Patuxent River.See more..
4.5Liriodendron Mansion(66 reviews) - Open again for exhibits and events Sunday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Historic home of Dr. Howard Atwood Kelly, one of the founders of Johns Hopkins Hospital and Medical School. Built in 1898, Palladian architecture, summer home for Dr. & Mrs. Kelly and their nine children. Property and mansion now owned by Harford County and operated by the nonprofit Liriodendron Foundation. Situated on beautiful parkland with access to the Ma & Pa walking trail. Second floor features exhibits by local artists from March to November. Home is open year round and is now a popular wedding and event venue. Open House for visitors, free of charge, most Wednesdays from 1-7pm and Sundays 1-4pm.See more..
The grounds were peaceful and well kept and it was interesting to see how people lived and entertained in bygone eras. While the mansion is listed as the attraction, you are not told that about 30% of the “attraction” is the (exquisite) needlework art on display. When you enter the mansion you are told of two separate prices: one to see the mansion and another to see the needlework however, at the end you are told that you cannot see the mansion without seeing the needlework, located in a few areas of the mansion. Why mention two prices when the needlework is a mandatory part of the tour, which doubles the price? The needlework art is beautiful however, it should be told up front that the needlework is a mandatory part of the attraction, which doubles the price of admission. The admission for both attractions is only $6 but I think employees should be honest because some people are on a strict budget and there may be several family/friends visiting together. With that said, I would definitely recommend this attraction – just be honest and people won’t mind paying.See more..
The Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, Inc., commemorates, studies, interprets, and preserves the rich history of this pre-Revolutionary industrial village, including the architecture, cultural landscapes, lifeways, and foodways of the workers. Working in conjunction with Cunningham Falls State Park, the Catoctin Furnace Historical Society celebrates, studies and preserves the history of this important 18th through 20th century industrial site. In the heart of the village, the Collier’s Log House and the Museum of the Ironworker have been carefully restored by the Society and are open by appointment and during special events. An interpretative trail connects the furnace area to the Museum of the Ironworker and the center of the village. The history of the Catoctin Furnace village continues to be an important part of the life blood of this vibrant community and we invite you to explore it with us.See more..
4.5Furnace Town Living Heritage Village(54 reviews) - hidden gem - great historic landmark/area to visit with family Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites
Furnace Town is dedicated to preserving the Nassawango Iron Furnace and engaging the public in the culture of our shared past.See more..
4.5Schifferstadt Architectural Museum(51 reviews) - The oldest house standing in Frederick City (second oldest in the county, but the other is closed.) Sunday: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites
This house is the oldest in Frederick, Maryland, dating to 1756. Closed during the winter.See more..
4.5Rose Hill Manor Park & Museums(47 reviews) - a look & touch history museum Sunday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • Children's Museums
Rose Hill Manor Park & Museums provides visitors with the opportunity to explore life in 18th & 19th century America. The 1790s Manor House was the retirement home of Maryland's first elected goernor, Thomas Johnson. In addition to the Manor House which includes period exhibits and is Children's Museum the property features an ice house, log cabin, blacksmith shop, carriage collection, gardens and Farm Museum.See more..
My partner is related to the Stones. The park ranger was helpful and seemed passionate about Thomas and the house. We didn't have time to do a tour but enjoyed walking the grounds. Everybody actually wore masks inside, which was refreshing and appreciated.See more..
We found this during our morning walk around Cumberland. There is an audio that you can play anytime which explains about the cabin and how it was used during history. It was extremely interesting. It is part of a historical walk through Cumberland.See more..
If you're in town and looking for some history ...visit this old mill !!! they have very knowledgeable staff with lots of history of the area !!! They also have a great MIcrobrewery fest ival there once a year , Do be careful drinking too much without a D.D.though as the authorities are always right there !!! They also have a Corn Festival each year that has corn everything to eat !!!See more..
Try the Apple Dumpling. It is so delicious. You might have to wait 5 minutes or so to be seated, but your food will be brought out with a smile and trust me when I tell you that all of it is very tasty.See more..
4.5Gordon-Roberts House(26 reviews) - Can't believe this is in Cumberland Historic Sites
This house is huge, owned by an influential rail road baron family in Cumberland, which was the Queen City to Baltimore's King City. It is just huge for such a small town sitting on Washington Street with lots of other mansions. An excellent tour. An undiscovered gem. They start off the tour with hot tea and cookies. You will learn about Cumberland through the history of the house. Well worth it....See more..
Believed to be the oldest frame building in continuous use in the U.S.See more..
4.5Poplar Hill Mansion(19 reviews) - Good experience; well worth a visit Historic Sites
Poplar Hill is a beautifully maintained and restored residence dating back to 1795. As lovers of history, we enjoyed touring the property and appreciated interacting with our knowledgeable guide. She included local history and information about the former residents, both free and enslaved. I'm sure she adapts her presentation to her audience. This would be a terrific place to introduce children to how people lived long ago. Located less than an hour from Ocean City, MD and from the Chesapeake Eastern Shore, this is an easy drive. There is free parking and admission, with request for donation.See more..
4.5The Kennedy Farm(15 reviews) - Off the Beaten Path Sunday: Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
This was off the beaten path and didn't look like very many people visited. It was well preserved and a great find for the Civil War buff. I only wish we could get to the big rock in the yard to read the bronze plate inscription.See more..
4.0Laurel MARC Station(13 reviews) - Quaint but fully functional train station Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
It looks like the quaint little train station from yester-year, but don't be fooled: this is a busy MARC train station Monday through Friday, mornings and late afternoons. THe surrounding parking lots quickly fill with commuters on their way to Union Station in DC or the train station in Baltimore. The local community was very vocal when developers tried to suggest closing it down in favor of a station slightly further north in Howard County, as part of a proposed development. You'll board the train from ground level, so wheelchair users should talk to the ticket agent about how they'll be accomodated.See more..
The courthouse and Stagg Hall are all that remain of this once thriving town. Port Tobacco offers a stark lesson in the importance of land preservation. Over farming with tobacco and timber cutting led to silting in the Tobacco River and its demise as a port for shipping. The two buildings are interesting, but Stagg Hall is overly crowded with artifacts. The guide was very helpful in learning the story of Port Tobacco.See more..
4.5Miller House Museum(12 reviews) - Museum and Constitution week Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
The Miller House Museum serves as the headquarters of the Washington County Historical Society. This 1825 brick townhouse is located in the heart of Hagerstown, Maryland. Visitors to the museum will step back into the Federal Period and experience life in the early 1800s for one of Maryland's prominent families. Changing historical exhibits highlight local history from the construction of the C&O Canal to the Civil War and beyond. Researchers are welcome at the kinship Family Heritage Research Center, and the WCHS archives feature over 10,000 photographs and documents detailing important events in local history. Special events, held on a monthly basis, are sure to please the whole family from the history enthusiast to the artist.See more..
4.0The Old Jail Museum(11 reviews) - Old Jail Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers • Historic Sites • History Museums
Built in 1876 and in use until 1945 by the oldest sheriff’s office in the nation, this granite block and brick structure retains its original upstairs cells where prisoners were once segregated by gender and race. Site on the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.See more..
I visited the Rackliffe House and the docent recommended the Taylor House. I am so glad she did as I enjoyed the tour more than expected. While it is a ‘small’ house there is so much to learn and see. The attention to detail, how the Taylor’s weren’t huge fans of wooden floors and this painted over it, it was so enlightening. The town of Berlin is just darling. So clean, preserved, and welcoming. Take a tour, leave a recommended donation of $5 per adult and leave knowing more than when you arrived.See more..
4.5Riversdale House Museum(10 reviews) - History with Imagination Sunday: 12:00 PM - 3:15 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • History Museums
Riversdale, a National Historic Landmark, is a restored, five-part, stucco-covered brick plantation home built between 1801 and 1807. Construction of this elegant manor house was begun by Henri Stier, a Flemish aristocrat, and was completed by his daughter Rosalie and her husband George Calvert, grandson of the fifth Lord Baltimore. The Federal style mansion has particularly fine interior decorative detail. Numerous nationally significant figures later lived there. Riversdale was also home to the Plummer Family. The museum is open to the public for docent-guided tours and for a variety of special events. Tours & Museum Shop: Fri & Sun, tours depart on quarter hour: 12:15, 12:45, 1:15, 1:45, 2:15, 2:45, and 3:15 pm. Visitor Center & Offices: Mon-Fri, 9 am-5 pm and during Sunday open hours Grounds & Gardens: Sun-Sat, dawn-dusk (occasionally closed for programs and private rentals)See more..
4.0Confederate Memorial Park(10 reviews) - Excellent Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
True History, to teach people the war wasn’t over slavery. Maryland was under Marshall Law! Professors should go back to school and do a timeline and stop indoctrinating children and travel sites on their opinions. The Federal Government paid Maryland slave owners for their slaves to fight for the Union and Maryland Slave owners had to prove to the Federal government the slaves were their Property. Look up primary information. The Union fought to preserve the Union Not to end Slavery!See more..
4.0Historic Oakland Mansion(10 reviews) - Perfect venue for a special occasion Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
I have been to Oakland Manor for a variety of events: an English tea, a wedding, meetings. It''s a lovely venue for any occasion.See more..
3.5Marietta House Museum(9 reviews) - A Great Historic Site Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • History Museums
Marietta House Museum houses the histories of multiple generations of families, free and enslaved, who lived and labored on the roughly 600 acres that made up Marietta Manor. The historic site holds the stories of how life was lived in agricultural Maryland from the Federal Era, Antebellum years, Civil War period, Jim Crow and Reconstruction through to the rise of the modern Civil Rights era in the early 20th centurySee more..
4.5Daniels Ghost Town(9 reviews) - A walk back in time! Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Ghost Towns
WOW what a moment in time to visit here. Once a thriving mill town and now a ghost town. Only 2 partial churches still stand. There are walls where homes used to be behind. I could just imagine people walking about and talking and living full lives as we visited here. We found several cars/trucks that were ruined and just left after the Hurricane Agnes went through and finished wiping the town off the map!See more..
The Stevensville Historic District, also known as Historic Stevensville, is a national historic district in downtown Stevensville, Queen Anne's County, Maryland.See more..
4.5Tolson's Chapel(8 reviews) - Worth finding your way to High Street Historic Sites
Where the Emancipation Proclimation was first read publically, or so the myth goes. This African American meeting house still stands on the back streets of Sharpsburg as proof that great events coming from the Battle of Antietam had positive effects 150 years later. I would highly reccommend this to the serious civil war student.See more..
Handsell is a National Register of Historic Places property. Original house built c1770, it burned, collapsed and was rebuilt in 1837. Located on the ancient Native Village of Chicacone, a replica Native homestead has been built here including longhouse, garden and work shelter. Grounds open daily during daylight hours with 6 Wayside Panels. House open for group tours by prior arrangements.See more..
4.0Boxwood Gardens(5 reviews) - In town boxwood garden Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Gardens You view this garden from the sidewalk. But it is quite nice. Near the center of town at Washington and Somerset streets.See more..
3.5Point Lookout Museum(5 reviews) - Good to pair with other Park attractions, 20 minute visit tops Military Museums • Historic Sites
Small museum on the grounds of Point Lookout State Park detailing Civil War history of the site.See more..
