Discover Hidden Gems in Maryland

Maryland, named after the English Queen Henrietta Maria of France, is a small yet densely populated state in the United States. Recognized as the birthplace of America’s religious freedom, the state presents an exceptional blend of natural beauty and cultural depth, featuring mountains, oceans, historic sites, and vibrant urban environments.

The historical city of Annapolis serves as the state capital, while Baltimore is its largest and most renowned city, attracting numerous tourists.

Maryland shares its borders with Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Virginia, West Virginia, and Delaware. The state, also known as the Chesapeake Bay State and the Free State, grants access to the Appalachian Mountains, the Eastern Shore, and of course, the Chesapeake Bay.

Despite its diversity, many aspects of Maryland remain unexplored by the average traveler. Below are some of Maryland’s hidden gems that merit attention and admiration.

1. Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death, Baltimore

The Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death represent a singular initiative to innovate forensic science. This collection, featuring 18 meticulously crafted miniature murder scene dioramas, was created by Frances Glessner Lee, a socialite from Chicago. Inspired by a former classmate of her brother, who later became the Chief Medical Examiner of Suffolk County, Lee’s work has reportedly influenced the popular television series, “Murder, She Wrote”.

Her substantial contributions led to the establishment of the Harvard Department of Legal Medicine; however, the dioramas stand as her most significant legacy. Each replica intricately details every aspect of a murder scene, including bullet holes and miniature figures representing victims.

Following Lee’s passing in 1962, the models were acquired by the Maryland Medical School, where they continue to serve as educational tools.

2. Forest Haven Asylum, Fort Meade

Founded in 1925, Forest Haven Asylum was originally conceived as a nurturing community for children with special needs, promoting their development through engagement in various projects. Although the facility initially thrived, deterioration ensued as funding diminished, leading to a reliance on untrained staff.

Tragically, many children suffered neglect and abuse, resulting in numerous fatalities attributed to substandard medical care. Victims’ remains were disposed of in a basement morgue, with unmarked graves located nearby. After decades of hardship, the asylum closed in 1991.

The remnants of the structure now feature peeling paint and graffiti, serving as a haunting reminder of its dark history. A solitary headstone memorializes those who lost their lives there, raising questions about why filmmakers create artificial horror when real-life settings like this exist.

3. Hell House Altar, Catonsville

St. Mary’s College, constructed in 1868, trained numerous young men for the seminary until diminishing enrollment led to its closure in 1972. Nestled within Patapsco Valley State Park, the main building suffered a mysterious fire in 1997, leaving behind only a gazebo adorned with a large metal cross.

Local lore suggests that the gazebo served as a site for satanic rituals, hence the name “Hell House.” After the 1997 fire, the remaining structures were demolished in 2006, leaving only the foundations and staircases, as well as the hauntingly beautiful Christian altar.

4. George Peabody Library, Baltimore

The George Peabody Library within the Peabody Conservatory of Music presents a stark contrast to conventional public libraries, which often feel confining. Opened in 1878, the Library was established by George Peabody to serve the Baltimore community. Known for its prestigious music program, the Peabody Institute continues to produce exceptional musicians and educators.

The library features a monumental open atrium surrounded by multiple levels that overlook the central area. Elegant railings and intricately patterned marble floors enhance its grandeur, and a skylight illuminates the vast space. It is often referred to as the “Cathedral of Books.”

5. Bazaar, Baltimore

Bazaar in Baltimore stands out as an unconventional store, housing an eclectic assortment of quirky relics and curiosities. Known for the annual “Hon Festival,” where participants don 1960s attire, this establishment showcases traditional medical instruments, skulls, unique artworks, anatomical charts, and props from secret societies.

In addition to its unusual inventory, Bazaar also produces a selection of diaphonized wet specimens, greeting cards, and jewelry crafted from bones, and offers regular taxidermy workshops.

6. National Museum of Health and Medicine, Silver Spring

Originally situated in downtown Washington D.C., the National Museum of Health and Medicine (NMHM) encompasses a vast collection exceeding 24 million medical artifacts, including antique equipment, anatomical specimens, and significant historical documents. Among the museum’s most notable exhibits are fragments of hair and bone from the skull of President Abraham Lincoln, along with the bullet that ended his life.

Established in 1862 by neurologist William Alexander Hammond, who served as the U.S. Army’s 11th Surgeon General, the museum’s mission was to assemble items of medical and surgical significance as well as morbid anatomy. Its collection includes numerous artifacts from the Civil War, a specimen of conjoined twins, and a Trichobezoar obtained from a young girl who compulsively ingested her hair.

7. Crystal Grottoes Caverns, Boonsboro

Crystal Grottoes Caverns is renowned for containing more formations per square foot than any other known cave. With a consistent temperature of 54 degrees year-round, these caverns are considered the best-preserved of their kind globally. While largely a natural cave, a fire in 2007 temporarily affected its condition, although restoration efforts have since succeeded.

Visitors can admire splendid stalactites and rock formations, with thoughtfully designed lighting enhancing the experience. Twin restrooms and ample parking make exploring the caverns accessible, and Jerry Downs, the owner, is often available to engage with guests.

8. Elijah Bond’s Ouija Board Grave, Baltimore

Many individuals have engaged with Ouija boards, seeking communication with spirits, and the creation of this intriguing board is attributed to Elijah Bond. Ironically, he was buried in an unmarked grave until 2007 when historian Robert Murch discovered his remains.

Bond’s newfound burial site in Baltimore features a gravestone that displays his name and dates of birth and death on one side and an engraving of a Ouija board on the other, symbolizing his legacy.

9. The Book Thing, Baltimore

The Book Thing represents a haven for bibliophiles. This distinctive free bookstore located near John Hopkins Campus in Baltimore was founded in 1999 by Russell Wattenberg, who sought to provide reading materials for underprivileged students after hearing their educators lament about the lack of resources.

Operated entirely by volunteers, The Book Thing operates under strict principles prohibiting any monetary transactions for the materials offered. Visitors are welcome to take numerous volumes, with up to 150,000 available each day, but cannot sell or pay for them. The repository boasts a diverse collection of books and magazines.

10. The Enchanted Forest Pine Tree Maze at Clark’s Eliok Farm, Columbia

Since 1797, the Clarks have cultivated a 540-acre farm in Howard County, Columbia. While other farmers sold their lands to developers, Martha and Noah Clark opted to maintain their farm and turn it into a source of income. The farm features a petting zoo, hiking tours, ecology lessons, and seasonal events.

The most captivating aspect of their property is the Enchanted Forest Pine Tree Maze, which consists of discarded relics from the original Enchanted Forest amusement park. Since 2005, the Clarks have been assembling these items, which now include figures like Papa Bear and several whimsical creations.

11. National Cryptologic Museum, Fort Meade

Interestingly, the National Cryptologic Museum encourages photography indoors while prohibiting it outdoors, maintaining a sense of secrecy. Nestled in the woods adjacent to the National Security Agency, this museum highlights the significance and legacy of cryptology.

Opened to the public in 1993, it stands as the only museum within the Intelligence community dedicated to this field. Notable items on display include a 1960s reconnaissance satellite, the TUNNY Cryptographic machine, a voice-encrypting phone used by various presidents, Johannes Trithemius’s 1518 Polygraphiae, and numerous declassified texts regarding cryptology.

12. Geppi’s Entertainment Museum, Baltimore

Geppi’s Entertainment Museum offers a nostalgic voyage through American pop culture, engaging visitors of all ages. Despite the immense challenge of capturing the essence of this vibrant culture, the museum successfully pays tribute to its diversity. Life-sized figures of Batman, Pez Dispensers, and historical comic book icons share space in this extensive collection.

Spanning 16,000 square feet, the museum’s displays showcase segments of the city’s history from the 18th century onward, including highlights from the Great Depression, the evolution of television, and the rise of the internet.

13. Paw Paw Tunnel, Oldtown

Named after a local fruit, the Paw Paw Tunnel in Oldtown, Maryland, is a product of conflict and hardship. Originally slated for completion in 1838, construction extended from 1836 to 1850 due to persistent clashes among immigrant laborers hired for the laborious task.

The tunnel was designed to facilitate the movement of boats and pack mules, circumventing the treacherous bends of the Potomac River. However, upon its eventual completion, the tunnel narrowness allowed only one boat to traverse at a time.

Currently, the tunnel is accessible for exploration, stretching 3,000 feet, though caution is advised to avoid becoming lost!

14. Lawyer’s Farm, Thurmont

At Lawyer’s Farm, visitors can explore a remarkable combination of agricultural innovation and whimsical art. Founded by Jan Lawyer, the farm produces corn and pumpkins while showcasing an assortment of giant, transformer-like robots at the entrance.

The farm is currently managed by Lawyer’s descendants, who conduct tours that highlight not only the extraordinary sculptures but also the intricate corn mazes and innovative pumpkin cannons, honoring their father’s legacy and creativity.

15. Glen Echo Amusement Park, Bethesda

Initially established as the National Chautauqua Assembly, Glen Echo Amusement Park has been operational since 1891. After the Assembly ceased operations in 1898 due to reported malaria outbreaks, the site was repurposed into an amusement park.

Hosting various attractions, including seven roller coasters until 1968, remnants of the original park remain, albeit overgrown. The Dentzel Carousel, renowned for its exquisite wood carvings, has been restored to its original 1921 state and operates periodically, providing a charming glimpse into the past.

16. National Park Seminary, Silver Springs

Ye Forest Inn originally opened in 1887 as a resort but transitioned into the National Park Seminary, a girls’ boarding school, in 1894. The school flourished until the 1920s; however, financial struggles during the Great Depression reduced its enrollment to just 40 students.

The Army acquired the campus during World War II, utilizing it as a recovery facility for amputees and for similar purposes during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. After years of neglect, a private developer acquired the property in 2003, preserving portions of its historical architecture while converting much of it to residential space.

17. The Ghost Fleet of Mallows Bay, Nanjemoy

Mallows Bay is home to a unique maritime graveyard, consisting of over 230 shipwrecks, including remnants of steamboats and a wooden-hulled fleet constructed for World War I. This collection is recognized as the largest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.

While several sunken vessels remain visible in the shallow waters, the shipwrecks have formed a vibrant ecosystem. Although cleaning initiatives commenced in the 1960s, the decision was made to allow the wrecks to serve as artificial reefs as they naturally decompose.

18. Grave of John Wilkes Booth, Baltimore

John Wilkes Booth, a prominent American actor, became infamous for assassinating President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865. He was killed by Sergeant Thomas P. “Boston” Corbett shortly thereafter. Booth’s remains were initially interred in the Old Penitentiary but were subsequently exhumed and reburied multiple times before being laid to rest in the Booth family plot at Green Mount Cemetery.

A simple gravestone, adorned with an accumulation of pennies in lieu of flowers, marks the site of Booth’s burial, symbolizing the lasting significance of his actions.

19. Ladew Topiary Gardens, Monkton

Renowned as one of the most distinguished gardens in the United States, the Ladew Topiary Gardens in Monkton, Maryland, were meticulously designed by Harvey S. Ladew, an affluent huntsman, during the 1930s. Influenced by English styling, Ladew crafted the gardens to feature 15 sections, each dedicated to unique themes and creative topiary formations.

The site includes a variety of decorative elements such as pools and fountains while fostering an ambiance reflecting Ladew’s passion for fox hunting and nature appreciation. The gardens and Ladew’s residence are accessible to visitors wishing to explore this exquisite oasis.

20. Vanadu Art House, Hyattsville

Named “Vanadu” after Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem “Kubla Khan,” Clarke Bedford, a museum conservator, created this unique art house using recycled metal objects. Bedford dedicated extensive time and effort to crafting extravagant art installations, which now populate the premises.

This extraordinary collection features a wide array of objects, including a German-language globe, a skull, a statue of John Locke, and numerous antiques. Among Bedford’s creations are four functional vehicles made from car and washing machine parts, which can be witnessed outside the art house. The most notable of these, the Vanadu Ford, has even garnered its own Facebook presence.

21. Maryland Gold Mine Ruins, Potomac

During the turmoil of the Civil War, a Union soldier discovered the first indication of gold while cleaning utensils. Following the war in 1867, mining operations commenced, orchestrated by the Maryland Mining Company. Operations persisted until 1939, but limited gold deposits ultimately halted further excavation, although traces of gold continue to be claimed.

Today, the abandoned Maryland Gold Mine ruins adjacent to the historical C&O Canal are gated off, representing the remnants of a once-thriving industry. Visitors can find the dilapidated remains of an old water tank, a blacksmith shop, and the entrance to an overgrown sealed mine shaft.

22. Fort Carroll, Dundalk

Commissioned during the late 1840s, Fort Carroll was built to protect Baltimore against naval assaults, featuring a distinctive hexagonal design and gun emplacements. Although designed for wartime use, it saw little action, becoming obsolete by World War I, and eventually fell into disrepair.

After passing through temporary uses, including functioning as a firing range during World War II, the fort was sold to a Baltimore attorney in 1958 with no clear plans for its use. It has since become overgrown, housing many migratory birds.

23. Holland Island, Toddville

Over time, Holland Island has dramatically changed, disappearing from the Chesapeake Bay. Initially one of the bay’s most populated islands, it supported a community of around 350 in the 1910s, complete with a church and schoolhouse.

The onset of erosion in 1914 eventually forced inhabitants to relocate by 1918, leading to the island’s last standing structures being dismantled after a storm destroyed much of the remaining infrastructure in 2010. As of 2012, the island has completely eroded, with remnants of the town resting beneath the bay’s waters.

24. Mammalian Brain Collection, Silver Spring

The Mammalian Brain Collection at the National Museum of Health and Medicine showcases the evolutionary journey of mammalian brains through a carefully curated assortment developed over 35 years. Housing over 275 brain specimens, the collection draws comparisons between different species, including dolphins, anteaters, African bush elephants, and humans.

This exhibit underscores remarkable similarities across mammalian brain function and structure, challenging preconceived notions about the uniqueness of human cognition.

25. The Horse You Came In On Saloon, Baltimore

The Horse You Came In On Saloon, established in 1775, holds the distinction of being the oldest bar in Baltimore and the only one that operated during Prohibition. Notably, it’s reputed as the last stop for Edgar Allan Poe, who allegedly took his final drink here before his death.

Despite structural restorations over its long history, “The Horse” retains its rustic allure and offers live music for patrons. Located near the Patapsco River docks, it remains a popular haunt for locals and visitors alike.

26. Mr. Trash Wheel, Baltimore

Officially named the “Inner Harbor Water Wheel,” Mr. Trash Wheel represents an innovative environmental initiative aimed at cleaning Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Designed by a former dock manager frustrated by waste accumulation, this unique water wheel collects trash from the harbor, utilizing solar power for operation.

With over one million pounds of debris collected, Mr. Trash Wheel exemplifies a creative solution to urban pollution. A live stream offers viewers a glimpse of the wheel in action, although an in-person visit is highly recommended.

27. Herlong the Carved Dragon, Takoma Park

Herlong the Carved Dragon is a collaborative creation by Lew Morris, his daughter, and renowned woodcarver Jim Calder, Jr. Initially a weathered oak struck by lightning, the tree was transformed into a stunning dragon sculpture, with design contributions from Morris’s daughter, who named it “Herlong,” meaning “river dragon.”

Standing at 16 feet tall, Herlong receives periodic maintenance with stains and oils to preserve its beauty against the elements.

28. Roscoe the Rooster, Takoma Park

Roscoe the Rooster became an unexpected resident of Takoma Park in 1989, charming the community until his death in 1999. His sudden appearance and carefree lifestyle made him an endearing figure, drawing both affection and annoyance from residents.

After his untimely demise, the community erected a statue on Laurel Avenue to commemorate their beloved rooster. Even today, locals dress Roscoe in festive attire, and his memory endures through local publications and a pizzeria named in his honor.

29. College Park Airport and Aviation Museum, College Park

In 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright created the first successful heavier-than-air vehicle, subsequently leading to the establishment of College Park Airport in 1909. This facility became the birthplace of official military pilot training, with the Wright brothers overseeing early flight tests and the subsequent transition to civil aviation, which began in 1911.

Recognized as the “cradle of aviation,” the airport and museum reveal pivotal moments in aviation history, showcasing original aircraft along with replicas, including a glider and the Model B designed by the Wright brothers.

30. Earthoid Water Tank, Germantown

The Earthoid Water Tank in Germantown, painted to mirror Earth as seen from space, represents an artistic reinterpretation of functional infrastructure. In 1980, students from Montgomery College collaborated to design a tank that would not only serve its purpose but also convey an environmental message.

Artist Peter Freudenberg was recruited for the elaborate project, using satellite images for reference to create a visually striking depiction of our planet, showcasing white clouds, blue oceans, and vibrant green continents, symbolizing the importance of environmental conservation.