Top 15 Attractions & Activities in Aberdeen, Maryland

Situated in Harford County, Aberdeen is an expanding city located at the head of the Chesapeake Bay, near the confluence of the Susquehanna River and the bay. The picturesque scenery surrounding Aberdeen represents some of the most stunning landscapes along the Eastern Seaboard, especially during sunrise over the water.

The charming town of Havre de Grace is less than ten minutes away, featuring a beautiful boardwalk, a historic lighthouse, and various museums that reflect the rich culture of the Chesapeake Bay.

Additionally, Aberdeen is the birthplace of Cal Ripken, Jr., a Hall of Fame baseball player for the Orioles, who acquired a Minor League baseball team for the city in 2002.

A significant local employer is the Aberdeen Proving Ground, a U.S. Army facility established in 1917, and its history is conveyed through various exhibits at the Aberdeen Historical Museum.

1. Ripken Stadium

Aberdeen is known as the hometown of baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr., along with his brother Billy Ripken and their father, Cal Ripken, Sr. (1935-1999). The Ripken family has been closely associated with the Baltimore Orioles, participating in various capacities as players and coaches.

In 2002, Cal Ripken, Jr. acquired the Utica Blue Sox and transitioned them to Aberdeen as the IronBirds, erecting the 6,000-seat Ripken Stadium in time for the 2002 season. The team participates in the South Atlantic League as a minor league affiliate of the Orioles, including notable players like Manny Machado and Nick Markakis among its alumni.

The stadium was intentionally designed to resemble Camden Yards, featuring a replica of the iconic B&O Warehouse. Adjacent to the stadium is a baseball park utilized by the Ripken Experience for youth players, showcasing more replicas of MLB landmarks such as Wrigley Field.

2. Downtown Aberdeen

Colorful and spacious, downtown Aberdeen is bustling during large public events such as Second Saturday in summer, Christmas Street celebrations, and Earth Day in spring.

Festival Park, the prime location for significant outdoor gatherings, is the focal point of these events. As you explore downtown, you will notice an increasing variety of local shops, services, and dining options.

The top restaurants include Scoops Corner Cafe & Deli (34 W. Bel Air Ave), Frank’s Pizza (37 W Bel Air Ave), and Prost German Restaurant (102 N Rogers St). The latter is a notable establishment, offering an authentic menu featuring schnitzel, gulasch, and various German sausages, along with an extensive selection of German beers.

3. Festival Park

Adjacent to the City Hall and key city departments, including the police and public library, Festival Park serves as a charming town green for Aberdeen. The park, bordered by a tree-lined path, features a spacious oval grassy area suitable for outdoor events, along with a large stage and pavilion at the southeastern end. Close by, you will find a 9/11 memorial containing a piece of steel recovered from the World Trade Center.

On the northern side, there are numerous tree-shaded picnic tables and two playgrounds for children. Festival Park hosts a variety of events throughout the year, particularly the Second Saturday festivities. Ample parking is available along all four sides of the park.

4. Havre de Grace

Located just five minutes from Aberdeen is Havre de Grace, renowned for its breathtaking scenery, rich seafood culture, and numerous marinas lining the shore. Situated at the mouth of the Susquehanna River, Havre de Grace offers various attractions.

For breathtaking views, a scenic boardwalk stretches from Tydings Park to the lighthouse at Concord Point. Additionally, visitors will find five exceptional museums in Havre de Grace, two of which are particularly worthwhile: the acclaimed Decoy Museum, highlighting a cherished art form of the Chesapeake Bay, and the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum, showcasing hundreds of years of local history including events surrounding the War of 1812.

5. Concord Point Lighthouse

The iconic symbol of Havre de Grace, the 36-foot Concord Point Lighthouse has been guiding vessels at the mouth of the Susquehanna River since 1827. As the northernmost lighthouse on the Chesapeake Bay and the second-oldest existing lighthouse in Maryland, it holds historical significance for its role during the War of 1812, where it was the site of a cannon battery that defended the town against British forces.

The lighthouse served as a navigation aid for 148 years until its decommissioning in the 1970s, and today, along with the quaint Keeper’s House, it is preserved as a popular visitor attraction along the Havre de Grace promenade.

Guided educational tours are offered on weekends from April to October, conducted by dedicated volunteer keepers.

6. Aberdeen Second Saturdays

From May to October, Festival Park becomes the center of activity on the second Saturday of each month, featuring a series of events that commence in the afternoon and continue into the evening.

The day begins with a farmers’ market, offering fresh, local produce, along with unique arts and crafts. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic blankets or chairs, as following the market, live music performances are staged at the pavilion, creating a festive atmosphere.

As dusk approaches, guests can enjoy a movie under the stars, organized by Horizon Cinemas, which also provides complimentary popcorn.

7. Susquehanna State Park

Spanning a vast area in the lower Susquehanna River Valley, Susquehanna State Park is approximately 15 minutes from Aberdeen and encompasses over 2,750 acres of rugged terrain, characterized by rocky outcrops and dense hardwood forests. The park provides ample opportunities for active recreation, including some of the finest mountain biking trails in the state, 15 miles of hiking paths, as well as fishing and boating along the riverbank.

In addition to outdoor activities, the park is rich in history, featuring sites such as the Rock Run Grist Mill (1794), the 1804 Carter-Archer Mansion, which was the residence of the mill owner, the historic Susquehanna & Tidewater Canal (1836), and the Jersey Toll House (circa 1817). Notably, the privately-operated Steppingstone Farm Museum within the park illustrates rural skills and livelihoods from the early 20th century. Furthermore, a well-maintained campground is available, offering both primitive and electric sites along with modern shower facilities.

8. Aberdeen Historical Museum

Positioned adjacent to Festival Park in downtown Aberdeen, the local history museum resides in a quaint one-story commercial building. Operated by volunteers, this museum is typically open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, chronicling various aspects of Aberdeen’s history.

The central permanent exhibition addresses topics such as local railroads, the canning industry, notable local figures, historic businesses, sports, and the long-standing legacy of the Aberdeen Proving Ground. One of the museum’s special focuses is baseball, featuring an extensive collection of memorabilia related to the IronBirds and the Ripken family. During the summer months, the museum extends its hours for Second Saturdays.

9. Bulle Rock Golf Course

Havre de Grace features one of Maryland’s premier public golf courses, located just five minutes from downtown Aberdeen. Established in 1998, Bulle Rock was designed by renowned course architect Pete Dye (1925-2020) and served as the venue for the Women’s PGA Championship for five consecutive years between 2005 and 2009.

The course is set atop a scenic hill, providing panoramic views of the Chesapeake Bay, situated on the former Blenheim Stud Farm. The name “Bulle Rock” pays homage to the first thoroughbred racehorse imported to America in the 18th century.

Bulle Rock is renowned for its challenging layout, stretching 7,374 yards from the championship tees. Signature holes include the 483-yard uphill 5th (par 4), the expansive 665-yard 11th (par 5), and the visually stunning 18th (par 3), bordered by water.

10. Lohr’s Orchard

Founded in 1928 and relocated to its present location a few minutes from Aberdeen in Churchville in 1974, Lohr’s Orchard operates as a family-run establishment. The farm stand remains open throughout the fruit and vegetable season and extends operations beyond Christmas.

During the summer and fall, visitors can participate in fruit-picking activities for strawberries, peaches, cherries, apples, and pumpkins, complete with a hayride experience. The farm stand offers high-quality fresh produce and collaborates with several local farms to provide customers with cheeses, jams, jellies, ice cream, granola, artisan sodas, and much more.

Notably, Lohr’s has specialized in fresh-pressed apple cider since the 1960s, drawing people from afar for its delicious cider and pumpkin donuts.

11. Mount Felix Vineyard & Winery

Perched on elevated land that offers sweeping views of the Chesapeake Bay, Mount Felix Vineyard & Winery is set within a charming brick manor house dating back to the 1830s. The location is ideal for viticulture, characterized by fertile, well-drained soils, invigorating breezes from the bay, and an abundance of sunlight on the south-facing slopes.

Mount Felix produces a diverse array of dry blends, including Mitchell’s Manor (Viognier/Chardonnay) and RedFish (Cabernet Sauvignon/Chambourcin/Merlot), alongside several sweet fruit wines. During visits to the tasting room, guests are welcome to enjoy their selections outdoors while taking in the picturesque vistas.

12. Aberdeen Family Swim Center

Located just off Paradise Rd in northern Aberdeen, the community pool known as the Aberdeen Family Swim Center is an excellent option for families seeking summer activities during school breaks. It is regarded as one of the most affordable facilities of its kind in the region.

The main feature is an Olympic-size 50-meter pool, which includes a large shallow area starting at 3 feet deep, ensuring safety for younger and less experienced swimmers. A separate kiddie pool is available for toddlers, alongside ample seating for parents to relax. Seasonal memberships are available for non-residents, or visitors can opt to pay a walk-in fee for individual access.

13. Eagles on Main

During winter, the shoreline of Aberdeen becomes a vital habitat for bald eagles, with hundreds of these majestic birds documented near the Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) each year. This species has seen exponential growth from a mere one nesting couple in the 1970s, following federal DDT bans and a reduction in human development at the APG.

Aberdeen proudly acknowledges its connection to these eagles through a scavenger hunt in the downtown area, perfect for families. Ten rocks, each painted with images of bald eagles, are hidden throughout the city center. Clues to locate these rocks can be downloaded from the Aberdeen city website.

14. Horizon Cinemas Aberdeen

Opened in 2020 in a repurposed supermarket at the Aberdeen MarketPlace, Horizon Cinemas offers local residents a modern multiplex experience. The Maryland-specific chain currently operates five locations, with the Aberdeen site featuring eight screens equipped with comfortable rocker or recliner seating, high-quality sound, and excellent picture clarity.

A unique aspect of this cinema is the on-site bar, which is relatively rare among movie theaters, offering a variety of hot food options, including appetizers such as mozzarella sticks, soft pretzels, nachos, and chicken tenders, along with flatbread pizza and delectable treats like funnel cake fries.

15. Legends of the Fog

One of the region’s premier haunted attractions, Legends of the Fog is located in the countryside of Aberdeen and opens on weekend evenings throughout October and into early November. This indoor-outdoor experience is particularly famous for its extensive haunted hayride, often regarded as the best in the state, featuring a thrilling escape from zombie hordes.

Another highlight is the haunted corn maze, which expands in size each season, along with a haunted house filled with creatively designed terrors, featuring a staggering 70 doors to navigate. Recently added is the Slaughterhouse, situated immediately after the corn maze, home to menacing mutant butchers. During its final weekend in early November, Legends of the Fog presents a heightened scare experience in almost complete darkness.