Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Havre de Grace, MD

Often regarded as one of the most charming small towns in the nation, Havre de Grace is situated along the waterfront where the Susquehanna River converges with the Upper Chesapeake Bay.

The allure of this location was not overlooked by Lafayette (1757-1834), who played a role in naming the town. In 1789, Havre de Grace was just a single vote away from being designated as the inaugural capital of the United States.

The downtown area is positioned on a gentle hill descending towards a series of marinas and a picturesque promenade that leads to the second-oldest lighthouse in Maryland.

Havre de Grace boasts postcard-like beauty but also features a variety of museums and a vibrant downtown area that will captivate your attention longer than anticipated.

1. Havre de Grace Promenade

For breathtaking views of the Chesapeake Bay and a captivating historical overview, one may traverse this length of boardwalk, which winds from Tydings Park to Concord Point.

The Havre de Grace Promenade spans approximately three-quarters of a mile and is equipped with numerous benches, allowing visitors to relax and fully appreciate the refreshing breezes and stunning landscapes.

Should you choose to walk this route in winter, you may be fortunate enough to see bald eagles soaring overhead. Early risers will be greeted with a sunrise that promises to be unforgettable.

The boardwalk also serves as an outdoor museum, featuring interpretive signage detailing the 1813 Raid on Havre de Grace during the War of 1812 and aiding in the identification of various waterfowl.

2. Concord Point Lighthouse

Walking the Havre de Grace Promenade will lead you to the base of the city’s iconic landmark: a historic lighthouse at the very juncture of the Susquehanna River and the bay.

The Concord Point Lighthouse, operational until 1975, was built in 1827 and stands as the northernmost lighthouse on the bay. Constructed from Port Deposit granite, it measures 36 feet in height, and its original beacon was lit by nine whale-oil lamps.

Adjacent to the lighthouse is the Lighthouse Keeper’s House, accessible for self-guided tours on weekends between April and October. Concord Point is also notable for being one of the sites of the city’s batteries during the Raid on Havre de Grace in the War of 1812.

3. Downtown Havre de Grace

The historic center of Havre de Grace is situated uphill from the waterfront, offering occasional stunning views over the bay.

Primarily located along St John St, Washington St, and their adjacent streets, this neighborhood is easily navigable on foot, featuring a variety of galleries, gift shops, antique stores, distinctive design boutiques, and candy shops.

Along the way, visitors will frequently encounter charming coffee shops, tea rooms, bakeries, restaurants, wine bars, and pubs.

Diverse dining options abound, but as expected, the local culinary scene is heavily influenced by Chesapeake Bay seafood specialties, including crab cakes, soft shell crab, and crab dip.

The downtown area is framed by historic residential neighborhoods, and just a few blocks away, one can stroll through tree-lined streets adorned with grand 19th-century homes.

4. Susquehanna State Park

Just a short distance upstream from Havre de Grace lies a rugged and densely wooded expanse of the Susquehanna River, waiting to be explored.

Susquehanna State Park spans over 2,750 acres and features approximately 15 miles of trails, providing some of the region’s premier terrain for mountain biking. One particularly scenic route is the Susquehanna Ridge Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the valley.

In the Rock Run Historic Area, several notable sites can be explored, including the Rock Run Grist Mill (circa 1800) and a portion of the Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal, along with its accompanying toll house and the Carter-Archer Mansion (1804), originally built for the mill’s proprietor.

The park’s river is also a prime location for fishing, either from the banks or via a boat ramp, with species such as perch, pike, and bass commonly caught in these waters.

5. Havre de Grace Decoy Museum

The art of crafting lifelike wooden waterfowl decoys has reached new heights on the Chesapeake Bay.

Originally designed to attract waterfowl within shooting range, the finest decoys have evolved into sophisticated collector’s items that command impressive prices.

This skilled artistry is celebrated at the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, established in 1986 to safeguard a distinctive aspect of local cultural heritage. On the first floor, visitors can learn how the Susquehanna Flats and its abundant waterfowl attracted hunters in the 19th century.

The second floor features the Carvers’ Gallery, showcasing remarkable carvings by renowned artisans such as Steve and Lem Ward, Charlie Bryan, Paul Gibson, Evans McKinney, and Bob Litzenberg.

6. Lock House Museum

A significant piece of the 19th-century history of Havre de Grace is the Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal.

Constructed in the late 1830s between Wrightsville, PA and Havre de Grace, this 43-mile waterway provided an alternative shipping route to navigate the challenging Susquehanna River.

For roughly 60 years, the canal facilitated the transport of coal, lumber, flint, slate, and agricultural goods from Pennsylvania’s interior to the coast. Situated within a preserved lock house dating back to 1840, this museum narrates the story of the canal, its industries, cargo, and the intricate mechanisms of its locks.

The two-story Greek Revival structure adds to the museum’s charm; it served as both a residence for the lock tender and an office for the canal’s toll collector.

7. Havre de Grace Maritime Museum

A must-visit location near Concord Point, the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum explores the region’s rich maritime heritage.

One permanent exhibit delves into the Underground Railroad in the Havre de Grace region, examining the role of the waterways and the individuals involved in assisting enslaved people in their escape via Pennsylvania.

Temporary exhibits address a variety of topics related to the Chesapeake Bay, such as its productive fisheries, early 17th-century exploration, historical ice harvesting, the Coast Guard, recreation, fluctuating waterfowl, shipbuilding, navigation, and much more.

8. Havre de Grace Farmers’ Market

Every Saturday morning from May to mid-December, Havre de Grace hosts a highly regarded farmers’ market, offering ultra-fresh produce, pasture-raised meats, cheeses, eggs, honey, baked goods, local wines, and a variety of artisanal products such as pottery and woodcraft.

This market takes place at Hutchins Park, a scenic waterfront area located directly southeast of the downtown district. During other times, visitors may also enjoy a leisurely walk here following a meal at one of the nearby restaurants.

The park is also the venue for Havre de Grace’s annual Independence Day concert, and provides an excellent viewing point for the subsequent fireworks display.

9. Steppingstone Farm Museum

This distinct private museum within Susquehanna State Park is situated on a preserved farm that appears to be frozen in time, representing rural life at the turn of the 20th century.

This land, known as the Land of Promise, has a history that dates back to 1684. A collection of buildings allows visitors to explore various skills and technologies that were integral to rural life in Maryland over a century ago.

Surrounding the stone farmhouse, one can find a wheelwright, blacksmith shop, woodshop, cannery, machine barn, carriage barn, corn crib, orchard, and barnyard. Additionally, the museum features a stage and field for annual events, such as the Folk and Bluegrass Festival held in August.

10. Ripken Stadium

Cal Ripken, Jr., a distinguished Oriole shortstop and Hall of Famer, was born in Havre de Grace and grew up in nearby Aberdeen.

In 2001, Ripken acquired the Utica Blue Sox and relocated the team to his hometown, subsequently constructing the impressive 6,000-seat Ripken Stadium for their inaugural season in 2002.

At the time of compiling this list, the Aberdeen IronBirds were competing in MiLB’s South Atlantic League as the High-A affiliate of the Orioles.

One notable former player includes the multiple all-star Manny Machado. A wonderful summer family outing, Ripken Stadium offers entertainment between innings, Friday night fireworks, and a design reminiscent of Camden Yards, featuring a replica of the B&O Warehouse towering over right field.

11. Havre de Grace Marine Center

Extending from Concord Park up to the Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge, the waterfront in Havre de Grace is uninterrupted, featuring a succession of marinas, docks, piers, and jetties.

Two of these marinas, located in the north (Havre de Grace Marina) and center (Log Pond Marina), are operated by the Havre de Grace Marine Center, which offers dock slips, moorings, a two-ton lift, and a comprehensive suite of services ranging from washing to canvas repairs.

For visitors, kayak and Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) rentals are available for durations of two to six hours, providing an opportunity to explore the Upper Chesapeake Bay at your leisure.

12. M/V Summer Breeze

To venture out onto the Chesapeake Bay, encounter its natural beauty firsthand, and learn more about its extensive history, one may consider taking a cruise.

The most accessible option is the M/V Summer Breeze, which comprises two Trident USCG COI passenger vessels measuring 45 feet and 35 feet in length.

From May through October, the company schedules a series of public sightseeing tours, conducted by a friendly and knowledgeable crew.

There’s always something captivating to observe on the estuary, from large commercial vessels to splendid waterfowl. Three cruise options are available: Happy Hour Cruise, Signature Cruise (typically on weekends), and the Relaxation Sunset Cruise.

13. Millard Tydings Memorial Park

Situated at the western end of the promenade, this tranquil park is positioned on a slope overlooking the Havre de Grace Basin Marina and Park Island to the south.

Alongside the promenade, Tydings Park features a network of interconnecting paths, equipped with benches, providing sweeping views amidst plenty of tree cover.

A charming gazebo can be found on the eastern side, while a children’s playground is located to the west, along with a public boat ramp adjacent to the marina.

Tydings Park is also home to one of Havre de Grace’s favored dining establishments, The Promenade Grille, which serves burgers, Maryland crab cakes, and a diverse range of seafood platters.

14. Mount Felix Vineyard & Winery

Nestled in the hills surrounding Havre de Grace is one of the largest plantings of Chambourcin grapes in the state.

This is Mount Felix Vineyard & Winery, nestled within a historic brick mansion dating back to the 1830s, offering stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River.

In the tasting room, visitors are invited to step outside and take in the views while enjoying a glass of wine.

This location is particularly favorable for viticulture, benefitting from gentle ocean breezes, fertile, well-drained soils, and consistent sunshine on its southeastern slopes.

The winery produces a range of dry blends, most prominently featuring Chambourcin, alongside a selection of sweet fruit wines.

15. Bulle Rock Golf Course

Located on elevated terrain just inland from Havre de Grace is a premier public golf course, recognized as the best in Maryland.

Designed by the esteemed architect Pete Dye, Bulle Rock Golf Course has garnered multiple awards since its opening in 1998 and has hosted the LPGA Championship from 2005 to 2009.

The combination of spectacular teeing locations and exceptional course conditions will create an experience that feels akin to participating in a major tournament.

Notably, the course is recognized for its length, featuring a front nine set in open terrain, exposed to wind, and a back nine that winds through narrow corridors of pines.

Bulle Rock Golf Course occupies land once home to the Blenheim Golf Course and is named after the first thoroughbred racehorse introduced to America in 1730.