Havre de Grace Attractions
Things to See and Do in Havre de Grace
The Concord Point Light at the foot of Lafayette Street, is one of the oldest lighthouses in continual use on the East Coast. The Concord Point Lighthouse was constructed in 1827. The lighthouse is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays, April to October, from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. The top of the lighthouse affords a spectacular view of the Chesapeake Bay.
The Havre de Grace Maritime Museum is located at 100 Lafayette Street, near the Concord Point Light. The museum tells about the region’s maritime heritage.
The Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, is located near the lighthouse and Maritime Museum, on the banks of the historic Susquehanna Flats, houses one of the finest collections of working decoys from the Chesapeake Bay and the Country. The Decoy Museum is dedicated to preserving the tradition of hand carved decoys.
The Susquehanna Museum is located in a restored 1836 lock house on the Susquehanna River, at the intersection of Erie and Conesto Streets. This building served as a home for the lock tender and a toll collecting station for vessels headed north toward Pennsylvania. The museum offers a display of Havre de Grace history. Please visit the Susquehanna Museum website for more information.
Experience Maryland’s maritime history first hand aboard the Skipjack Martha Lewis. The Martha Lewis is one of the few remaining working oyster dredging sailing vessels. The 49 foot ship offers public “discovery cruises” on the weekends, April through October.
If you would like like to learn to sail, or if you’re a sailor in need of a boat, BaySail School and Yacht Charters, located in Tidewater Marina, offers American Sailing Association approved training facilities and a selection of new and recent model yachts for charter. Available courses include basic sailing, coastal cruising, and coastal navigation.
Enjoy a visit to Tydings Park, an eight acre wooded park with sweeping views of the City Marina and the Susquehanna River. Tydings Park has a picnic area, playground, and pavilion. Adjacent to the Havre de Grace City Yacht Basin and entrance to the Havre de Grace Promenade. Stroll along the 1/2 mile boardwalk Promenade which connects Tydings Park, the Decoy Museum, and Concord Point Light.
Havre de Grace’s many parks provide visitors with lots of opportunities for waterfront access. Besides the larger waterfront Tydings Park, there are four additional smaller waterfront parks. David Craig Park is a small park located near the entrance to downtown Havre de Grace on Union Avenue. Jean Roberts Park, with a public boat ramp and covered picnic area is accessible from Route 40. Hutchins Park, at the foot of Congress Avenue, has a fishing pier and public restroom facilities. North Park is located adjacent to the Susquehanna Museum of Havre de Grace at the Lockhouse at Erie and Conesto Streets.
On Saturdays, May through October, you can visit the Havre de Grace farmers market. The farmers market is set up on Pennington Avenue between Washington Street and Union Avenue. The farmers market sells local seasonal produce, jellies, jams, baked goods, small shrubs and ornamental grasses. Hours are 9:00am to noon.
Golfers will want to plan on playing a round at the famous Bulle Rock Golf Course. The course, designed by Pete Dye and considered to be one of the best public courses in Maryland, has hosted the LPGA championship many times. Call ahead to reserve your tee time. You can play with a cart or take advantage of Bulle Rock’s traditional walking caddie program.
The nearby Susquehanna State Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities for visitors. The 2,500 acre park is located on the banks of the Susquehanna River, just outside of Havre de Grace. The main attractions at the park are the Carter Mansion, the Rock Run Mill, and the Jersey Toll House. The Rock Run Mill was recently restored and visitors can see corn ground into meal. Susquehanna State Park is also home to the Steppingstone Museum, a turn-of-the-century working farm. Museum buildings include a farmhouse, furnished as a turn-of-the century country home; the Blacksmith Shop; various tool shops; carriage barn; weaving room; veterinarian’s office; general store; and display barn.
Aberdeen, home to the Aberdeen Proving Grounds and Ripken Stadium, is located about six miles southwest along Route 40 (Pulaski Highway). Aberdeen is the location of Ripken Stadium, where Cal Ripken’s minor league Iron Birds baseball team plays. The Proving Ground is a United States Army facility for the design and testing of ordinances (i.e. weapons and ammunition). There are a number of hotels in Aberdeen which are good options for people visiting Havre de Grace.
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