Local Guides World
Top Historical places in Baltimore, United States
Top Rated Historical places in Baltimore
Top Reviewed Historical places in Baltimore
Fort Armistead
National Historic Seaport
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
Pratt Street Power Plant
Baltimore, a city steeped in history, is a treasure trove of cultural and architectural gems. In this article, we'll embark on a journey to explore the best historical places in Baltimore, shedding light on their significance and why they are essential destinations for history enthusiasts and curious travelers.
1. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Our historical voyage begins at Fort McHenry, the birthplace of the United States' national anthem, the "Star-Spangled Banner." This historic fort played a crucial role in the War of 1812.
2. Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum
The Edgar Allan Poe House is a must-visit for literature enthusiasts. This is where the famous author lived and wrote some of his most renowned works.
3. The USS Constellation
The USS Constellation, the last sail-only warship built by the U.S. Navy, is an iconic symbol of American naval history. Visitors can step aboard and explore its decks.
4. The B&O Railroad Museum
The B&O Railroad Museum is a paradise for train enthusiasts, featuring a vast collection of historic locomotives and railcars.
5. Mount Vernon Place
Mount Vernon Place is a historic square with cultural institutions like the Peabody Institute and the Walters Art Museum. It's a hub for art and culture in Baltimore.
6. The George Peabody Library
The George Peabody Library, located in the Peabody Institute, is a breathtaking research library with a stunning interior.
7. The Baltimore Museum of Industry
The Baltimore Museum of Industry offers insights into the city's industrial history, with exhibits on manufacturing and technological advancements.
8. The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House
The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House is the place where Mary Pickersgill sewed the iconic flag that inspired the national anthem.
9. The Maryland Historical Society
The Maryland Historical Society houses a vast collection of artifacts and documents, providing a comprehensive view of the state's history.
10. The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum
The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum is a unique institution that showcases the history and achievements of African Americans through lifelike wax figures.
Conclusion
Baltimore's historical places are more than just remnants of the past; they are living testaments to the city's diverse and ever-evolving identity. As you explore these sites, you'll delve into the history of the United States, from the War of 1812 to the industrial revolution and the contributions of African Americans. Whether you're a history buff, a literature lover, or someone with a keen interest in culture and technology, these historical places offer a unique opportunity to connect with the city's rich tapestry. Don't miss the chance to embark on this historical journey and uncover the captivating stories of Baltimore's past.
Reviews
The main building is closed. Only a handful of restaurants remain open - Hard Rock Cafe is one of them. This area used to be bustling with life back in 2017-2018. Not sure what happened - other than the resurgence of crime, complicated by rise of Defund Police movement and inflationary pressures (restaurants closing down). I would not venture at night.
Unfortunately the giant Barnes and Nobles bookstore closed in 2020 and the restaurants left are pricy, tourist traps
Meh salad.
No carrots. No nuts. 1, 0.5 cm chunk of dried ramen. Overpriced. The least impressive meal on my trip to Baltimore.
Expensive. I get charging for protein but seriously the chicken is better at salad works (and that's not a compliment)
No carrots. No nuts. 1, 0.5 cm chunk of dried ramen. Overpriced. The least impressive meal on my trip to Baltimore.
Expensive. I get charging for protein but seriously the chicken is better at salad works (and that's not a compliment)
Very disappointed. Came here with out of town guest and the food was horrible and the presentation of the food was horrible. The waiter was friendly and pleasant. I would not take my cat or dog to this place. It has truly went down .
Awesome people awesome place to visit it's a must when you're here
Very cool place to walk around, and the restaurants are phenomenal. Went to Phillips seafood and had some of the best crab I've ever had!
A little wait but worth it all. Food is kinda pricey so don't expect regular restaurant prices, however, the food is bountiful. Everything was served fresh, fast, and hot. I recommend anyone of the platters, especially if they come with crab cake.
This is the perfect time to walk there. You can walk around and enjoy the breeze while having a happy conversation. There are many restaurants to enjoy. It is downtown Baltimore taking photos is a must.
This is one of the best spots in Baltimore with a lot of history and some fantastic views!
Start at the visitors centre where there's a small gift shop and displays and a movie to watch. It's free to visit the centre and surrounding grounds but there is a charge to go into the fort itself and you get a wristband ($15 for a 7 day pass).
You then walk up to the fort (this is where they'll check your wrist band). One of the best things is the flag changing ceremony at the start and end of the day (do check for the times) as it's very interactive and really an experience to help raise it (especially if it's a calm enough day to put the big one up!).
The fort itself has a variety of areas that you can go in- the open ones will have an Open sign even if the doors shut. The displays are really interesting and well worth looking at. Then you can head up the steps to the ramparts or head to the perimeter of the fort and see the cannons!
Start at the visitors centre where there's a small gift shop and displays and a movie to watch. It's free to visit the centre and surrounding grounds but there is a charge to go into the fort itself and you get a wristband ($15 for a 7 day pass).
You then walk up to the fort (this is where they'll check your wrist band). One of the best things is the flag changing ceremony at the start and end of the day (do check for the times) as it's very interactive and really an experience to help raise it (especially if it's a calm enough day to put the big one up!).
The fort itself has a variety of areas that you can go in- the open ones will have an Open sign even if the doors shut. The displays are really interesting and well worth looking at. Then you can head up the steps to the ramparts or head to the perimeter of the fort and see the cannons!
It was a beautiful fall day and we got to walk along the river to the fort. It starts in the tourist center where there is a multimedia presentation that tells how the fort was the inspiration for the Star Spangled Banner. But there is much more to this fort than that. You will see artifacts, learn about the War of 1812 and how that was a pivotal moment in the history of the US (hint: we weren't always a super power). Layer on top of that the recruiting center for two world wars, an 1100 bed hospital that pioneered plastic surgery for the returning soldiers, statues, and expert guides and you are in for a wonderful experience. There are some really big cannons there too, and examples of different types of shells designed to be effective against people, rigging, or infrastructure.
Now if all you are interested in is people you have a great variety of those too. I could identify at least 12 different languages being spoken from all different parts of the world. The curators are very knowledgeable and it runs deep. Don't hesitate to ask lots of questions to gain some great insights into how things truly were (not exactly like I was taught in third grade).
Now if all you are interested in is people you have a great variety of those too. I could identify at least 12 different languages being spoken from all different parts of the world. The curators are very knowledgeable and it runs deep. Don't hesitate to ask lots of questions to gain some great insights into how things truly were (not exactly like I was taught in third grade).
I lOVE U.S. history! The fort that won the battle that produced the Star Spangle Banner - AWESOME!!!!
You need to watch the movie in the visitor center - all the way to the end. Very nice.
Read the signs inside the fort - so much to learn about the fort, during the war of 1812 and beyond,
You need to watch the movie in the visitor center - all the way to the end. Very nice.
Read the signs inside the fort - so much to learn about the fort, during the war of 1812 and beyond,
We had a great time visiting the fort with family. The staff was very helpful and pleasant. There are great views of the scenery on top of the fort too. I highly recommend stopping by if you are in the area. This is also a national park stamping point.
Very enlightening experience. Seeing how people served and lived in early America was well worth the visit.
Wonderful place! Very well preserved! One of the most historical places in the United States!
A guided tour is absolutely the way to go and is so much easier than any other historical place I've been to!
The access to the different rooms and areas is fantastic! The views are fantastic! It's amazing to think what it would've been like from a historical sense but even today it is so picturesque.
Even if you didn't go as a tourist to the fort, the grounds serve as a nice walking/running path. During the time I was there, I saw numerous people who were clearly not tourists, walking around the area. What a great thing!
Would highly recommend making it a point to stop and see the birthplace of the National Anthem!
A guided tour is absolutely the way to go and is so much easier than any other historical place I've been to!
The access to the different rooms and areas is fantastic! The views are fantastic! It's amazing to think what it would've been like from a historical sense but even today it is so picturesque.
Even if you didn't go as a tourist to the fort, the grounds serve as a nice walking/running path. During the time I was there, I saw numerous people who were clearly not tourists, walking around the area. What a great thing!
Would highly recommend making it a point to stop and see the birthplace of the National Anthem!
Very nice historical site that takes care to tell the stories of its significance across the early years of the country up through its use as a hospital during WW1. The gounds are well kept and open with easy to navigate walkways that take you into the heart of the fort. Once there you can go inside the buildings that are there and see what life was like in the fort previous times. There is an good display of an officer's mess explaining how they would gather to discuss and teach teach tactics to the junior officers. One building is set aside to the significance of the battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812. Outside you can walk the defense line amongst some the cannons and take in the great view of Baltimore's harbor.
It was fantastic, I love walking near water& watching the boats go by as I walk. I didn't stay as long this time, due to so many kids. It may have been summer camps. I thought, let the kids have their fun, I can always return once school reopened.
Although there is a lot of trash and stuff around still a magnificent place full of history. Plus a great view of the Bridge and sunset during the early morning
Love this place. Very historic and also spoke about the story of Francis Scott Key and the role the people of Baltimore played a role in defending the city against British forces during the War Of 1812.
A beautiful fort with a lot of cool history! There’s a great intro video at the entrance of the park with lots of air conditioning. The city itself is also just beautiful looking. If I was a local, I would visit every day!
A living preserved artifact of the past, For McHenry is an awesome national monument! The Fort itself is befit by a nice visitor center and park like Path befit by plaques and small dedications to the surrounding area! The Fort section is just as great! From the outside and going in there are TONS of things to see, with personal highlights for me being the inner center were the buildings are and inner artillery around the walls! Everything is incredibly well preserved and looks just as they did during the days they were first put to use! The staff were great too, being incredibly friendly, talkative and interactive, case in point being when the flag was lowered by them and some tourists in the area! My only gripe is I wish I had gotten a better Souvenir but the pamphlet I got was really nice on its own! Other than that? The small admission fee without any paid parking is a small price to pay for visiting such a cool place! Highly recommended, go there if you're in the area!
Pictures and videos are of the whole monument as a whole and the pamphlet I mentioned!
Pictures and videos are of the whole monument as a whole and the pamphlet I mentioned!
How beautiful this National Park is. Spend the day outdoors. Bring a picnic lunch, chair, and a good book. Sit by the water and enjoy the views. It does cost to walk inside of the Fort and explore, but it does not cost to walk the beautiful trail in the surrounding area. This is mainly a self guided tour and all outdoors. Bring a hat and plenty of sunscreen if you're planning to visit during summer. In the fall/winter dress appropriately. Sweatshirt for the cooler Temps of fall since u are right on the water. Be sure to stop and watch the quick video about the battle and the Star -Spangled Banner. On your way out, don't forget the gift shop. There are some great gifts you can purchase. My favs are always the National Park patches and medallions for my walking stick. If you're a National Park Pass holder, it is free for two people. You can stamp your passport book at the front counter as you check in.
Hard to describe. Had read about the location as an abandoned relic from the 19th and early 20th century so when I was in the area I decided to give it a visit. The road in is not in great condition, abandoned boats, piles and bags of trash (despite the landfill on the way in), and dubious vehicles parked with occupants along the way. The parking lot is vast, one broken bench to be seen and a smashed trashcan to accompany the heaps of trash and further occupied parked cars. Just down the hill is a pier and boat launch which we're getting use. A fair number of people fishing from the lower stretches into the Bay. The paved trail into the fort itself is overgrown and a few eroded shortcuts have been cut straight from the parking. The fort itself has some interesting art, but you are also hard pressed to find a spot without sexual references in the graffiti. There was an odd man walking back and forth along the lower portion where the entrances into the structure were so I stayed clear on top. Almost as if patrolling (and definitely not state or city sponsored security) and I did not wish to find out what for. Overall an interesting site, but felt uneasy and unsafe almost the entire time I was away from sight of the water and those fishing. Too bad, has great potential but sadly neglected.
Educational and informative. Wear good walking shoes. Helpful park Rangers.
Nice place to go fission but there’s a lot of trash lot of potholes and a lot of trees need to be cut. The city needs to clean it up.
An intriguing location for any urbex explorer - Open to the public, but not maintained, so be cautious as always!
Art work is amazing, the place is a very neat spectacle to see. Would advise to go with a friend and have protection. The parking lot has alot of parked cars with possible questionable activities. Would not advise being there at night.
Dirtiest, scariest park we’ve been to in a long time despite the photo. Love to know what meetups a done here but I can guess. Luckily there was a police car on road in and out.
This park is in a beautiful location but the upkeep is horrible. Trash everywhere, abandoned cars, potholes and overall neglect. The potential here can be great! Nice views of the Key bridge and Chesapeake Bay
Very interesting, and easy to see everything in 2 hours. It was free for myself & my son because I have the senior card.
Erinnert ein Bisschen an Hamburg. Tolle Gegend.
Nice park to walk around the loop. It’s about one mile. The tickets are 15 to enter the fort. Plenty of free parking
To see the big ships and yachts up close is a real experience...The coast Guard Yacht is insanely huge its a must see...
Beautiful place to visit.
The Inner Harbor never disappoints. Just a great vibe when you walk around. Had some drinks outside over looking the Harbor. We're entertained by someone playing a trumpet, and a small band. Great place to pregame before heading to Camden Yards.
Nice area to walk around.
Not much on fishing but lots of people like fishing here. I go here to fly my drone around and over to the fort. You can also get some nice sunset pictures with the bridge and sometimes sailboats for backdrops.
Very clean and attractive
This free trail is one you can walk/hike, run, or ride your bike on. It is over 250 miles. We walked on part of it since a portion of it is inside of the fort/national monument/shrine. It was a great walk. On it you have beautiful views of Baltimore and the harbor. Worth walking even if you just do some of it. Great exercise and it is a safe area.
Very nice scenery.
One of our favorite places to visit in Baltimore.
Dirty, homeless everywhere, pan handlers all over. Such a shame.