Havre De Grace: Lighthouse, Museums, and River Landscapes

Havre De Grace combines maritime history, regional culture, and the landscape along the Susquehanna River. The Concord Point Lighthouse is particularly impressive: It is located directly at the mouth of the Susquehanna River, where it flows into the Chesapeake Bay. This makes it a natural starting point for exploring a place where the river and bay landscapes are directly connected. Those planning a trip with a variety of ideas for each day will find both historical subjects and paths and activities on the water here.

Lighthouse, Lock House, and Theater History

The Concord Point Lighthouse was built in 1827 and served as a navigational aid for 148 years. During its seasonal opening hours, admission to the inside of the lighthouse and to the Keeper’s House Museum is free. This allows visitors to view the historic site not only from the outside but also to connect it with its function as a navigational landmark for shipping.

Another glimpse into the town’s past leads to the Lock House. While the canal was in operation from 1840 through the 1890s, the building served both as the home of the lockkeeper and his family and as the toll collector’s office. The Cultural Center at the Opera House was built in 1870. Its historic theater is now used for live music and performing arts productions. Depending on your preferred travel focus, you can therefore include historic buildings and cultural performances in your plans.

Museums with Regional Stories

The Havre de Grace Decoy Museum preserves traditions of waterfowl hunting and decoy carving in the Chesapeake Bay, as well as the region’s ecological heritage. Exhibits include carved decoys, historic hunting boats, sinkboxes, and folk art. The museum is open seven days a week year-round, which can be helpful when planning a flexible trip.

At the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum, an interactive exhibition explores the Underground Railroad in the greater Havre de Grace area. Another exhibition focuses on the John Smith Trail and the Susquehannocks and invites visitors to discover life in the Upper Bay 400 years ago. These subjects give your stay a historical perspective that extends beyond individual buildings.

Loop Trail and Experiences on the Water

For a quieter activity, the Joe K. Trail is available. The free, self-guided loop trail is 1.5 miles long.

The Susquehanna River also offers its own travel ideas: Opportunities for kayaking and canoeing extend to its mouth at the Chesapeake Bay. Access to the Susquehanna Flats begins with a launch at Millard Tydings Memorial Park in Havre de Grace. When choosing a vacation rental, the desired mix of museum visits, historical insights, the loop trail, and water activities can therefore determine the right starting point for your trip planning. Not every activity has to complement the same daily itinerary; Havre De Grace offers different thematic ways to explore its history and landscape.

More Destinations

For further searches, you can also explore Belcamp, Whiteford, Bel Air, Abingdon, Pylesville, Forest Hill, Aberdeen, and Edgewood.

For the higher-level travel overview: Harford.