Looking for a weekend getaway packed with waterfront views, fascinating history, local art, and small-town charm?
Havre de Grace, Maryland, delivers exactly that, with scenic landscapes, historic landmarks, unique museums, and plenty of surprises around every corner.
Over the course of a weekend, you can stroll along the water, uncover stories from the town’s past, admire creative public artwork, and browse massive antique collections.
1. Havre de Grace Promenade
Havre de Grace Promenade stretches along the Susquehanna River waterfront, giving you sweeping views where the river meets the Chesapeake Bay.
Stretching three-quarters of a mile, this boardwalk features benches, fishing areas, and a scenic setting beside the 1827 Concord Point Lighthouse.
As you stroll, you can watch sailboats glide past, spot herons and ospreys along the shoreline, and enjoy easy access to nearby attractions like the Maritime Museum.
If you visit early or stay until evening, you’ll be treated to colorful skies reflecting across the water and some of the best photo opportunities in town.
2. Millard Tydings Memorial Park
Just a two-minute walk from the promenade, Millard Tydings Memorial Park spans 22 acres and offers even more space to enjoy Havre de Grace’s beautiful shoreline.
The park is famous for its wide-open lawns, paved walking paths, picnic areas, playground, and charming white gazebo nestled beneath tall shade trees.
Here, you can relax, watch boats travel between the river and the Chesapeake Bay, or catch special events like outdoor concerts, festivals, and community celebrations.
Whether you’re stopping by for a quick stroll or lingering for the day, this spot offers a peaceful escape in the heart of Havre de Grace.
3. Havre de Grace Decoy Museum
Next, head over to the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, a fascinating attraction that highlights the Chesapeake Bay’s rich tradition of decoy making and waterfowl hunting.
It’s home to several standout exhibits, including “Gunning the Flats,” “Influences of African Americans on Decoy Making,” and the historic R. Madison Mitchell Decoy Shop.
You’ll also find interactive displays, narrated dioramas, and galleries that explore the people, traditions, and natural resources that shaped life in the region.
Even if you know nothing about decoys, the impressive craftsmanship and attention to detail make this museum a worthwhile stop.
4. Havre de Grace Maritime Museum
Now visit Havre de Grace Maritime Museum, which offers a closer look at the maritime traditions and environmental history of the Lower Susquehanna River region.
This museum explores everything from commercial fishing and duck hunting to the history of wooden workboats and the people who made their living on the water.
Don’t miss “The Underground Railroad: Other Voices of Freedom,” an immersive exhibit that explores the routes and waterways that helped enslaved individuals escape to freedom.
It’s the kind of place that helps connect the landmarks you see around town with the stories behind them.
5. Concord Point Lighthouse
From the museum, make your way to Concord Point Lighthouse, one of Havre de Grace’s most famous landmarks and the second-oldest lighthouse in Maryland.
Built in 1827, this 36-foot-tall tower stands at the point where the Susquehanna River flows into the Chesapeake Bay and helped guide ships for more than 100 years.
Today, you can walk around the lighthouse grounds, explore the keeper’s house, and enjoy sweeping views of the river, bay, and passing boats.
It’s the perfect place to pause, stretch your legs, and soak in the waterfront atmosphere.
6. Graw Alley Art Park
After exploring Havre de Grace’s historic waterfront landmarks, add a splash of color to your itinerary with a visit to Graw Alley Art Park, one of the city’s most creative spots.
It’s a one-acre outdoor gallery tucked into a transformed alleyway, showcasing murals, sculptures, and ever-changing artwork by local and regional artists.
As you wander through, you’ll find everything from life-size horse sculptures honoring thoroughbreds that once raced at the Graw to peaceful spots to sit and take it all in.
The compact space is perfect for a quick stop, and its eye-catching artwork and photo-worthy backdrops make it a fun contrast to the nearby museums and parks.
7. Seneca Cannery Antiques
Once you’ve checked out the murals, switch gears and spend some time treasure hunting at Seneca Cannery Antiques, the largest antique mall in Harford and Cecil Counties.
Inside this 20,000-square-foot historic building, you’ll find three floors packed with antiques, collectibles, furniture, books, jewelry, and plenty of unexpected gems.
Every room and shelf offers something different, making the experience feel more like a treasure hunt than a typical shopping trip.
So plan to spend a few hours taking it all in, because there’s far more to see than first meets the eye.
8. Lock House Museum
Last but not least is the Lock House Museum, a seasonal site open from April through October that brings the story of the Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal to life.
Located just a 5-minute drive from Seneca Cannery Antiques, it’s housed in a restored 1840 brick lock house that offers a peek into the region’s transportation past and its impact on industry.
Inside, you’ll find artifacts, a working scale model of the lock, and furnished rooms that show what life was like along the canal during the 1800s.
If you have extra time, follow the free 1.5-mile Joe K. Trail, which crosses bridges, winds through wetlands, and offers plenty of wildlife-viewing opportunities.
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