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Havre de Grace

Havre de Grace, Maryland, United States

Havre de Grace, located in Maryland, United States, is a picturesque waterfront town that offers visitors a delightful blend of history, charm, and natural beauty. Situated at the mouth of the Susquehanna River and the h…

#Historic town#Chesapeake Bay#Waterfront#Marina#Lighthouse

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Stay & fly Things to do Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Havre de Grace.

Top Hotels in Havre de Grace

Top Flights to Havre de Grace

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Havre de Grace.

Tours

Havre de Grace Promenade

Stroll along the picturesque waterfront promenade and enjoy stunning views of the bay.

Havre de Grace Decoy Museum

Explore the art and history of decoys in waterfowl hunting at this unique museum.

Concord Point Lighthouse

Visit Maryland’s oldest continuously operated lighthouse, offering panoramic views.

Shopping

Main Street Shopping Experience

Explore a variety of local shops offering unique gifts and antiques.

Outdoor

Chesapeake Bay Boat Tour

Enjoy a scenic boat tour of the Chesapeake Bay, offering beautiful sights and a relaxing experience.

Susquehanna State Park Hiking

Explore miles of trails through scenic landscapes along the Susquehanna River.

Tydings Park

A beautiful park along the waterfront, perfect for picnics and family outings.

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Havre de Grace.

Currency

$ | USD | US Dollar

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Havre de Grace, Maryland, is '15,000'.

Languages

English, English

Average weather

Havre de Grace

Jan

5°-3°

Feb

7°-2°

Mar

12°1°

Apr

18°6°

May

24°11°

Jun

29°16°

Jul

31°20°

Aug

30°19°

Sep

26°15°

Oct

19°9°

Nov

13°4°

Dec

7°-1°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Havre de Grace.

What people love

Havre de Grace, located in Maryland, United States, is a charming waterfront town with plenty of reasons to visit. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Havre de Grace:

Scenic Waterfront Views: Havre de Grace is situated at the mouth of the Susquehanna River, offering stunning waterfront views. Visitors can enjoy picturesque sunsets, waterfront dining, and leisurely walks along the promenade.
Historic Attractions: The town is rich in history, with several historic sites and museums to explore. Visitors can learn about Havre de Grace's role in the War of 1812, visit the Concord Point Lighthouse, and explore the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum.
Outdoor Recreation: Havre de Grace is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The town is surrounded by natural beauty, including parks, trails, and waterways for activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and boating.
Quaint Downtown Area: The downtown area of Havre de Grace is filled with charming shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Visitors can stroll along the streets, browse unique boutiques, and enjoy local cuisine.
Events and Festivals: Havre de Grace hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including seafood festivals, boat parades, and cultural celebrations. These events offer a fun and vibrant atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.

Overall, traveling to Havre de Grace offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and small-town charm, making it a delightful destination to explore.

Enjoy your trip to Havre de Grace!

What to know

There are several potential cons to consider when traveling to Havre de Grace, Maryland:

Weather: Havre de Grace experiences all four seasons, with cold winters and hot, humid summers. Depending on your preferences, you may find the weather uncomfortable during certain times of the year.
Tourist Crowds: During peak travel seasons, Havre de Grace can become crowded with tourists, especially around popular attractions such as the Concord Point Lighthouse or the Susquehanna Museum at the Lock House.
Limited Public Transportation: Havre de Grace is a relatively small town with limited public transportation options. Renting a car may be necessary to explore the surrounding areas.
Limited Nightlife: If you are looking for a vibrant nightlife scene, Havre de Grace may not offer as many options compared to larger cities. The town tends to be quieter in the evenings.
Distance from Major Cities: Havre de Grace is located about an hour's drive from Baltimore and Philadelphia, so if you are looking to visit larger metropolitan areas, you may need to factor in travel time.

Overall, Havre de Grace is a charming town with a rich history and picturesque waterfront, but it may not offer the same amenities and conveniences as larger cities. It's important to consider your preferences and travel needs before planning a trip to this destination.

Havre de Grace, Maryland, located in Harford County, is a city with a rich historical background and significant landmarks. Here is a detailed history of the city:

Early History:

The area was originally inhabited by the Susquehannock Native American tribe.
European settlers began to arrive in the late 17th century. The town was named after the French port city of Le Havre ("Havre de Grâce" means "Harbor of Grace" in French).

18th Century:

In 1782, the Marquis de Lafayette reportedly visited the town, and it was then renamed Havre de Grace.
The city was considered as a potential location for the United States capital but ultimately lost to Washington, D.C.

War of 1812:

Havre de Grace played a role in the War of 1812 when it was attacked by British forces under Admiral George Cockburn on May 3, 1813. The town was heavily damaged, but the resilience of its citizens became a significant part of its history.

19th Century:

The city became an important transportation hub due to its location at the mouth of the Susquehanna River and its proximity to the Chesapeake Bay.
The construction of the Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal in the mid-19th century further boosted its significance.

20th Century:

Havre de Grace is known for its rich horse racing history, particularly with the Havre de Grace Racetrack, which operated from 1912 to 1950. It hosted several notable races and was a part of the "Big Three" tracks in Maryland, along with Laurel and Pimlico.

Landmarks and Cultural Heritage:

Concord Point Lighthouse: Built in 1827, it is one of the oldest lighthouses on the Chesapeake Bay and is a prominent historical landmark in the city.
The Havre de Grace Decoy Museum: Reflects the city's heritage in waterfowl hunting and the art of decoy carving.
The Susquehanna Museum at the Lock House: Provides insights into the city's canal history and the role of transportation in its development.

Historical Figures:

John O'Neill: A notable figure during the War of 1812, he is remembered for his defense of Havre de Grace during the British attack.
Marquis de Lafayette: Although not a permanent resident, his visit and influence are commemorated in the city’s name.

Havre de Grace today is known for its picturesque waterfront, vibrant arts scene, and historical significance, making it a popular destination for both history enthusiasts and tourists.