Location: Havre de Grace
Top Things to do in Havre de Grace
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9 Budget-friendly Things to do in Havre de Grace That You Shouldn't Miss
Havre de Grace /ˌhævər dɪˈɡreɪs/ ( listen), abbreviated HdG, is a city in Harford County, Maryland, situated at the mouth of the Susquehanna River and the head of Chesapeake Bay. It is named after the port city of Le Havre, France, which in full was once Le Havre de Grâce (French, "Harbor of Grace"). The population was 12,952 at the 2010 United States Census. The city was honored as one of America's 20 best small towns to visit in 2014 by Smithsonian magazine.
Restaurants in Havre de Grace
1. Havre de Grace Decoy Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By timrayf - Middletown, United States
Nice museum by the water with a great collection of vintage decoys and hunting memorabilia. Very informative and I learned a lot of new things about duck and waterfowl hunting.
2. Mount Felix Vineyard & Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Right off I-95 at exit 89 (less than a minute)-just went to a wine tasting there. Beautiful views of the Susquehanna River and vineyard. All wines designed with the history of the town or the house/vineyard itself. Wonderful hospitality. Perfect break from I-95 traffic. Has signs on the highway.
Reviewed By 703BillB703 - Bel Air, United States
Mount Felis Vineyards is based in a 1830s estate with great views of the Chesapeake Bay. Signage at the entrance on the main road is very minimal, and I have missed finding and visiting the place twice. Fortunately on this beautiful spring day I paid very close attention and turned on the farm lane at the right time. The property is surrounded by dairy farms, so one is first greeted by friendly cows. Parking is plentiful as is seating on terraces surrounding in main house and tasting room. I tried a flight of the 5 dry wines, one chardonnay, one rose and three red blends all were pleasant, though wines in this part of Maryland have a sort of earthy quality. I bought the rose and two of the reds to take home. The owner and server were friendly and helpful with history and explanations of their processes. Snacks like chips can be bought, but some of the small groups seated outside had brought food for a sort of picnic. Next time I will definitely remember the road.
3. Susquehanna State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 129 reviews
Reviewed By Pannipannini - Maryland, United States
We came to hike the scenic Mason-Dixon trail along the Susquehanna. The first 3.5 miles are flat, parallel to the river. Starting at the railroad bridge, the first mile is a well-traveled wooded path followed by a much wider rail/bike trail to the dam. Despite covid, it’s moderately used but there was plenty of room to avoid others. At the dam, the trail starts heading finally into the woods and becomes sparsely used. We walked a pleasant 7+ miles. Good for kids and adults of all ages. Great scenery - birds, water, flowers.
4. Steppingstone Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By 703BillB703 - Bel Air, United States
Signage from the main Route 155 to the Stepping Stone Museum is clear. It is located within Susquehanna State Park, meaning one could make a full day of sight seeing in the area. One is "welcomed" at the entrance of the property by old farm equipment. One drives slowly past the main house and outbuildings to the parking lot where one is again greeted by a coop of very large chickens. There are paved paths that make the walk around the well kept grounds easy. One can see outbuildings that aid in the smooth running of a late 19th Century farm like the blacksmith and woodwork shops. From the back of the main house one looks out into the forest and can even see the river. Don't forget to collect a brochure highlighting upcoming events near the door of the main office.
5. Havre de Grace Promenade
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 355 reviews
Reviewed By Bubby3421 - Belcamp, United States
Lovely place to walk and take pictures by the water. Very relaxing and easy walk, I believe it’s about 2 miles and it takes you down by the decoy museum and the lighthouse is always a popular spot. It’s a pretty place for a wedding and a popular picture spot.
6. Millard Tydings Memorial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By ampsone
This park has a nice view of the upper bay and eastern shore as well as a lot of equipment for kids to play on such as a dragon (!) and climbing gyms. Great for the under 8 set!
7. Concord Point Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 211 reviews
Reviewed By 703BillB703 - Bel Air, United States
Concord Point provides an important lesson in early 19th Century Havre de Grace history. The Point itself was the location of efforts to defend the city during the War of 1812. Ironically the classic light house made of granite from nearby Port Deposit was not constructed until 15 years later. Although not functioning as a light house today, it did operate for longer than others in the Chesapeake region. The site includes well maintained walkways, a pier along the waterfront, the light house keepers house, informative historical plaques, and the cannon that tried to hold off the British invaders. Concord Point is a must see for everyone visiting the city.
8. Lock House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Riverfront museum in an 1840s house focusing on the history of the Susquehanna and Tidewater Canals with a working model to show how canals and locks work. Open seasonally April to the end of October.
Reviewed By Y2968FJlaurab
As I entered the home of the former locks manager, I was greeted by two knowledgeable docent volunteers. The home is set up both as the lock master's home and a museum full of period artifacts. The periods covered include the heyday of the lock system of transportation along the Susquehanna through the mid-20th century. The docents take you, room by room, and reveal to you the lives of those who lived in the home as well as Havre de Grace at large. You are allowed to touch many things and ask an unending stream of questions (like I did ;); the docents are very patient and enthusiastic to have someone in their corner of the world. The history you learn at the Lock House is overlooked by those who chronicle our great nation, yet it was paramount to the development of our country!! And to learn how strategic Havre de Grace was, both for the lock system and the ferry to transport travelers along the Old Post Road, had me walking around town with new respect for the charming little town. I encourage you to go to The Lock House museum to spend an intimate afternoon with a critical part of American history. It will stay with you long after you've left the area.
