Barton MarylandATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Barton, Maryland.
1. Lonaconing Iron Furnace and Park
HISTORIC INDUSTRIAL LANDMARK
Lonaconing Iron Furnace and Park is a well-preserved historical site showcasing Maryland's industrial heritage. Visitors can explore the remnants of the iron furnace that once powered the local economy in the 19th century. The surrounding park offers educational displays and peaceful walking paths through a historically significant setting.
2. Victorian-Style Homes Tour
CHARMING HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE
Barton's Victorian-Style Homes Tour allows visitors to admire the town's charming historic architecture. The self-guided walking tour takes you through neighborhoods featuring well-preserved homes with distinctive Victorian details and craftsmanship. These architectural gems reflect the rich history and character of this small Maryland town.
3. Elk Neck State Park
CHESAPEAKE BAY WILDERNESS
Elk Neck State Park offers 2,188 acres of diverse landscapes including sandy beaches, marshlands, and wooded bluffs overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. Visitors can enjoy numerous outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, crabbing, hunting, camping, hiking, and biking throughout the year. The park serves as a perfect destination to connect with the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay region.
4. Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument
FREEDOM TRAIL LEGACY
The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument encompasses lands in Dorchester County linked to the famous abolitionist's life and work. The monument preserves landscapes similar to those Tubman would have traversed during her daring missions to lead enslaved people to freedom. Visitors gain insight into Tubman's extraordinary courage and the historical significance of the Underground Railroad in American history.
5. Spocott Windmill
HISTORIC GRAIN MILL
Spocott Windmill is the only existing post windmill for grinding grain remaining in Maryland. The historic site also features a colonial tenant farmhouse and a one-room schoolhouse that transport visitors back in time. This well-preserved complex offers a glimpse into early American agricultural life and technology.
6. Annie Oakley's House
WILD WEST LEGEND'S HOME
Annie Oakley's House was designed and built in 1912 for the legendary Wild West sharpshooter and her husband Frank Butler when they retired to Cambridge. The historic home showcases the private life of one of America's most famous female entertainers. Visitors can learn about Oakley's remarkable career and later years while touring this unique piece of American cultural history.
7. Plumpton Park Zoo
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ANIMAL EXPERIENCE
Plumpton Park Zoo offers more than just a typical zoo experience with its intimate setting and diverse animal collection. Visitors can get up-close views of both exotic and native species in naturalistic habitats. The zoo provides educational programs and feeding opportunities that make it an ideal destination for families and animal enthusiasts.
8. Rodgers Tavern
REVOLUTIONARY ERA LANDMARK
Rodgers Tavern stands as a monument to America's early history and offers a glimpse into past ways of life. The historic tavern once hosted notable figures including George Washington during the Revolutionary period. Its carefully preserved structure and exhibits provide visitors with a tangible connection to Maryland's colonial heritage.
9. The Neild Museum
DORCHESTER COUNTY HERITAGE
The Neild Museum houses a remarkable collection of artifacts illustrating industrial and agricultural life in Dorchester County from pre-colonial times to the recent past. Exhibits showcase tools, equipment, and everyday items that tell the story of the region's development over centuries. Visitors gain a comprehensive understanding of how local industries and farming practices evolved through different historical periods.
10. Perry Hall Mansion
BALTIMORE COUNTY TREASURE
Perry Hall Mansion is one of the most important landmarks in Baltimore County as the oldest standing home in the community. This historic residence represents one of the last remaining examples of its architectural style and period in the region. Tours of the mansion offer insights into the lives of prominent Maryland families and the area's development over centuries.
11. Antietam National Battlefield
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC SITE
Antietam National Battlefield preserves the site of the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, fought on September 17, 1862. The battlefield features well-maintained grounds, interpretive exhibits, and monuments commemorating the soldiers who fought and died there. Visitors can take self-guided tours or participate in ranger-led programs to understand this pivotal moment in the Civil War.
12. Assateague Island State Park
WILD HORSES COASTAL PARADISE
Assateague Island State Park is famous for its population of wild horses that roam freely across beaches and salt marshes. The park offers pristine Atlantic coastline with opportunities for swimming, surfing, and beachcombing in a natural setting. Camping facilities allow visitors to experience the island's unique ecosystem and wildlife under starlit skies.
13. Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail
WATER-BASED HISTORICAL JOURNEY
The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail follows the historic water routes of Smith's explorations of the Chesapeake Bay from 1607 to 1609. This unique water trail allows visitors to experience the bay's natural beauty and cultural heritage from the perspective of early European explorers. Access points throughout Maryland provide opportunities for boating, kayaking, and learning about the region's indigenous cultures and ecological history.
14. Clara Barton National Historic Site
RED CROSS FOUNDER'S HOME
Clara Barton National Historic Site preserves the home and headquarters of the American Red Cross founder. The Victorian-era property served as both Barton's residence and the early headquarters of her humanitarian organization from 1897 to 1912. Tours of the meticulously restored rooms provide insights into Barton's personal life and her groundbreaking work in nursing and disaster relief.
15. Colonial Annapolis Historic District
18TH CENTURY ARCHITECTURE
The Colonial Annapolis Historic District encompasses one of the finest collections of 18th-century architecture in the United States. Visitors can stroll cobblestone streets lined with Georgian mansions, historic churches, and significant government buildings including the Maryland State House. The district offers guided tours, museums, waterfront dining, and unique shopping opportunities that blend colonial charm with contemporary amenities.