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Baltimore museums cater to all interests

The city of Baltimore was founded in 1729. In the last 285 years, Charm City has amassed a rich, storied history. And the city has done a great job of displaying that history at its more than 40 museums.

No matter your hobbies or interests, Baltimore City likely has a museum for that. Whether you consider yourself a history buff or simply want to learn more about what has shaped the Chesapeake Bay area, Baltimore’s museums offer engaging ways to explore your interests.

When planning your trip to Maryland, consider including one or all of these museums in your itinerary. Below are our 5 recommendations for museums and exhibits to visit based on what you love most.

American History

If you are an American History buff:  This year marks the 200^th anniversary of the ending of the War of 1812, during which Francis Scott Key penned “The Star-Spangled Banner” after spying the flag still standing at Fort McHenry. The city has planned a series of special events and exhibits this summer and running through Sept. 1. Among those are the “Fort! Flag! Fire!” exhibit at Fort McHenry, which includes a tour of the fort, the hoisting of a massive flag over the fort and firing of the fort’s cannons. A full list of star-spangled events can be found on Visit Baltimore’s website.

Museum hours and admission fees vary.

Sports

If you love the thrill of the game: For those who love America’s pastime, the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum and the Sports Legend Museum at Camden Yards are must-see spots in Baltimore. This museum pays homage to one of the sport’s greatest heroes, George Herman “Babe” Ruth. Situated just 3 blocks west of Camden Yards, the birthplace of Babe Ruth traces the life and times of the Babe from his humble beginnings to his place in baseball and American history as one of the greatest players of the game. In celebration of the 200^th anniversary of the War of 1812, The Babe Ruth Birthplace Foundation has joined Baltimore’s celebration of “Star-Spangled Summer” and is currently featuring a special exhibit called “’O’ Say Can You See: The Star Spangled Banner in Sports.”

The Sports Legend Museum at Camden Yards is home to artifacts and items of interest for all Maryland sporting events, not just baseball. Though baseball is a focus, the museum also pays tribute to Baltimore’s Olympic champion Michael Phelps, the various stadiums and arenas in the state and hosts the Maryland State Athletic Hall of Fame.

Both museums are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through the month of September. Guests can enjoy extended hours on nights when the Orioles play at home; the museums are open until 7 p.m. on home game nights. Combo tickets to both museums can be purchased for $12 for adults and $5 for children.

Historic Travel

If you miss the glory days of rail travel: Baltimore lays claim to being the “birthplace of American railroading”. Located at Mt. Clare Shops, the site where the B&O Railroad line began construction in 1829 to become the first commercial long-distance rail, the B&O Railroad Museum commemorates the bygone area of early American railroading. Nearly 200 pieces of locomotives and rolling stock trace the history of railroad technology from the 19^th century to present day, while the hundreds of smaller artifacts on display give guests a glimpse of the glamour of railroad travel. As a National Historic Landmark and a part of the Smithsonian Museum system, the B&O Railroad has much to offer guests, even those who prefer planes and automobiles over trains.

The B&O Railroad museum is located just about 10 minutes from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor on West Pratt Street and is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. -4 p.m. Admission is $16 for adults and $10 for children.

Civial War History in Baltimore

If you’re still fascinated by the Civil War: The Civil War shaped our nation’s history, and the impact of the war can still be found in cities across the country. For states like Maryland that found itself caught in the middle of the North-South divide, the history is even more interesting. Museums like the Baltimore Civil War Museum-President Street Station depict the violence and division of loyalties Maryland experienced during the War. Housed in what was originally the Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore Railroad, the museum contains exhibits that recount the events leading to mob violence that spawned the war’s first bloodshed and lead to the writing of the poem “Maryland, My Maryland,” now our state song.

The museum is located on President Street in the Inner Harbor and is open weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours are available by appointment. Admission to this museum is free.

Baltimore's Inner Harbor

If you love to watch the boats go by: Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is one of the most popular spots in the city. Throughout our history, the Inner Harbor has hosted ships that fought against the Transatlantic slave trade, rescued others stranded in the Chesapeake Bay and protected our shores in battles during several historic wars. Historic Ships in Baltimore showcases an impressive collection of these important military vessels right here in the Inner Harbor. From the warship USS Constellation to submarine called the USS Torsk to the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse, the ships and lighthouse included in the Historic Ships exhibition offers a glimpse into the maritime history of both Baltimore and the US. Explore the boats and learn their history from the uniformed crewmembers.

Hours of operation at The Historic Ships vary by location, so be sure to check the website before you arrive. Guests can purchase tickets to one, two or four ships for $11, $14 or $18, respectively for adults. Children’s tickets are available for $5, $6 or $7, depending on the number of ships visited.

Eliminate the hassle of public transit

As you plan your trip to Maryland, consider including a Baltimore car service to navigate through the city. A car or limo service like those provided by Z Best can offer you an easy, convenient way to explore our city. Visit as many museums and sites as you wish without worrying about memorizing the Light Rail schedule or finding a taxi when or where you need one.

However you choose to spend your time in Baltimore, we hope you find Charm City charming.