This airport has been here since before I was born and my dad took me to see the planes take off…read moreand land. I loved it. We took my grandson for grandparents day. We were free, he was free and $6 per person not a grandparent. We arrived with 2 hours left and we were greeted by a gentleman who had the gift shop. I took my grandson around the displays and he pointed to the airplane he loved. The prices are very reasonable for buying a souvenir. $10-$30 for a plane. We met our tour guide and he explained what we needed to do and he was very impressive in his knowledge about the planes, other history of where they got each plane and some other interesting facts about them. We also saw a helicopter. We weren't able to get in the plane but they have a day when we can. Parking was free and plenty of space & handicap parking as well. The museum did close at 3:30 so we could not get in to get the airplane. Restrooms were clean-just go before you drive to the location of the planes on a runway, there's no bathroom out there and the tour took about an hour total. Overall we had a great time. I enjoyed hearing the history about each plane and how many were built and how many we lost in the wars. I love the history and we got right up to the plane and my grandson was able to touch them (18months old) and we saw several planes take off and some were landing. I highly recommend this museum & tour for kids and adults alike. 5/5 all the way around :-)

Incredible collection of planes and memorabilia. Airport is…read morepart private (chargers/lessons) and part Maryland Air National Guard. Museum shares the local role played in aviation history and shows off multiple types of aircraft. Whole tour took about 90 minutes.

Apparently it changed its name in the last couple of weeks from the B&O Railroad Museum, but it was…read morecool when I went and look forward to any other upcoming changes. Although my Monopoly piece souvenir has been rendered obsolete. Anyway, there is plenty of parking and plenty of giant trains. I would recommend coming in the spring or fall because while cool, the giant train warehouse gets a bit toasty in the summer. You start off inside with a bunch of different train models. There is an exhibit on the underground railroad, but it feels disconnected to the rest of the museum. Then you can go into the roundhouse with full sized wagons trains with signage to tell you about the functions/time period/etc. There are more outside as well. It feels very thorough for the 19th and early 20th century, but it would be great if they incorporate more modern trains someday to show the throughline from the past to present. Except for the limiting time outside due to weather, it is an exceptional space with actual train cars you won't see anywhere else. The fact it was an old train station reused for a museum is a great use of an old space. It's something that will be engaging for children and adults.

The museum itself was really amazing. I thought the inside of the museum was beautifully maintained…read morewith great attention to detail. The admission price was very reasonable, and my young kids really enjoyed the time we spent there. This museum is connected to the Smithsonian, though you wouldn't know it. It's very quietly stated on one of their signs, but not many other places. Some things that weren't as positive were that the website is out of date. The website said there were rides outside for kids. Which there was technically one ride. But it hasn't been in operation for quite some time. The other ride wasn't there. The other bummer was that I left an item behind at the museum. Even though I called the museum the week after our visit 3 times, left voicemails every time, and emailed, no one has ever gotten back to me. It really disappointed me that they have no one to help customers. Even when we were there, staff was minimal. Museum cutbacks I assume. Still, I would go back.

I visited the Amaranthine Museum with a friend this past weekend as part of Doors Open Baltimore…read more(google that if you don't know what it is!). I'm ashamed to say - as a person that lives in Hampden and loves art - that I didn't know anything about the Amaranthine Museum (or had even heard about it) before it was included in Doors Open 2024! So what is it? It's a museum dedicated to local maximalist artist Les Harris. The space is tiny but practically every surface (even parts of the ceiling) are covered in Les Harris's art (there are supposedly 250 works in this tiny little space)! Les Harris's daughter welcomed guests at the entrance, gave a description of her father's art and works, and answered questions as guests walked around. I can't emphasize enough that this is a small space - just one room! But it's packed full of fascinating art (Harris's work looks back through history - focusing on art and culture and time and consciousness) and is such a unique experience. I was blown away by the art and the space itself. Having the artist's daughter there to explain his work made the visit even more special. It's not open on a regular schedule, so if you want to visit this unique space, visit their website and click "III. Hours, Contacts, Directions etc." A very unique experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in art and special local experiences!

This was a little off the beaten path down a back walkway on the rear of the foundry building on…read morethe Doors Open Baltimore tours. This is a very unique museum showcasing the work of one man, Les Harris. Mr. Harris created over 300 pieces of art in an installation that envelopes every surface and transports the visitor through time in a fallout shelter. The entire collection was moved to its present location for all to enjoy. It is an eclectic work of art. We were in awe of the colors and textures and subject matter used.

The museum itself is not well labeled. The building is labeled as the Historic Ships in…read moreBaltimore... Visitor Center... Inner Harbor Water Taxi Terminal. They ALMOST lost a star for this. There was TONS of history to learn (both through reading and hands on experiences) over the distance of 4 piers. For your ticket price you get to explore the USS Constellation, USS Torsk, Lightship Chesapeake, USCG Cutter 37, and the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse. You even get to collect embossed stamps on your "boarding pass" when you visit each location which was super fun! The lighthouse doesn't have a cool embossed stamp but they have a stamp of their own...you just need to ask for it.

It's sad that there are no reviews but I'm guessing a lot of people don't take the tours? Why?…read moreBecause you can see the boats when you visit the Inner Harbor for free. I did see a few on TripAdivser. I think it would be interesting to check them out but I don't know if I'd make it a priority. They are a GREAT addition to the Inner Harbor, especially because the rest of it is commercial restaurants, tourists, pan handlers and lots of shopping. Can you tell I wasn't a fan? I was told by lots of people you gotta see the Inner Harbor! But why? When I'm exploring a city, I'm more into experiencing history and tasting local cuisine, not shopping at H&M and thumbing through books at Barnes and Noble. If I lived here or had lots of time, I might give it more of a chance but it was very busy, very touristy and very commercial. I'm also glad I didn't fork over the funds for the extremely expensive parking. I found street parking a few blocks away near Little Italy for free. I think I was only allowed like three hours but that was sufficient time for me. I walked around the Inner Harbor, got the pictures I wanted, checked out a few stores and headed out. However, seeing the ships of the Baltimore Maritime Museum was a nice touch. And I've heard the aquarium is worth it! Find info. below about each ship: Lightship 116 - now called Chesapeake - was built for the U.S. Lighthouse Service in 1930. For the next 40 years, she served as a floating lighthouse and communications platform. Her first duty station was Fenwick Island, Delaware. In 1933, she first assumed the name Chesapeake, from her new position off the coast of Virginia at the entrance to Chesapeake Bay. She was redesignated WAL-538 in 1939, when the Lighthouse Service was absorbed by the U.S. Coast Guard. In 1942, shortly after the U.S. entered World War II, Chesapeake was given light armament, painted battleship gray and moved to Sandwich, Massachusetts to serve as an Examination Vessel. After the war, she returned to the Chesapeake station. She ended her service at the Delaware Bay station in 1970. The USS Torsk (evil shark looking one) (SS-423) is part of the historic fleet of Historic Ships in Baltimore and is one of two Tench Class submarines still located inside the United States. It is nicknamed the "Galloping Ghost of the Japanese Coast." In 1945, Torsk made two war patrols off Japan, sinking one cargo vessel and two coastal defense frigates. The latter of these, torpedoed on 14 August 1945, was the last enemy ship sunk by the U.S. Navy in World War II. USS Constellation, constructed in 1854, is a sloop-of-war and is the last sail-only warship designed and built by the US Navy. During the Civil War, Constellation performed largely diplomatic duties as part of the US Mediterranean Squadron. She was flagship of the African Squadron from 1859-1861. In this period she disrupted the African slave trade by interdicting three slave ships and releasing the imprisoned Africans. After the Civil War, Constellation saw various duties such as carrying famine relief stores to Ireland and exhibits to the Paris Exposition Universelle. After being used as a practice ship for Naval Academy midshipmen, Constellation became a training ship in 1894 for the Naval Training Center in Newport, Rhode Island, where she helped train more than 60,000 recruits during World War I. Decommissioned in 1933, Constellation was recommissioned as a national symbol in 1940 by President Franklin Roosevelt; by this time the ship had become widely confused with her famous predecessor of 1797. She spent much of WWII as relief (i.e. reserve) flagship for the US Atlantic Fleet, but spent the first six months of 1942 as the flagship for Admiral Ernest J. King and Vice Admiral Royal E. Ingersoll. After the war, Constellation was again decommissioned on 4 February 1955, and stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on 15 August 1955 - 100 years and two weeks from her first commissioning. She was taken to her permanent berth - Constellation Dock, Inner Harbor, Baltimore, Maryland. USCGC Taney is a United States Coast Guard High Endurance Cutter, notable as the last ship floating that fought in the attack on Pearl Harbor, although Taney was actually moored in nearby Honolulu Harbor not Pearl Harbor itself. She was named for Roger B. Taney , who was at various times: US Attorney General, Secretary of the Treasury, and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. She is also one of two Treasury-class (out of seven total) Coast Guard Cutters still afloat. Serving her country for 50 years, the Taney saw action in both theaters of combat in World War II, serving as command ship at the Battle of Okinawa, and as part of fleet escort in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. She also served in the Vietnam War in Operation Market Time. Taney also patrolled the seas working in drug interdiction and fisheries protection and participated in the search for Amelia Earhart.

Bottom Line: A small museum but worth a stop if riding on a streetcar sounds like fun…read more I think vintage streetcars are neat and I'm always intrigued by off-the-beaten-path museums so the Baltimore Streetcar Museum was a perfect stop for me this past weekend. Even better, they were having "dollar days" so admission was only $1. The museum is small and underwhelming but the ride on a historic streetcar was super fun! Actually, the museum has three streetcars from different eras and you can ride all of them if you'd like. The conductor on our streetcar was knowledgeable and entertaining. I liked that he rang the bell every time someone boarded just as the conductor would have done back in the day. Even better, after we rode out to the turnaround point he stopped the streetcar and without saying anything, got up from his seat and switched the signs on the front and sides of the car that stated the route/destination. This was funny because the streetcar rides on a closed track and it probably only goes about one mile before turning around. It was at this point in our journey that he also told us the history of streetcars. This museum is small but it is a neat experience and it represents the dedication of many volunteers so I must give a shout out to those who make this place possible. Thanks for keeping history alive in Bal'mor.

Hidden gem preserving a piece of bygone Baltimore history and you can ride multiple 100+ year old…read morestreetcars too. The exhibit is quite interesting and shows how Baltimore's long-defunct streetcar system helped shape the city into what it is today. They offer frequent rides on multiple streetcars throughout the day on their 3/4 mile track that are included in the $10 admission. The day I visited there were 3 streetcars operating, one about 75 years old, another about 115, and another almost 125 years old. One of the streetcars broke down en route (ironically the ~75 year old PCC which was relatively the newest) but to the staff's credit they were able to improvise a clever solution involving sticking a screwdriver into the gear box to get it running again so we didn't have to walk back to the museum. The people working here really know their stuff about these machines! Overall highly recommend, it's very friendly for both adults and kids. Only thing to note is it's only open on Sundays from noon-5PM

Calling the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park a "museum" might be a bit of a…read morestretch--it's small and more of an exhibit--but it's absolutely worth a visit. For just $5, you get to learn about an important and often overlooked piece of Baltimore's history, especially the lives of Frederick Douglass and Isaac Meyer, two African-American men who settled in Baltimore and made huge contributions to their communities. You also have a chance to learn more about maritime workers and the scourge of slavery in America. It won't take a lot of time to go through, but it leaves a lasting impression and helps you see the city in a new light. Definitely worth checking out if you're in the area.

This is a national heritage site and museum because Mr Douglass and Isaac Myers founded the first…read moreAfrican American shipyard, Chesapeake Marine Railway and Dry Dock Company. It was night and the museum was closed while the large bust 5/5 is on the pier. There's so much history and so little time during my visit to see it all. While in Baltimore for dinner, it was important that I visited.

Love this unique venue! Hadn't heard of this place before, but I would definitely come back!…read moreThey've been here almost two years! We celebrated my friend's 40th birthday here over the weekend. She rented out the space. Brought in a DJ, had food and drinks set up. There was a pink/yellow theme. I did pink - my favorite color. Each room has a theme with props and selfie stands! I had so much fun here. Parking wasn't bad. I found a spot right across the street. There's also a parking garage nearby! The staff was very helpful and friendly!

October 19, 2024 purchased 12 tickets via groupon. Place…read morehad caught on fire, and was NEVER notified. Having a hard time getting my money back. SMH

My parents are electrical/RF/satellite engineers, and I took them here on one of their visits to…read moreMaryland. While this is no Smithsonian, it is an incredibly educational and fascinating experience. The staff here are incredibly helpful and it is very sad that the museum will be shut down in October due to Northrop Grumman needing the space. Hopefully it will be relocated rather than closed permanently. For those who work in the relevant fields, like my parents, this will prove to be one of the best museums you will ever visit in your life, especially with all the unique exhibits featuring real artifacts from the defense and electronics industries. Overall, I don't think you need more than an hour or two (if you are reading every plaque carefully) to see the entire museum, we did it in 45 minutes.

Sunday, December 7 Pearl Harbor - At 7:02 a.m., two Army operators at Oahu's northern shore radar…read morestation detect the Japanese air attack approaching and contact a junior officer who disregards their reports, thinking they are American B-17 planes which are expected in from the U.S. west coast. This brand new (in 1941) Westinghouse radar performed flawlessly to its design parameters. A same type radar is on display outside of the museum. If you ever wanted to see real hardware, a comprehensive history and easy to understand technical explaination of military electronics of radar, communications, and electronic warfare for ground, air, navy and space applications under one roof, look no further than the Historical Electronics Museum. Nestled near the BWI Airport (and near some really great crab cake restaurants) this museum provides a wealth of information that will fascinate both grade schoolers and electrical engineering PhD's. I personally find this museum much superior to even the Smithsonian in providing real hardware as well as the explanations of the history and technical operations of the equipment. What is even more fascinating is that much of the hardware there is still in operating condition. There is even an active ham radio club operating out of the museum under the call sign W3HEM. The museum can also host lunches, dinners and parties. An interesting option for a Yelp event..... I have been to this museum several times and am always fascinated with something different. Best news is that this museum is free thanks to Northrop Grumman and the museum patrons and donors. 9 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday 10 am to 2 pm on Saturdays