A Historic Day in Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore, Maryland’s largest city, has deep roots in American history. For starters, its historical railroad carried Abraham Lincoln to his inauguration in 1861.
Although Alan Pinkerton had laid secret plans for the safe passage of president-elect Lincoln’s nighttime train connection, there was still considerable risk of his assassination by hostile elements in Baltimore. But, as history has recorded, Lincoln made it safely to Washington, D.C. In 1865, however, Pinkerton was not present and was devastated to learn of Lincoln’s successful assassination in Ford’s Theatre.
Today, the city has numerous modern-day attractions to delight visitors. Our national anthem was born here during the War of 1812, historical ships are anchored in the popular Inner Harbor area, and an early 20th-century architectural icon graces the downtown skyline.
Legendary baseball icon Babe Ruth was born and played here. Meanwhile, a spectacular museum commemorates the historical railroad, and the life of Edgar Allan Poe, America’s master of the macabre, is chronicled and celebrated in his old home.
Baltimore’s unofficial nickname, Charm City, has been around for years. A part of the city’s charm to residents and visitors alike has been its professional championship-winning sports teams—the Baltimore Orioles and the Baltimore Ravens.
Like most urban areas, Baltimore’s streets take a beating from winter weather and high traffic volumes. Be observant for potential potholes and metal coverings, especially in springtime.
This route covers a relatively compact footprint compared to Baltimore’s overall urban geography. Many of the other points of interest have their own dedicated parking lots. A park-and-walk strategy may be the most efficient way to access sites in close proximity, like the Inner Harbor area.
Points of Interest
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
The Battle of Baltimore, fought during the War of 1812, was a seminal moment in America’s struggle to maintain its independence. The British naval armada sailed into Baltimore Harbor, where it faced the guns of Fort McHenry.
Francis Scott Key witnessed the cacophonous explosions from the deck of a ship in the harbor. The battle raged through the night as recounted in the national anthem, but, by morning, the British attack had failed.
Find it at 2400 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, MD.
Baltimore Inner Harbor and Fells Point
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is the city’s heart. Tied up along the piers are the USS Constellation, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter 37, the WWII-era submarine USS Torsk, and other notable maritime exhibits. The National Aquarium is also nearby, along with a plethora of shops and eateries.
A short walk away is the Fells Point neighborhood, with its waterside entertainment, historical restaurants and bars, unique shops, art galleries, and quaint lodging options.
Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower
This 15-story tower has been an architectural landmark since its construction in 1911, when it was the tallest building in Baltimore. The tower was modeled after the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy.
Captain Isaac Emerson, who built Bromo Seltzer Tower, was also the inventor of the Bromo-Seltzer headache remedy. Today, the tower provides spaces for writers, jewelers, architects, and other artisans.
The building’s galleries are open to visitors on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The iconic clock tower is open for guided tours on Saturdays. Find it at 21 S Eutaw St, Baltimore, MD.
Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum
Located three blocks west of Oriole Park at Camden Yards is the birthplace of George Herman “Babe” Ruth, Jr. The Great Bambino (aka the Sultan of Swat) came into the world here on February 6, 1895.
He was that rare baseball player who was both a fantastic pitcher and a legendary hitter. In 1983, the museum expanded its scope to also become the official museum of the Baltimore Orioles, the team that signed Ruth to his first professional contract. Find it at 216 Emory St, Baltimore, MD.
The B&O Railroad Museum
The B&O Railroad Museum is said to hold the oldest and most extensive U.S. collection of American steam engines, passenger cars, and other railroading artifacts. Visitors begin their tour in the expansive roundhouse, which holds some of America’s earliest steam-powered locomotives.
In addition, engines and rolling stock from the latter part of the 20th century are in a second building and the outside yards. Rail fans also can sign up for train rides and guided tours of the restoration shop.
Find it at 901 W Pratt St, Baltimore, MD.
Edgar Allan Poe Home and Museum
Edgar Allan Poe called Baltimore home in his later life. Possibly no other location celebrates his life and work more than Baltimore, where he is interred at Westminster Hall cemetery. Poe’s home is open for tours by appointment.
Find it at 203 N. Amity Street, Baltimore, MD.
Facts & Information
Length
Approximately 12 miles
Overview
Baltimore, Maryland’s largest city, has deep roots in American history and has numerous modern-day attractions to delight visitors. Our national anthem was born here during the War of 1812, historical ships are anchored in the city’s popular Inner Harbor area, and an early 20th-century architectural icon graces the downtown skyline. This route takes you to these locations, and many more.
Like most urban areas, Baltimore’s streets take a beating from winter weather and high traffic volumes. Be observant for potential potholes and metal coverings, especially in springtime. You should also keep your head on a swivel to spot other potential urban hazards, such as pedestrians, merging traffic patterns, and emergency vehicles. Medium to smaller bikes are often easier to ride—and park—on downtown Baltimore’s many one-way streets.
Recommended Lodging: Hyatt Place Baltimore Inner Harbor
Located within walking distance of the Inner Harbor, Fells Point, and Baltimore’s Little Italy neighborhood, Hyatt guests have easy access to entertainment and restaurants with diverse, mouth-watering menus. The hotel offers its guests attractive amenities, including an indoor pool, an on-site restaurant, buffet breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk.
Conveniences within the spacious rooms include a flat-screen cable TV, safety deposit box, fridge, private bathroom with shower, free toiletries, and a hairdryer. Laundry and dry cleaning is also available for dirty riding gear.
Find it at 511 S Central Ave, Baltimore, MD, (844) 209-1793.
Lunch Stop
Phillips Seafood, located in the Inner Harbor, has a mouth-watering menu of traditional seafood, including scrumptious crab cakes, lobster, blue crabs, soups, shrimp, and appetizers. Find it at 601 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD, (410) 685-6600.
Best Time to Travel
Weekdays, and some Saturdays at destinations not otherwise open, from spring through fall are ideal for motorcycle tours through Baltimore.
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