All open air museums to visit in Maryland

Experience history come to life at open-air museums in Maryland. These museums feature historical buildings, reenactments, and interactive exhibits in an outdoor setting.

Are you interested in experiencing history firsthand? These are the best open air museums in Maryland:

  1. Fort Frederick State Park1

    Fort Frederick State Park

     Big Pool, MD
    Fort Frederick State Park is a significant historic and recreational area located on the Potomac River. It surrounds the restored Fort Frederick, a fortification that played a crucial role in the French and Indian War from 1754 to 1763, and the American Revolutionary War from 1775 to 1783. This park offers a unique opportunity to explore a piece of American history while enjoying the natural beauty of the Potomac River.
  2. Fort Washington Visitor Center - Fort Washington Park2

    Fort Washington Visitor Center - Fort Washington Park

     Fort Washington, MD
    The present-day Fort Washington, preserved by the National Park Service, was initially built in 1824. It is a stone structure that offers a clear cannon shot down the Potomac River. This fort provides a glimpse into the architectural and military strategies of the past, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts.
  3. Point Lookout State Park3

    Point Lookout State Park

     Scotland, MD
    Point Lookout State Park is a public recreation area and historic preserve located at the southernmost tip of a peninsula formed by the confluence of Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River in St. Mary's County, Maryland. This location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it a popular destination for tourists.
  4. National Cryptologic Museum4

    National Cryptologic Museum

     Fort Meade, MD
    The National Cryptologic Museum (NCM) is a unique institution that delves into the history of cryptography and cryptanalysis. Opened to the public on December 16, 1993, the museum is situated in Fort Meade, a US military facility in the state of Maryland. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history of cryptology in a setting that has been central to its development.
  5. Mount Aventine5

    Mount Aventine

     Indian Head, MD
    Mount Aventine is a significant site located along the Potomac River in Bryans Road, Charles County, Maryland. It is recognized as a farm complex and a national historic district. This location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it an interesting destination for tourists.
  6. Carroll County Farm Museum6

    Carroll County Farm Museum

     Westminster, MD
    The Carroll County Almshouse and Farm, also known as the Carroll County Farm Museum, is a historic farm complex situated in Westminster, Carroll County, Maryland. This location is steeped in history and offers a unique insight into the rural life of the mid-19th century. The museum complex consists of a variety of buildings, each with its own story and purpose, contributing to the overall experience of the museum.
  7. Oxon Cove Park & Oxon Hill Farm7

    Oxon Cove Park & Oxon Hill Farm

     Oxon Hill, MD
    Oxon Cove Park and Oxon Cove Farm is a significant national historic district that houses a living farm museum. Operated by the National Park Service, it is situated in Oxon Hill, Prince George's County, Maryland. The park and farm have been recognized for their historical importance and were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
  8. Historic St. Mary's City Visitors Center8

    Historic St. Mary's City Visitors Center

     Saint Marys City, MD
    St. Mary’s City, located in Maryland, holds a significant place in American history as the fourth settlement of European immigrants in North America. Established in 1634, it served as the first capital of the English colony, Province of Maryland, until 1694. Today, it stands as a testament to the early colonial history of the United States.
  9. 9

    Furnace Town Historic Site

     Snow Hill, MD
    The Old Furnace Town Heritage Museum, located near Snow Hill, Maryland, is an outdoor museum that brings history to life. It uses a living history format, complete with live demonstrations, to recreate a 19th-century community that has since vanished. Visitors can experience the past in a unique and engaging way, making it a memorable destination for history enthusiasts and families alike.