Discover Baltimore
Baltimore Educational Tours
Welcome to Baltimore! Also known as Charm City, Baltimore is overflowing with culture, crabs and historical treasures – from cobblestoned streets to harbors to museums and more.
Baltimore Overview
Baltimore is a city steeped in history and offers a wealth of both educational and entertaining destinations for students. Many of the most highly recommended destinations for students are in the Inner Harbor, which is a hub of activity and attractions. Here, students can visit the National Aquarium, one of the largest and most comprehensive aquariums in the country. Across the harbor from the Aquarium is the Maryland Science Center, which offers three floors of exhibits and scientific demonstrations. The American Visionary Art Museum is a unique museum that showcases the works of self-taught artists, and is a great place for students to explore their creative side and see works of art unlike anything they’ve seen before. Several historic ships are docked in the Inner Harbor and available for students to board and explore, including the only surviving ship from the Civil War, the U.S.S. Constellation. Groups can round out their visit with a guided water tour of the Inner Harbor.
A short way from the Inner Harbor is Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, a must-visit destination for students interested in American history. It was here that American soldiers defended the harbor during the War of 1812, inspiring Francis Scott Key to write the “Star-Spangled Banner.” Continue your historical exploration with a visit to the The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, the nation’s first wax museum of African American history and culture. More than one hundred lifelike figures, including Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and Martin Luther King Jr., represent African-American history from the colonial era to the present.
Many other notable destinations in the city offer students the chance to learn about history, culture, the natural world and more. At the B&O Railroad Museum, visitors can learn about the history of rail transportation and the impact it had on the city and the country. The museum is also home to one of the largest collections of historic trains in the country. The Baltimore Museum of Art houses a large and diverse collection of 19th-century, modern, and contemporary art and is home to the largest public holding of artwork by Henri Matisse in the world. Finally, students can also experience the beauty of nature at the Cylburn Arboretum, a botanical garden that showcases a wide range of plants and wildlife.
Baltimore Aquarium
Per Visit Baltimore, “Ranked as one the nation’s top three aquariums, the aquarium offers awe-inspiring exhibits that are sure to wow you. From colorful aquatic characters like sharks, dolphins, exotic fish to diverse collections of plants and animals like crocodiles, birds and reptiles, the National Aquarium delivers a memorable experience for people of any age. Experience the aquarium behind the glass, through interactive animal encounters and expert talks, 4D immersion films and more. Check the aquarium’s calendar for special tours and experiences throughout the week and year. Critter Chats bring you up close and personal with smaller animals like the tiger salamander, moon jelly or spring peeper outside their habitats. The aquarium offers two eateries for lunch, or you can get your hand stamped for re-entry and visit a nearby restaurant.”
Fort McHenry
“Prepare to feel warm patriotic vibes during your visit to the Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine. Best known for its role in the War of 1812, when American troops defeated a British navy fleet, the site was also the inspiration for “The Star-Spangled Banner,” written by Francis Scott Key, who witnessed the battle and America’s victory. Located in the Locust Point neighborhood of Baltimore and set within a 42-acre park, Fort McHenry includes a visitor and education center, exhibits displaying war artifacts, and a variety of ranger programs.”
