The mighty Susquehanna, named for the Susquehannock tribe who lived along its banks, is the largest non-navigable river in the United States, more than 400 miles long and one mile wide in places. On its banks are prospects for all sorts of outdoor activities, as well as antiquing, touring historic sites, outlet shopping and even playing slot machines.  This byway is part of the Great Chesapeake Bay Loop where you can have a Chesapeake adventure.

Havre de Grace to Conowingo Dam

Including MD 155, MD 161 & US 1

Formerly a busy Colonial port, Havre de Grace is now famed for its antiques shops, fishing, boating and waterfront dining. The best place to relax and enjoy the Bay in this “Harbor of Grace” is Tydings Park, home to a playground, fishing pier, boat ramp and municipal marina. The park also serves as the site of art shows, a seafood festival and summer concerts. A half-mile-long waterfront promenade leads to the fully restored Concord Point Lighthouse.

Havre de Grace’s unique museums and cultural attractions are well worth a visit. The Havre de Grace Duck Decoy Museum has some of the world's finest examples of hand-carved waterfowl decoys and the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum tells the story of the region’s rich maritime heritage and has an exhibit on the Susquehannock people that Captain John Smith encountered here in 1608. The museum is included as a program site on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom for its exhibit, "The Underground Railroad: Other Voices of Freedom.”

The Susquehanna Museum of Havre de Grace preserves and explores the significance of the Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal through historical exhibits, guided tours, and scenic trails and is located in a restored lock house. The Cultural Center at the Opera House in Havre de Grace offers wonderful options for an evening of  theater, music or dance performances near the Bay. You can find perfect gifts and sweet treats at shops like Bomboy's Homemade Candies & Ice Cream, Joretro or Vincenti Decoys.

As you head out of town, the Steppingstone Museum’s stone farmhouse and adjacent display barn offer insights into a proud agricultural heritage. You’re also near the remains of the Principio Iron Works, targeted by the British during the War of 1812.

Amid the heavy forest cover and massive rock outcrops of Susquehanna State Park, camping, mountain biking and fishing are popular pursuits. In addition, the park features historical sites such as a working grist mill, 14-room stone mansion and former toll house.

Enjoy a sidetrack to Darlington on Rt. 1 to admire nature surrounding the powerful Conowingo Dam, which is nearly a century old. Hawks, great blue herons and bald eagles are often spied from Fisherman's Wharf & Park at Conowingo Dam, which has been praised for its bass fishing and birding. Stop at the Conowingo Visitor Center to learn about local wildlife, recreational activities available in the Lower Susquehanna River Watershed and the role of hydroelectricity as a renewable energy resource.

Spend a little time hiking or biking the 2.2-mile Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway Trail. Major trailheads are found at the dam and within Susquehanna State Park. At Lapidum Landing Boat Ramp, launch your kayak and paddle with the river currents downstream to Havre de Grace where you can land at Frank J. Hutchins Memorial Park or Tydings Memorial Park.

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