Place

Susquehanna Museum at the Lock House

Chesapeake Bay

A red brick two-story building with a small wooden bridge over a stone canal, surrounded by greenery
The Lock House was a home for the lock keeper and his family plus an office for the toll collector.

Susquehanna Museum at the Lock House

Quick Facts
Location:
817 Conesteo Street, Havre de Grace, MD 21078
Significance:
The Lock House Museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, preserves the history of the Susquehanna & Tidewater Canal and its role in 19th-century commerce. As part of the NPS Chesapeake Gateways network, it connects visitors to the region’s maritime heritage and the evolving Chesapeake Bay watershed. • Designation: National Register of Historic Places, Partner
Designation:
National Register of Historic Places, Partner

Canoe/Kayak/Small Boat Launch, Dock/Pier, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Restroom - Accessible

Step into history at the Lock House Museum, where the story of the Susquehanna & Tidewater Canal comes to life. Situated at the head of the Chesapeake Bay in Havre de Grace, Maryland, this restored 1840 brick lock house offers a glimpse into the region’s transportation past and its impact on commerce and industry. As the last stop before canal boats entered the bay, the lock house once served as both a home for the lock tender and a toll office for passing barges.

Inside, visitors can explore exhibits featuring artifacts, a working scale model of the lock, and period-furnished rooms that depict 19th-century life. Outside, interpretive signage, a reconstructed swing bridge, and a historic towpath provide opportunities for self-guided exploration. The adjacent Joe K Trail follows the scenic Susquehanna River, connecting the museum to the broader landscape of the Chesapeake watershed.

As a proud partner in the NPS Chesapeake Gateways network, the Lock House Museum preserves the legacy of early American transportation and its role in shaping the region. Whether you're interested in history, heritage trails, or scenic waterfront walks, this site offers a unique perspective on the past and present of the Chesapeake Bay.

Learn more at www.thelockhousemuseum.org.

Last updated: March 28, 2025