Inner Harbor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Inner Harbor
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Neighborhood
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The Inner Harbor in Baltimore in August 2020
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 Inner Harbor
Location in Baltimore
Inner Harbor
Location in Maryland
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| Country | United States |
| State | Maryland |
| City | Baltimore |
| Population | 1,839 |
The Inner Harbor is a famous seaport and tourist attraction in Baltimore, Maryland. It's a special place where history meets modern fun. Experts have called it a great example of how old industrial waterfronts can be made new again. The Inner Harbor is located where the Jones Falls river meets the Patapsco River.
The name "Inner Harbor" refers to both the water and the city area around it. You can easily walk from the harbor to places like Oriole Park at Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadium. It's also close to Federal Hill Park, which offers amazing views. A water taxi can take you to other cool spots like Fells Point and Fort McHenry.
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Exploring the Inner Harbor's Past
Baltimore has been an important seaport for a long time. However, the Inner Harbor used to be too shallow for very large ships. Bigger ships and heavy industries were located in other parts of the city.
In the middle of the 1900s, Baltimore, like many industrial cities, faced tough economic times. Old harbors became less used when container ships became popular after World War II. Later, cities started to rethink these old harbors. They wanted to connect people with the waterfronts again. The goal was to create public spaces, boost tourism, and encourage new businesses and homes.
During the 1940s, people talked about building a bridge across the Inner Harbor. But leaders decided against it. They worried a bridge would block the important shipping traffic at the Port of Baltimore.
By the 1950s, the Inner Harbor was no longer used for shipping or passenger boats. Old warehouses and piers were taken down. In their place, grassy parks were created for people to enjoy.
The waterfront slowly changed into a beautiful area with parks and plazas. New office buildings, hotels, and fun attractions were built. This transformation helped Baltimore recover and became a model for other cities worldwide. The big renewal project started in 1958 with the Charles Center plan.
In 1963, the redevelopment expanded to include the Inner Harbor itself. More buildings and hotels went up around the water. A public park and walkway were added for everyone to use.
A New Era of Tourism and Fun
On July 4, 1976, many "Tall Ships" visited Baltimore after a big event in New York. This brought huge crowds and showed how popular the harbor could be. This excitement led to the creation of new tourist spots. These included the National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, and Harborplace, which opened in 1980. The Baltimore Convention Center and the Hyatt Regency hotel also added to the area's appeal.
The Inner Harbor's success in the 1970s and 1980s made Baltimore a global tourist spot. It became a model for city planning and development. It even won many awards for its design and impact.
In recent years, new buildings have been added to the east of the Inner Harbor. This area, called Harbor East, now has homes, shops, restaurants, and hotels.
The Inner Harbor area has faced some challenges. In 2003, Hurricane Isabel caused flooding. However, special development rules helped protect most buildings. In 2004, a water taxi accident occurred during a storm near Fort McHenry. Strong winds and waves caused the small boat to capsize.
Fun Things to Do at the Inner Harbor
The Inner Harbor is packed with exciting places to visit!
Cool Museums to Explore
- American Visionary Art Museum
- Baltimore Museum of Industry
- Civil War Museum at President Street Station
- Jewish Museum of Maryland at Lloyd Street Synagogue
- Maryland Science Center
- National Museum of Dentistry
- Port Discovery Children's Museum
- Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture
Historic Ships to See
You can explore amazing ships that are part of Historic Ships in Baltimore:
- US Coast Guard Cutter WHEC-37 – This ship was at Pearl Harbor during the attack in World War II.
- USS Torsk – A submarine that sank enemy ships in World War II.
- Lightship Chesapeake – A floating lighthouse.
- Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse – An old lighthouse you can visit.
- USS Constellation – The only ship from the American Civil War era still afloat.
Places for Entertainment and Sports
Sports Fun
- Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum – Learn about the famous baseball player.
- Camden Yards Sports Complex – Home to Baltimore's major sports teams.
- M&T Bank Stadium – Where the Baltimore Ravens (football) play.
- Oriole Park at Camden Yards – Where the Baltimore Orioles (baseball) play.
Concerts and Events
- Baltimore Convention Center – A large venue for events.
- CFG Bank Arena – Hosts concerts and shows.
- Pier Six Pavilion – An outdoor music venue.
- Power Plant Live! – A collection of restaurants and clubs.
Cool Buildings and Memorials
- National Katyń Memorial – A memorial to a historical event.
- Bnai Israel – An active synagogue with beautiful architecture.
- The Lloyd Street Synagogue – A historic synagogue that is now a museum.
More Attractions to Visit
- National Aquarium in Baltimore – One of the biggest aquariums in the world!
- Harborplace and the Gallery – Shops and restaurants.
- Maryland Science Center – Hands-on science exhibits.
- The Pratt Street Power Plant – Now home to restaurants like Hard Rock Cafe.
- Top of the World at the Baltimore World Trade Center – Enjoy amazing views from high up.
- Holocaust Memorial – A place to remember history.
- Baltimore Visitor Center – Get information about the city.
- Lloyd Street Synagogue – One of the oldest synagogues in the United States.
- Federal Hill Park – Great views of the harbor.
Free Speech and Public Spaces
The Inner Harbor is a busy public space where people often gather. It's a place where people can express their ideas and opinions, which is part of free speech. Sometimes, there have been discussions about how and where people can share their messages.
In the past, there were disagreements about rules for street performers and groups holding demonstrations. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) helped resolve these issues. In 2013, an agreement was made to make it easier for people to hold peaceful demonstrations.
Now, certain areas like McKeldin Square and Rash Field are special "free-speech zones." This means people can gather there to express their views more easily. The city also made it simpler to get permits for small groups to demonstrate. This helps ensure that everyone can use public spaces to share their thoughts.
