Inner Harbor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Inner Harbor
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Neighborhood of Baltimore
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View of the Inner Harbor
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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 |
The Inner Harbor is a famous seaport and tourist attraction in Baltimore, Maryland. It's known around the world for how it was rebuilt. Many cities have used it as a guide for fixing up their own waterfronts.
The Inner Harbor is where the Jones Falls river meets the Patapsco River. The name "Inner Harbor" means both the water area and the land around it. This area is close to big sports stadiums like Camden Yards. You can also take a water taxi from here to other cool places like Fells Point.
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History of the Inner Harbor
Baltimore has been an important seaport since the 1700s. But the Inner Harbor used to be too shallow for large ships. Big ships and heavy industries used other parts of the harbor.
After World War II, new container ships changed how goods were moved. Many old harbors, including Baltimore's, were no longer used for shipping. Cities then started to rethink these old areas. They wanted to connect cities with their waterfronts again. The goal was to create public spaces, attract tourists, and build new businesses and homes.
In the 1950s, the Inner Harbor stopped being used for cargo and passenger ships. Old buildings and docks were taken down. In their place, green parks were created for people to enjoy.
The waterfront slowly changed into beautiful parks and plazas. New office buildings, hotels, and fun attractions were built. This helped Baltimore recover and became a model for other cities worldwide. The big project to renew the Inner Harbor began in 1958.
By the 1960s, the redevelopment plan grew to cover a large area around the Inner Harbor. More company headquarters and hotels were built. A public park and walkway were added for people to relax and gather.
Inner Harbor Becomes a Tourist Hotspot
On July 4, 1976, many large sailing ships visited Baltimore. This was part of the U.S. Bicentennial celebration. A huge number of tourists came to see them. This event helped push for more tourist attractions.
The National Aquarium and the Maryland Science Center opened. Harborplace, a popular shopping and dining area, also opened on July 4, 1980. The Baltimore Convention Center and the Hyatt Regency Baltimore Hotel added more services. All these new places brought many more people and visitors to the area.
Because of its success in the 1970s and 1980s, Baltimore's Inner Harbor became a global tourist spot. It also became a guide for city planning and development. Over 100 other cities were influenced by it. It won more than 40 national and international awards.
Recent Changes and Challenges
In recent years, the area east of the Inner Harbor has been developed. This area, called Harbor East, now has apartments, shops, restaurants, and hotels.
Even though there isn't much empty land left, new projects are still being built. These include buildings with offices, shops, and apartments. There are also new hotels like the Ritz Carlton Residences.
In September 2003, Hurricane Isabel caused flooding in the Inner Harbor area. Most buildings were saved from serious damage. This was thanks to special flood controls put in place during the Inner Harbor's development.
In March 2004, a water taxi overturned during a storm. This accident happened near Fort McHenry, a bit away from the Inner Harbor. Five passengers died. Investigators found that strong, unpredictable winds caused the small boat to capsize.
Fun Attractions at the Inner Harbor
The Inner Harbor is packed with exciting places to visit. There are museums, historic ships, and entertainment venues.
Museums to Explore
- Reginald F. Lewis Museum of African-American History and Culture
- American Visionary Art Museum
- Baltimore Museum of Industry
- Jewish Museum of Maryland at Lloyd Street Synagogue
- Civil War Museum at President Street Station
- Port Discovery Children's Museum
Historic Ships to See
The Historic Ships in Baltimore collection is a must-see.
- USCGC Taney – This ship survived the attack in World War II.
- USS Torsk – This submarine was the last ship to sink an enemy vessel in World War II.
- Lightship Chesapeake
- Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse
- USS Constellation – This is the only Civil War-era ship still floating.
Entertainment and Sports
- Camden Yards Sports Complex
- Oriole Park at Camden Yards (home of the Baltimore Orioles baseball team)
- M&T Bank Stadium (home of the Baltimore Ravens football team)
- Babe Ruth birthplace and museum
- Baltimore Convention Center
- Royal Farms Arena (a large concert and event venue)
- Pier Six Pavilion (an outdoor concert venue)
- Power Plant Live! (a collection of bars and clubs)
Other Cool Places
- National Aquarium in Baltimore
- Harborplace and the Gallery (shops and restaurants)
- Maryland Science Center
- The Pratt Street Power Plant (has shops and restaurants)
- Top of the World at the Baltimore World Trade Center (great views!)
- Holocaust Memorial
- Baltimore Visitor Center
- Lloyd Street Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in the United States, now a museum.
Free Speech at the Inner Harbor
The Inner Harbor is a busy place in Baltimore. Because of this, it has often been a spot for people to express their views. There have been discussions about free speech in the area.
Sometimes, rules about performances and protests have led to disagreements. Groups like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have worked to protect people's right to free speech here.
As a result of these discussions, McKeldin Square has been named an official free-speech zone. This means people can gather there to share their ideas and protest peacefully.
