Susquehanna State Park (Maryland) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Susquehanna State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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 Susquehanna State Park
Location in Maryland
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| Location | Cecil County & Harford County, Maryland, United States |
| Nearest city | Havre de Grace, Maryland |
| Area | 2,753 acres (11.14 km2) |
| Elevation | 213 ft (65 m) |
| Designation | Maryland state park |
| Established | 1960 |
| Administrator | Maryland Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | Susquehanna State Park |
Susquehanna State Park is a cool place to visit in Maryland! It's a big park right next to the Susquehanna River. Most of the park is on the west side of the river, but it also includes some islands and land on the east side.
You can go fishing, boating, camping, or explore trails for hiking and even horseback riding here. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources takes care of this park. They also manage Rocks State Park and Palmer State Park.
Contents
Park History
Susquehanna State Park started thanks to a generous gift! In 1958, a man named J. Gilman D’Arcy Paul offered to give 300 acres of land to Maryland. He used to be the president of the Baltimore Museum of Art. The state then began buying more land for the park in 1960, making it what it is today.
What Can You See at the Park?
One of the coolest parts of the park is the Rock Run Historical Area. This area lets you step back in time!
Rock Run Grist Mill
You can see the historic Rock Run Grist Mill here. A grist mill is a place where grain, like corn or wheat, was ground into flour. It was a very important building in the past!
Carter-Archer Mansion
The area also has the Carter-Archer Mansion, built in 1804. This big house was once the home of John Archer, who owned the mill.
Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal
You can also find parts of the old Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal. Canals were like man-made rivers that helped boats move goods from one place to another.
Jersey Toll House
Don't miss the restored Jersey Toll House. This is where people used to pay a fee to cross the old Port Deposit Bridge. It's like a historical toll booth!
Steppingstone Museum
Also located inside the park is the Steppingstone Museum. This museum is run by a private group. It shows how people in Harford County lived and worked between 1880 and 1920. You can see old tools and learn about traditional arts and crafts.
Fun Things to Do at Susquehanna State Park
The park has lots of activities for everyone to enjoy!
Explore the Trails
There are about 15 miles (24 km) of trails for you to explore.
- The Susquehanna Ridge Trail is three miles (4.8 km) long and gives you amazing views of the river valley.
- Other trails include the Land of Promise (1.6 miles (2.6 km)) and the Farm Road Trail (two miles (3.2 km)).
- The Lower Susquehanna Greenways Trail also starts here. It follows the river north to the Conowingo Dam and is part of the Mason-Dixon Trail.
Boating and Fishing
If you love the water, you can go boating and fishing on the Susquehanna River right from the park.
Camping and Picnics
The park also has campgrounds if you want to stay overnight. There are also picnic areas where you can enjoy a meal with your family and friends.
