Hampton National Historic Site

Hampton National Historic Site
Image credit: picture by eli.pousson licenced under Attribution-ShareAlike License.

Hampton National Historic Site is located in Baltimore County, Maryland. It is situated on the former estate of the Ridgely family, one of Maryland's wealthiest and most influential families in the 19th century.

The historical background of Hampton dates back to 1745 when Ridgelys purchased the land and built the original mansion. The estate's prominence grew over the years as it became a major center of agriculture and industry in Maryland. Hampton remained in the Ridgely family for five generations until 1948 when it was donated to the National Park Service.

Visitors to Hampton National Historic Site can explore the 18th-century Georgian mansion, which showcases exquisite architecture and period furnishings. The mansion offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Ridgely family and provides insights into the life of enslaved African Americans who were an integral part of the estate's working community.

Additionally, visitors can stroll through the vast historic gardens, featuring boxwood hedges, ornamental plants, and scenic vistas. The estate also includes a farm complex, which once housed livestock and served as a workplace for enslaved individuals.

Nearby attractions include Baltimore's Inner Harbor, a vibrant waterfront area with numerous shops, restaurants, and museums. The Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, known for its role in the War of 1812, is also within close proximity. Furthermore, the beautiful Loch Raven Reservoir offers opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and boating.

Overall, Hampton National Historic Site provides a fascinating glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Maryland's elite in the 19th century, while also highlighting the important contributions of enslaved African Americans. With its historic mansion, gardens, and nearby attractions, it offers a well-rounded experience for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Location

Hampton National Historic Site is situated in the state of Maryland, in the eastern region of the United States. More specifically, the site can be found in Towson, a suburban town located in Baltimore County. Nestled amidst the scenic and lush surroundings of the Chesapeake Bay region, Hampton offers visitors a picturesque setting that showcases the natural beauty of the area. The site's proximity to Baltimore city provides easy access for tourists, offering a convenient location for those interested in exploring the historic site's rich cultural heritage and renowned architecture.

Address & Contact

535 Hampton Lane
Towson, MD 21286
Driving Directions
Phone: 410-962-4290 (option 2)
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Hampton National Historic Site would be during the months of May, June, and September. Temperatures during these months range from a pleasant average maximum of 77°F in May to 81°F in September. The average minimum temperature also remains comfortable, ranging from 60°F in May to 66°F in September. Additionally, these months see moderate levels of precipitation, with May having an average of 3.8 inches, June with 4 inches, and September with 4.7 inches. Overall, these months offer enjoyable weather for outdoor activities at the historic site.

Things to do and learn in Hampton National Historic Site

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Hampton National Historic Site are: Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Hands-On Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Arts and Culture Biking Road Biking Hiking Living History Arts and Crafts Live Music Craft Demonstrations

Topics

Learn about these topics at Hampton National Historic Site: Animals Birds Architecture and Building Archeology Arts Industry Tragic Events Westward Expansion Trails Colonization and Settlement Military African American Heritage Painting Photography Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Women's History Climate Change Natural Sounds Scenic Views American Revolution Wars and Conflicts American Revolutionary War Civil War Social Movements Conservation Movement World War I World War II Engineering Enslavement Voting Rights and Suffrage Civil Rights Urban America War of 1812 Landscape Design Plantations Music Reconstruction Great Depression Armories Commerce Trade Poetry and Literature Abolition Movement Farming and Agriculture

Amenities

Visitor Centers

Visitor Center

The Hampton Visitor Center, historic buildings, and interpretive operations are open Thursdays - Sundays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Tickets for mansion tours, park brochures, and passport stamps are available in the Visitor Center. Amenities include restrooms, gift shop, and a water bottle refill station.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Hampton National Historic Site

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Hampton National Historic Site

Affiliate disclosure: When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network, Expedia and Amazon.

Sheraton Baltimore North Hotel

With a stay at Sheraton Baltimore North Hotel in Towson, you'll be in the business district, just a 4-minute walk from Towson Town Center and 10 minutes by foot from Goucher College. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, limo/town car service, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Towson? This hotel has facilities measuring 21748 square feet (2020 square meters), including conference space. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 903 Dulaney Valley Rd, Towson, Maryland 21204
Web: Link

Holiday Inn Express Towson - Baltimore North, an IHG Hotel

Located in Towson, Holiday Inn Express Towson - Baltimore North, an IHG Hotel is in the business district, within a 10-minute drive of Goucher College and Towson University. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Towson? This hotel has 2500 square feet (232 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1100 Cromwell Bridge Rd, Towson, Maryland 21286
Web: Link

Delta Hotels by Marriott Baltimore North

When you stay at Delta Hotels by Marriott Baltimore North in Baltimore, you'll be in the historical district, within a 5-minute drive of Sinai Hospital and Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in Baltimore? This hotel has facilities measuring 5176 square feet (481 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 5100 Falls Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21210
Web: Link

Holiday Inn Timonium Baltimore North, an IHG Hotel

When you stay at Holiday Inn Timonium Baltimore North, an IHG Hotel in Lutherville Timonium, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Greenspring Station and Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and express check-in. Planning an event in Lutherville Timonium? This hotel has facilities measuring 4000 square feet (372 square meters), including a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 9615 Deereco Road, Lutherville Timonium, Maryland 21093
Web: Link

Inn at the Colonnade Baltimore - a DoubleTree by Hilton

Inn at the Colonnade Baltimore - a DoubleTree by Hilton is centrally located in Baltimore, a 1-minute walk from Johns Hopkins University and 14 minutes by foot from Baltimore Museum of Art. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in Baltimore? This hotel has facilities measuring 2772 square feet (249 square meters), including conference space. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 4 W University Pkwy, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
Web: Link

Extended Stay America Suites Baltimore Timonium

With a stay at Extended Stay America Suites Baltimore Timonium in Lutherville Timonium, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Greenspring Station and Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, and an elevator.
Address: 9704 Beaver Dam Rd, Lutherville Timonium, Maryland 21093
Web: Link

Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Baltimore North - Timonium

Located in Lutherville Timonium, Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Baltimore North - Timonium is a 5-minute drive from Greenspring Station and 6 minutes from Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, a safe deposit box at the front desk, and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 111 W Timonium Rd, Lutherville Timonium, Maryland 21093
Web: Link

Comfort Inn Baltimore East Towson

With a stay at Comfort Inn Baltimore East Towson, you'll be centrally located in Parkville, within a 10-minute drive of Goucher College and Towson Town Center. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and express check-out. Planning an event in Parkville? This hotel features 2100 square feet (195 square meters) of event facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 8801 Loch Raven Blvd, Parkville, Maryland 21286
Web: Link

Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore North/Timonium, MD

Located in Lutherville Timonium, Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore North/Timonium, MD is within a 10-minute drive of Greenspring Station and Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 11 Texas Station Court, Lutherville Timonium, Maryland 21093
Web: Link

Bold and beautiful

Located in Baltimore, Bold and beautiful is within a 5-minute drive of Morgan State University and Senator Theater. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 5529 Hillen Rd, Baltimore, Maryland 21239
Web: Link

News and Alerts

Date issued Details
2026-04-28The Hampton gift store will be closed on 4/30/26
The Hampton gift store will be closed on 4/30/26 for inventory. The Visitor Center will be open.
2026-02-24Parking impacted due to the Legacy Restoration Fund Project
The Lower Farm parking lot near the Mule Barn is closed due to the Legacy Restoration Fund Project. The Upper parking lot located near the Orangery has reduced capacity due to a partial closure because of the Legacy Restoration Fund Project. To learn more about parking at Hampton NHS, click the link or visit the alerts page and then scroll down to the area that talks about parking. More
2026-02-12Buildings located on the farm side are closed
Buildings located on the farm side of Hampton National Historic Site are closed due to construction related to the ongoing Legacy Restoration Fund Project. Visit the project webpage for more information or click the link to learn more. More
2026-01-17We Do Not Mail Junior Ranger Books
We do not mail Junior Ranger books; please download from site. Completed books may be submitted digitally. Junior Ranger badges may be mailed once per person per calendar year after completion. We do not mail completed books back.
2025-12-03Explore stories of the festive season during Holidays at Hampton
On Saturday, December 13, 2025, the National Park Service will host its annual Holidays at Hampton open house. Join park rangers and volunteers to explore how songs, music, and storytelling shaped and enriched the holiday traditions of all those who lived and worked at Hampton. More
2025-09-23Great American Outdoors Act investment of $14 million will revitalize historic heart of Hampton National Historic Site
The National Park Service awarded a $14 million contract, funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund, to start a multi-year effort to breathe new life into the historic buildings at Hampton National Historic Site. More