Hampton Mansion

PARK OVERVIEW

Hampton National Historic Site is located just north of Baltimore, Maryland, in Towson. The park is the first and only National Park created to preserve a structure solely for architectural merit: a Georgian-style mansion that was built between 1783 and 1790 by Charles Ridgely. The estate remained in the Ridgely family for six generations until being acquired by the National Park Service in 1948. It is considered to be one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in the country and is one of the few historic homes in the National Park system that is not related to a famous American.

The park consists of two parts: the Hampton Mansion and grounds and what remains of the Ridgely’s massive agricultural plantation, the Lower Farm. The interior of the mansion can only be seen on a guided tour, and these are given multiple times each day when the park is open. Visitors are welcome to explore the estate grounds, the Ridgely Family Cemetery, and the formal landscaped gardens on their own.

Park Rangers are on hand to answer questions at the Lower Farm, and they do lead tours when staffing allows. At most times, however, a tour of the farm is self-guided. Ten historical buildings remain on the farm including the dairy, slave and tenant farmer quarters, a few barns, and the Lower House, the house of the farm overseer. The Lower House is the oldest building in the park.

OPERATING HOURS

• The gates of Hampton National Historic Site are open for those arriving in a vehicle from 8:30 AM to 5 PM daily. The grounds are open daily to pedestrians from dawn to dusk year-round. If you arrive after hours, park outside the gate or along the street and walk in.
• The Visitor Center is open Thursdays through Sundays from 9 AM to 4 PM.
• Mansion tours are given Thursdays through Sundays at 10 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, 2 PM, and 3 PM.
• Select Lower Farm buildings, the Stables, the Ice House, Orangery, and the Ridgely Family Cemetery are open Thursdays through Sundays from 9 AM to 3:30 PM.
• All facilities are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. The gates are locked on these holidays, but pedestrians can still walk the grounds.

Times can always change, so before making travel plans be sure to check the official Hampton National Historic Site’s Operating Hours and Seasons web page for the latest schedule.

FEES

There is no fee to enter Hampton National Historic Site. Tours of the mansion are free as well.

SCHEDULING YOUR TIME

Visitor Center
allow 15 minutes

Mansion Tour
allow 1 to 1.5 hours

Mansion Grounds and Garden
allow 30-60 minutes

Lower Farm
allow 30-60 minutes

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