Hampton National Historic Site Tours
Hampton National Historic Site
Hampton National Historic Site preserves 63 acres of what was once the second largest plantation in Maryland. At one time in its history, the Hampton plantation had over 24,000 acres and throughout its history saw over 500 enslaved people work the site. At the center of the park sits the historic Hampton Mansion, a late 1700s Georgian architecture building that, upon its completion, was once possibly the largest private residence in the United States.
Originally preserved on the basis of “architectural merit” (the first National Park of its kind), recent scholarship has enhanced the park’s ability to explore the lives and identities of the enslaved and free people of Hampton. Not only is the site a destination for architectural and material culture enthusiasts, but also for those looking to learn the history of one of the darkest times in American history where the words “land of the free” were truly put to the test.
The majority of the 63-acre park is free and open to the public on a daily basis, including historic gardens, trails, and structures such as quarters for the enslaved and stables. Visitor services, including ranger programs and access to the park visitor center, are available Thursdays-Sundays.
The highlight of many visits to Hampton is the opportunity to go inside the historic Hampton Mansion. Mansion access is only available by attending a guided tour. Tour access is limited to 15 visitors per tour. To accommodate growing demand in visiting the Hampton Mansion, in May 2024 the park launched a pilot program to allow visitors to access tickets to mansion tours in advance of their visit to the park.
Hampton National Historic Site preserves 63 acres of what was once the second largest plantation in Maryland. At one time in its history, the Hampton plantation had over 24,000 acres and throughout its history saw over 500 enslaved people work the site. At the center of the park sits the historic Hampton Mansion, a late 1700s Georgian architecture building that, upon its completion, was once possibly the largest private residence in the United States.
Originally preserved on the basis of “architectural merit” (the first National Park of its kind), recent scholarship has enhanced the park’s ability to explore the lives and identities of the enslaved and free people of Hampton. Not only is the site a destination for architectural and material culture enthusiasts, but also for those looking to learn the history of one of the darkest times in American history where the words “land of the free” were truly put to the test.
The majority of the 63-acre park is free and open to the public on a daily basis, including historic gardens, trails, and structures such as quarters for the enslaved and stables. Visitor services, including ranger programs and access to the park visitor center, are available Thursdays-Sundays.
The highlight of many visits to Hampton is the opportunity to go inside the historic Hampton Mansion. Mansion access is only available by attending a guided tour. Tour access is limited to 15 visitors per tour. To accommodate growing demand in visiting the Hampton Mansion, in May 2024 the park launched a pilot program to allow visitors to access tickets to mansion tours in advance of their visit to the park.
Need to Know
- Arrive on Time
Tours start promptly at the specified time at the visitor entrance of mansion (atop the accessibility ramp). Visitors should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to tour time to allow for introduction and restroom stops. Visitors may not join the tour after it has entered the Hampton Mansion.
- Ticket Pickup
All visitors must pick up tour tickets in the visitor center prior to the tour.
- Seasons and Tour Availability
Tours of the Hampton Mansion are available year-round, Thursdays-Sundays. Visitors may book reservations beginning 3 months in advance until midnight the day before the tour.
- Accessibility
At this time, the mansion is not ADA accessible. The park continues to work to address this, updates will be made available on the park website, nps.gov/hamp. Visitors should be prepared to enter the mansion via a ramp and approximately 5 steps, and 45-60 minutes of walking and standing.
- Advance Reservation Fee
Tickets are free. However, a nonrefundable $1.00 advance reservation service fee applies to each ticket.
- Non-Reservation Activities
If visitors are unable to obtain reservations for the day of their planned visit, they are welcome to do many of the non-reservation-based activities including outdoor programs, self-guided visits, Jr. Ranger activities, and more!
- Reservations versus Walkup Tickets
The park strongly recommends reservations. If a tour has not been completely filled the day of a visit, visitors can get remaining tickets on a first come, first serve basis in the park visitor center. There is no guarantee that tours will have tickets available the day of the visit.
- Prohibited Items
Food and drink (including water and gum), backpacks and large bags, selfie sticks and other photography equipment are not permitted in the historic mansion. Pets (non-service animals) are not permitted in any of the park buildings.
Booking Windows
Tours of the Hampton Mansion are available Thursdays-Sundays. Visitors may book reservations beginning 3 months in advance until 10 PM the day before the tour.
Changes and Cancellations
The $1 reservation fee is non-refundable in all circumstances.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
535 Hampton Lane Towson MD 21286
Phone Number
410-962-42290
