Walk in the footsteps of Frederick’s past residents and discover their story
Heritage Frederick offers walking tours with expert guides to lead visitors on their exploration of downtown Frederick.
Walking Tours can accommodate up to 12 people at one time. (Please note that large groups will be split into two groups for a better listening experience.)
We encourage you to reserve a space at least 2 weeks in advance.
Saturdays are pre-scheduled between April and November, and if we have the capacity to accommodate special requests we will. The museum and garden open at 10:00 AM for walk-up ticket sales and appreciation; each week’s tour begins at 10:30 am unless otherwise noted.
Weather Policy
- Walking tours will run rain or shine.
- Please come prepared with a jacket for each participant on cooler days and water bottles for each participant on warmer days.
*Tours will only be cancelled during extreme weather conditions such as excessive heat warnings or severe thunderstorms.
Foundations of Frederick Walking Tour
Tour Length: 90 minutes
Experience the history and beauty of downtown as knowledgeable guides share the fascinating stories that make up historic Frederick, Maryland. *Tour starts at the Museum of Frederick County History, 24 East Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701
- November 4 at 10:30 am
Art & Architecture Walking Tour
Tour Length: 90 minutes
Look at Frederick with new eyes. Experience the history and beauty of downtown as we explore some of the popular architectural styles, local art, and history. *Tour starts at the Museum of Frederick County History, 24 East Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701
- November 18 at 10:30 am
Frederick During the Civil War Walking Tour
Tour Length: 90 minutes
Explore what it was like to live in Frederick during the Civil War. Stories include the last Confederate invasion of the North, the ransom of Frederick, and the Battle of Monocacy. *Tour starts at the Museum of Frederick County History, 24 East Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701
- November 11 at 10:30 am
Murder & Mayhem Walking Tour
Tour Length: 90 minutes
Explore scandalous, nefarious, and unbelievable moments from Frederick’s past. Stories include bootlegging, bank robberies, and the case of Granville Smeltzer and Mary Nussbaum.*Tour starts at the Museum of Frederick County History, 24 East Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701
*Murder and Mayhem Tours are offered during the month of October.
Step-On Tour
Tour Length: 90 minutes
Our trained, experienced tour guides will board your bus and guide your group back in time through 275 years of Frederick history. The tour guides will lead your group through Frederick’s historic district and past some of its most notable landmarks, such as Francis Scott Key’s memorial, the National Road, Hood College, and the Hessian Barracks. This tour is the perfect opportunity to learn and view Frederick’s past from the comfort of your motor-coach. *Tour starts at the Museum of Frederick County History, 24 East Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701
African American History Walking Tour
Tour Length: 90 minutes
Learn about some of the county’s outstanding sites, people, and events through a tour of the local African American community’s historical cultural and civic center. *Tours start at Burr Arts Library front steps
We’re updating this tour and hope to offer it again in 2024.
Reserve Your Walking Tour Today!
We encourage pre-registration and pre-pay but walk-up is available. Upon notification of your purchase, we will contact you regarding the availability of your preferred dates and time.
Please note that your program is not scheduled until after we have confirmed your date and time. Any questions or comments regarding your program, call us at (301) 663-1188.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations should be made in at least 72 hours before the tour. We will make every attempt to reschedule the tour. Deposits are not refundable if the tour is canceled within less than 72 hours. If we must cancel a program due to extreme circumstances such as weather, we will contact you as soon as possible. Although rescheduling is not always possible, we will make every effort to do so. In the event that Heritage Frederick cancels a tour, you will receive a full refund.