Baltimore’s Best Backyard: A Patterson Park Audio Tour

Patterson Park is a rare blend of natural beauty, history, and everyday neighborhood life, often called the city’s “Best Backyard.” On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll find out how the park – which stretches across more than 130 acres in the heart of East Baltimore – has served Baltimoreans for over two centuries. You’ll also hear how it began as farmland, then became a defensive stronghold during the War of 1812, and why today it remains one of Baltimore’s most cherished public spaces. You’ll pass the Monument honoring Revolutionary War hero Casimir Pulaski, and wind your way over Harris Creek, one of Baltimore’s “ghost rivers” that’s now hidden underground. You’ll see the mile-long earthworks built by residents to prevent the British from attacking the city. You’ll also walk where President Abraham Lincoln ordered troops to camp while keeping peace after pro-Confederate residents threatened more violence after the Pratt Street Riot of 1861.

From: $0.00

Location: Baltimore

What's Included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
App for Android and iOS
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Community Discussion

Q&A

Q: Is there an age limit for this tour? Can kids join?

A: There's no strict age limit for the Patterson Park audio tour. It's designed to be family-friendly, so kids can definitely join in! Just keep an eye on younger ones, especially near the creek areas, since you’ll be walking through some historical and natural sites.

Q: Can I do this tour in bad weather? What if it rains?

A: The tour is self-guided, so you can choose when to go. However, if rain is expected, it might be best to reschedule for a nicer day. Just keep an eye on the weather app and dress accordingly if it’s drizzling. The audio experience is available offline, so you can listen to it anytime!

Q: How do I get to the starting point of the tour? Is parking easy?

A: Getting to the starting point is pretty straightforward! You’ll get directions sent to you when you book the tour. Parking is available around Patterson Park, but it can fill up quickly on weekends. I recommend arriving early to snag a spot or consider using public transport if you're nearby.

Discussions

Thinking about gifting the Baltimore’s Best Backyard tour!

I stumbled upon this audio tour of Patterson Park and it sounds awesome! I love that it combines history and nature. It's free, which is a bonus! I’m considering it as a gift for my parents who love walking. Has anyone done this? How was the experience?

User review: Patterson Park audio tour

Just finished the Patterson Park tour and wow, it was great! The audio guide provided really cool historical insights, especially about the War of 1812. I loved walking by the Pulaski Monument. It felt nice to explore at my own pace, too. Would definitely recommend for anyone visiting Baltimore!