Things To Do

For Nature Lovers

Turkey Point Lighthouse Trail - "One journey takes you on a hike out to Turkey Point Lighthouse, a signature landmark of the park. The lighthouse is located at the southern tip of the Elk Neck peninsula. On Saturdays and Sundays (April through November between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.), you can climb up to the top of the 35-foot tall lighthouse and learn more about the history of the lighthouse from one of the park’s dedicated volunteers.
Built in 1833, this historic lighthouse sits atop a 100-foot high bluff overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. The lighthouse pointed the way to safe waters for nearly 175 years. Many incredible tales unfolded right here under the watchful beacon of the Turkey Point Lighthouse: stories of heroism, daunting challenges, and even tragedy. This lighthouse has been part of Chesapeake Bay history for generations, safeguarding people who have lived, worked, and traveled here." - Maryland Department of Natural Resources


Elk Neck State Forest Arboretum Trail - "Elk Neck State Forest is home to the recently opened Arboretum Hiking Trail. In addition to being the first arboretum in Cecil County, it is the first project of its kind undertaken by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Elk Neck State Forest’s Arboretum has 61 newly planted specimens and 35 pre-existing specimens on display. There are 52 different species of Maryland native shrubs and trees that are identified along the walking paths that total 1/2 mile of easily walking surfaces. Specimens exhibit a variety of shrub and tree species from all over Maryland. Native habitat for these trees range from the mountainous Western Maryland, through the Piedmont area around Baltimore to the sandy shores of Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore. Maryland has been described as America in miniature and through the variety of trees at the arboretum it is easy to see why. The Arboretum is designed for use as an outdoor classroom and school groups are encouraged to take advantage of the great education opportunities. Additionally, field areas of the arboretum are being managed for wildlife habitat. Hunting during legal seasons is permitted within the designated hunting areas around the arboretum. The field and trail areas are designated as Safety Zones and excluded from available hunting acreage."

Plum Creek Nature Preserve - "Nestled in the heart of the Elk Neck peninsula is Plum Creek Natural Area. Within this Natural Area exists an exceptional pitch pine (Pinus rigida) community. Pitch pine forests such as these are known from portions of the New Jersey Pine Barrens but are now rare in Maryland. On the Maryland Coastal Plain, pitch pine has a very limited distribution and is primarily restricted to very dry and sandy, acidic habitats subject to periodic fires. Mixed within the tall pitch pines are an assortment of native oaks, along with an understory of huckleberries and blueberries. In early spring, pink lady's-slipper orchids provide splashes of color to the landscape, while skinks and other reptiles roam through the forest. In contrast to the dry pitch pine community, the Plum Creek watershed also contains seepage wetlands and vernal pools. These two habitat types are breeding havens for dragonflies and amphibians alike. Visitors can enjoy the landscape by hiking old logging roads that course through the forest." - MD Department of Natural Resources

For the Recreation Lover

Beach/Swimming - Swimming is available both at the Chesapeake Isle Community Beach (for free) and a larger beach area is available at Elk Neck State Park for a fee of $3/person in state and $5/person out of state.

Boating - Staying in Chesapeake Isle means you can use the community dock and boat launch to go boating.  Depending on the time of year, we may have a canoe available for your use

Golfing - The Chesapeake Bay Golf Club is the place to go in North East, MD.  Play Chesapeake Bay Golf Club’s North East Course and you will meander through forest, around wetlands, along rolling hills and down fairways lined with trees. Our challenging 18 hole championship course was literally carved out of the forest less than a quarter mile from the Chesapeake Bay and just one mile from the picturesque town of North East, Maryland. Amenities include Men’s & Ladies Locker Facilities, Bag Storage, Pro Shop, Warm Up Range, Putting Green, Shortgame Practice Area, Gorgeous Clubhouse “on the hill”, Tent, Terrace, and dining in The Blue Heron Grille.

Hiking & Biking - Elk Neck State Park has hiking trails for all levels with beautiful views of the North East river.  Check out the Elk Neck State Park map and the corresponding text for the Elk Neck State Park Trail Map for directions for all the hiking and biking trails.

Horseback Riding - Fairwind Farms in North East offers trail rides, pony rides, and horseback riding lessons.  You must make reservations. 410-658-8187.

Guided Kayak Tours - Kayaking Made Easy provides guided Kayak tours for all experience levels across Cecil County.  This is a great way to get up close to nature and have some adventures.

For History Lovers

Upper Bay Museum -  The Upper Bay Museum, located at the foot of Walnut Street in North East, MD, houses a large collection of water related articles portraying the Heritage of the Upper Bay Area.The museum houses displays of hunting, boating and fishing artifacts native to the Upper Chesapeake Bay. Visitors can trace the history of the waterfowl hunter through exhibits of outlawed gunning rigs and skilfully carved decoys. They can also follow the progress of Bay boating and fishing with many displays of model boats, nets and one of the country’s best collections of marine engines. From the serious market waterfowl hunter to the hardy commercial fisherman, waterman of every description have shaped the culture of this region. The officers and members of the Upper Bay Museum invite you to join us where this heritage has been and continues to be preserved for future generations. 219 Walnut Street, North East, MD 21901

Chesapeake & Delaware Canal Museum - On the C&D Canal. Highlights the history of the busiest canal in the U.S., in operation since 1829. The museum is located in the original pumphouse. Exhibits, artifacts, and monitor giving up to the minute locations of ships in the canal; Waterwheel, and the oldest engines of their kind in the U.S. still on their original mount, on display. Mon. - Fri., 8-4. Closed Saturdays, Sundays, and Government holidays.

Water Tour, The Miss Clare - Enjoy a cruise aboard a traditional Chesapeake Bay Work Boat on the C and D Canal. Take a history cruise, twilight ride, or see the Turkey Point lighthouse from the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay. Learn the heritage of the region, and see sites you can only see from the water. Located at the docks along the end of Bohemia Avenue (behind the bandstand in Pell Gardens) in Chesapeake City. 410-885-5088

Historical Society of Cecil County - Research library, gallery exhibit, historic log cabin, and replica of a country store from days gone by; Mon. 10:00 am - 4 pm, Tues. 6-8:30 pm, Thurs. 10-4 pm, first and fourth Sat. 10-2 pm.

Perryville Railroad Museum - Housed in the historic Perryville MARC train station. A working train display/ artifacts. The Perryville Railway Museum is open on Sundays from noon until 4:00 p.m.

Cecil County Farm Museum - The Cecil County Farm Museum(CCFM) was created to preserve and promote the rich agricultural heritage which contributed, in large portion, to the socio-economic development of this portion of the state. It is a non-profit corporation devoted to education and preservation of the county's agricultural past.  Temporarily located in Rising Sun, MD.  Hours: 8 - 4:30 Monday-Friday. Nice collection of turn-of-the-century farm and kitchen implements.

For Shoppers

The town of North East is filled with some adorable shops and antique stores.  Stores are open seven
days a week. Some stores stay open as late as seven or eight p.m. on Fridays or Saturdays. Be sure to check out some of our favorites: Day Basket Company, Fashionality, The Fine Thyme, The North East Chocolate Company, The Silver Buckle, Beans & Leaves.

For Hunters and Fishers

Elk Neck State Forest Arboretum Hunting Area - "Public hunting is available on Elk Neck State Forest for all current seasons. No permits are required to hunt on the Forest except for a valid hunters license. To verify dates and regulations please check the Guide to Hunting and Trapping in Maryland."

Fishing - Get all the supplies and fishing advice you need from 3 generations of fisherman at Herb's Tackle Shop in down town North East.

Clamming - There are many edible freshwater clams right on the river bottom.  Children can collect them as the swim out to the doc and take them home for cleaning and a clam bake!

Shooting & Archery - The shooting range at Elk Neck State Forest is open 9:00 a.m. to sunset Tuesday through Sunday. Mondays open at 1pm and will close at sunset. Ranges are open on all holidays including Mondays from 9 AM until Sunset. There are four ranges: 100 yard (riffle/muzzleloader), 50 yard (pistol), skeet range (no thrower provided), bow & arrow range.  You do need a permit which can be purchased at the forest office.

Other Entertainment

The Blue Iris Day Spa and Salon - Spa and salon where the warm wood work and rustic feel meet modern elegance.  The well lit natural lighting of our waiting area is the perfect place to apply make-up.  Hair design services are available for all ages male and female.  Unwind with nail services in the private room with two manicure stations and two pedicure chairs that offer the up most relaxing experience.  Nail services are the perfect way to complete your day at The Blue Iris.  A separate waiting area and 3 spa rooms large enough for couples treatments compose our spa facilities.  Our well trained staff is awaiting your arrival. 

Pick-Your-Own - At Milburn Orchard in Elkton, MD. Family owned and operated since 1902, Milburn Orchards provides your family with high quality farm fresh fruits and vegetables, available in our farm market, or wholesale.  Peaches, cherries, apples, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, grapes, nectarines, plums, pumpkins and gourds are grown here, and we feature many other locally grown fruits and vegetables in our farm market. Our fruits and vegetables are picked at the peak of flavor and nutrition! Your family will taste the difference compared to fruit picked weeks before they are ready and shipped 3,000 miles across the globe.Our family farm is dedicated to modern, environmentally friendly growing practices that protect your family, and help preserve our precious orchard soil. 1495 Appleton Road, Elkton, Maryland 21921 - (410) 398-1349, (800) 684-3000

Performing Arts @ The Milburn Stone Theater - Theater, music, dance and art are proudly brought to Cecil County by the Milburn Stone Theatre. The Milburn Stone is the leading performing arts theater serving the northeast region of Maryland, conveniently located off exit 100B of I-95. A comprehensive organization, the Milburn Stone is accountable for a variety of missions within the theater facility including college, community, and public activities. The Milburn Stone staff is responsible for assisting the College in presenting activities that require use of the theater and affords community organizations the opportunity to present their offerings in a quality rental facility.



The theatre is named after the late actor, Milburn Stone, who starred as "Doc Adams" in the long running TV Western Gun Smoke. His wife and daughter have been long time benefactors of the theatre. The Milburn Stone Theatre produces nine to ten plays each season and is always interested in adding new members to their Company as actors, technicians, front of house, and publicity. To learn more about the Milburn Stone Theatre contact S. Lee Lewis 410-287-1023 or email slewis@cecil.edu