Upper Bay Museum - Are We There Yet?

This unique museum preserves and interprets the heritage of both the commercial and recreational hunter of the Upper Chesapeake Bay. This is the site of the famed Susquehanna Flats, a hunting paradise that has attracted many famous people, including J.P. Morgan, Grover Cleveland and Babe Ruth, whose shotgun can be found here.

Wildfowl hunting was once primarily a commercial activity that, along with other maritime industries and commerce, helped support the communities that grew around the Bay. Today such hunting is done on a recreational basis exclusively.

Located in two spacious buildings at the head of the North East River, the Upper Bay Museum houses an extensive collection of hunting, boating, and fishing artifacts native to the area. The history of waterfowl hunting is brought to life through a variety of exhibits such as outlawed gunning rigs and skillfully carved decoys.

Decoys have evolved over the years into a fine art form, popular in many areas where waterfowl hunting has been done for years. The Upper Bay Museum displays a comprehensive collection of Susquehanna Flats working decoys, including a rare swan decoy.

Bay boating and fishing can also be traced here, in buildings that formerly housed part of the H.L. Harvey Fish Company. The Museum's collection of antique marine engines is the finest in the nation, and a stunning exhibit of mahogany miniatures depicts the vessels that are an important part of Upper Bay heritage.

Tours are Self-Guided. Individuals and groups are welcome. Each October the Museum sponsors The Upper Shore Decoy Show -- one of the longest continually running decoy shows in the country -- featuring artist demonstrations, competitions, displays, and auctions. E-mail (preferred) or call us for details.

Finally, the Museum is home to the Chesapeake Wooden Boat Builder's School. More can be learned about them on their Facebook page.

Hours: Memorial Day thru Labor Day, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 12 - 4. Labor Day through Upper Shore Decoy Show (mid-October) Saturday and Sunday, 12 - 4. Open other times by appointment. Call or e-mail to confirm hours before visiting..
Admission: Free, but all donations are welcome.
Group Reservations: 2 weeks in advance.
Lunch: Picnic areas in park.
Handicapped Access: Accessible.
Directions: I-95 South to Maryland exit for Rt. 272 South. Park entrance (Walnut St., North East Comm. Pk) is about 1 mile south of Rt. 40. 30 - 60 minutes from Philadelphia.