Hart-Miller Island

Hart-Miller Island
(HMI)

ABOUT:

Hart-Miller Island is a 1,100-acre island located just northeast of Baltimore City by the mouth of the Middle and Back Rivers. It was once a chain of three islands that suffered from severe erosion. In 1970, Port partners suggested using dredged material to restore what remained to replicate the original footprint of the two larger islands, Hart and Miller. They were joined by the construction of a perimeter dike beginning in 1981, and until 2009 the impoundment was filled with material dredged from Baltimore Harbor channels, eventually creating what is today Hart-Miller Island. No longer an active placement site, Hart-Miller Island is now owned by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and has become a boat and nature lover’s paradise, with public water access, boat-accessible beaches and trails, and numerous vantage points for birding and wildlife viewing. In past years, nearly 40,000 people visited to fish, camp, boat, swim, bike, hike, picnic, and participate in birding tours. It is open to the public from May 1 through September 20. In addition to ongoing activities, the DNR hosts a 5-mile footrace that’s open to the public.

TOURS:

The Port of Baltimore offers FREE tours of Hart-Miller Island, led by the Port of Baltimore's Education Team. These tours include a boat ride to the island, a bus tour, and time at the state park. The tour focuses on the history and wildlife of the island. If you are scheduling a tour for a school group, scout troop, etc., please inform your scheduling educators. They can work with you to plan a kid-friendly day.

The Port of Baltimore also offers birding tours. If you are interested in attending a bird-specific tour, check them out here: Birding – Maryland Port Administration

Education Tours:

April-October

Tours are offered Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to12:30 PM or 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM. Groups must consist of 10 to 20 people; the boat capacity is 20 people. This number includes the group coordinator, but does not include MES staff. Children 6 and under are not permitted on tours. Anyone on the trip MUST have closed-toed shoes. Times can be adjusted; please reach out to your scheduling educator to discuss. Times include a 15-minute boat trip to and from the island, approximately an hour-long bus tour, and time at the state park. You may have time at the state park for lunch. Lunch is not included in the trip, but your group is welcome to use the picnic tables and bring your own lunch.

Plan to depart from the MES Land Base (2024A Riverview Rd, Essex, MD 21221)

We depart promptly at the designated time. Plan to arrive 15 mins before the boat is scheduled to leave. This will give us time to fit the group for lifejackets. All participants are required to wear a life jacket (provided) while on the boat.

We run rain-or-shine! However, in the event of severe weather, we may need to cancel the tour, in which case we will contact you as soon as a decision has been made.

MES Land Base (2024A Riverview Rd, Essex, MD 21221)

While on the Island:

All posted signs and verbal notices must be obeyed!
Alcohol and pets are prohibited.
The group must stay together at all times.
Participants will be required to board a boat and/or climb steps.
Closed-toed shoes with appropriate soles, such as sneakers or hiking shoes/boots are required.
High visibility vests (provided) must be worn at all times while onsite and outside of the vehicle.
Most groups should prepare for at least ½ mile hike on a gravel road. Please dress for the weather. It is significantly cooler on the water than inland.

Packing list:

Bring a water bottle. We have a water cooler on-site for refills.
If your group is having lunch on the island, have them pack a bagged lunch. Refrigeration is not provided, but you are welcome to bring coolers.
Suggested items: bug spray, sun block, rain gear, and camera.
The Island does not have much shade, please plan accordingly.

FAQ:

Will there be access to bathrooms?

-Yes, MES Land Base has a portable toilet, and the state park has composting toilets. There is no access to a bathroom on the approximately 1-hour bus tour.

What happens if my tour is canceled because of weather?

-We will do our best to reschedule your tour.

Can you bring food?

Yes! We encourage you to bring food and water on your trip!

What if your group is running late?

-Please contact your scheduling educator as soon as possible.

MES strives to operate its facilities in the safest manner possible. You should be aware that the Hart-Miller Island Dredged Material Containment Facility has construction and other activities underway, some of which are hazardous. There are also a variety of wildlife, insects, and plants to which you may be exposed. By visiting the facility you and the members of your group acknowledge and agree that each of you may encounter potentially dangerous or hazardous activities or situations, which include heavy equipment operating near you, uneven walking surfaces, open docks, or contact with wildlife, insects or plants. You and the members of your group assume all the risks and responsibilities associated with a visit to the Hart-Miller Island Dredged Material Containment Facility, and with any activities you may undertake there .From time to time MES or its partners at the Hart-Miller Island Dredged Material Containment Facility may photograph or record images or audio of visitors. By visiting the facility you and the members of your group acknowledge and agree that their image, likeness, or voice may be used by MES or its partners in conjunction with any of their respective programs, without compensation or any further approvals. The use may include print, audio, video, radio, broadcast, or internet purposes throughout the world.