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Chesapeake Heritage & Visitors Center* (exit 41 from Rt.301/50)
The Chesapeake Heritage & Visitors Center is located on the Kent Narrows waterfront at the end of Piney Narrows Road, on the western side of the strait of the Kent Narrows. Here visitors may pick up a beautifully illustrated Watermen's Way Heritage Trail map depicting the Kent Narrows Waterfront Area. The map shows the marinas, restaurants hotels, trails and attractions in the Waterfront Village Area.
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Enjoy the View
The Center serves as both a destination point and an information center. Visitors may climb the observation towers to see the magnificent view of the Kent Narrows, the Chester River, and the Eastern Bay.
Learn about our unique Chesapeake Bay Heritage and Culture
Inside, visitors enjoy a permanent collection of objects and art that reflects the region’s unique culture and heritage. Indigenous marine life and changing exhibits are also featured. A variety of community-based events are held throughout the year, so be sure to check out the events calendar. Nearby in Grasonville is the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center. The center features a variety of opportunities for biking, birding, kayaking and much more. Kayak rentals are available from May through the end of October.
Experience the Natural Environment and our Trails
Nature and outdoor recreation enthusiasts are pleased to learn that the trailhead to Ferry Point Nature Park begins at the Center. This 41-acre nature park sits on the Chester River and offers a two-mile walking trail. The trail features a wooden bridge that leads to scenic vistas and provides eco-tourist opportunities to view birds and wildlife unique to the region. Capacity restrictions may be in force to avoid overcrowding at Ferry Point Park. For more info visit: https://qac.org/229/Parks-Recreation.
The six-mile Cross Island Trail is also within walking distance of the Center.
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The new Cross County Connector Trail can be accessed from Kent Narrows Way North. Those wishing to use the trail may park for free in the Public Lot under the east side of the Kent Narrows Bridge. The combination boardwalk and asphalt trail connects to the existing Cross Island Trail extending the current trail for 1.2 miles. It runs parallel to the westbound side of Rt. 301/50 and can be easily accessed from the vicinity of the Holiday Inn Express. It connects with Long Point Park in Grasonville. Long Point Park is located at the intersection of Long Point Road and Jackson Creek Road.
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Find out more about the Area
The Chesapeake Heritage & Visitors Center is operated by Queen Anne's County and staffed by destination specialists who provide information on where to find local seafood, dining and entertainment options, accommodations and other things to do in the Kent Narrows area and in the region. It’s a great starting point for a visit to Kent Narrows, to Queen Anne’s County, and the Delmarva Peninsula. Plenty of travel brochures and maps of the region are available.
Hours of Operation
The Center is open, seasonally May through November, seven days a week. Currently, the hours are as follows: 9 am-4pm, Monday-Friday. Open limited hours Saturdays and Sundays. Indoor restroom facilities are available (limited hours). A bike rack is located outdoors. The adjoining Ferry Point Park is open from sunrise to sunset.
Accessibility
The center is handicapped accessible. (An elevator to the viewing decks may be turned on by request during operating hours).
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*The Chesapeake Heritage & Visitors Center was formerly known as the Chesapeake Exploration Center.