The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center in Church Creek, Maryland, will open to the public on Saturday, March 11, 2017. If you’re planning to come to the grand opening, here’s some helpful information.

When is the grand opening?

The grand opening weekend for the public is March 11 and March 12. We expect especially large crowds on Saturday, March 11, so if you’re planning to come that day, be prepared for traffic and lines. (And consider taking the free shuttle; see below.)

What time is the Tubman Visitor open, and is there an admission fee?

The new Tubman Visitor Center will be open daily from 9am to 5pm. Admission is free. Learn more about the Visitor Center in this Welcome Guide.

Where is the Tubman Visitor Center?

The new Tubman Visitor Center is located at 4068 Golden Hill Rd, Church Creek, MD 21622. It’s located in a rural area about 20 minutes from downtown Cambridge, Maryland. There are no gas stations and very few restaurants in the immediate area around the visitor center. Most restaurants and services are located in Cambridge.

What’s the best way for me to get to the Tubman Visitor Center on Saturday, March 11?

Because of the large crowds expected and because parking at the Tubman Visitor Center is limited, there will be free shuttles running on Saturday, March 11 AND Sunday, March 12 from downtown Cambridge to the Tubman Visitor Center, about a 20-minute drive. The shuttles will run from 10am to 4pm, with the last shuttle leaving Cambridge at 3pm.  The shuttles will leave from the parking lot across from the City Hall building, 410 Academy Street in Cambridge, MD. Parking is free. Shuttles will leave every 15 minutes. On Saturday only, there will be an additional shuttle between the Tubman Visitor Center and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, which is hosting its annual Eagle Festival on March 11.

What events are happening to celebrate the grand opening?

Various events are planned for grand opening weekend, both at the Tubman Visitor Center and in the area. See the full listing of grand opening events. If you can’t make it to the grand opening weekend, there will be more Tubman-related events throughout the year. See the roundup of 2017 events.

Is there more to see in the area about Harriet Tubman?

Yes! The new Tubman Visitor Center is a great launching point for exploring the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway, a self-guided driving tour of 36 sites related to freedom seekers in Dorchester and Caroline Counties. If you’d like to learn more about exploring the Tubman Byway, browse this website. You can also order the Tubman Byway Map & Guide or pick it up once you’re in town at the Dorchester Visitor Center (2 Rose Hill Place in Cambridge) or at the Tubman Visitor Center.

What else can I do while I’m in the area?

For more information about other things to do in the area, look at our suggested Things to Do section or browse our sister site at VisitDorchester.org. You’re also welcome to stop by the Dorchester County Visitor Center, which has local visitor info, maps, and friendly folks to answer your questions. The Dorchester Visitor Center is located right off of Route 50 at 2 Rose Hill Place, Cambridge, MD 21613.

Where can I eat? 

Most of the restaurants are in Cambridge, Maryland, about a 20-minute drive from the Tubman Visitor Center. Check out restaurant descriptions on our sister site, Dorchester County Tourism.