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Location
Visitor tip
Don't miss the historic garage out back where live decoy carving demonstrations happen. Visitors report this is a special experience where you can meet master carvers and learn firsthand about the craft, especially during the annual festival.
Best time
Visit on a weekday, especially in off-season months like February, to enjoy the museum with fewer crowds and a more intimate experience with staff and carvers.
Visitor tip
The museum appeals to all ages and is child-friendly with engaging, detailed displays that tell the story of local waterfowl hunting history and American folk art—not just decoys, making it educational for families.
About Havre De Grace Decoy Museum
Woodcarving displays of geese & ducks. Venue showcasing working duck decoys along with folk & fine art models plus tours & demonstrations.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Decoy and Waterfowl Art Museum
- Location
- Havre de Grace, Maryland - Susquehanna Flats
- Highlights
- One of finest Chesapeake Bay decoy collections, Joel Barber Collection, Oliver 'Tuts' Lawson Exhibit, Revolutionary War artifacts
- Major Event
- 44th Annual Havre de Grace Decoy & Wildlife Art Festival with competitions, auctions, and carver demonstrations
What visitors say
Was looking for any museum that was open in the middle of February. On a weekday. This was pretty much the only one in this area. Very surprised by how extensive it was and how interesting and engaging the displays were. The videos…
Great to see where all the decoys are made! There are plenty of them in this museum! It was worth understanding who, what, and why they are made!
What a great place to visit. Learn about Maryland history. Experience the beautiful art of decoy making.
From 212 Google reviews Read all reviews
Did You Know?
- Havre de Grace is officially known as the 'Decoy Capital of the World' and is part of the National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways network, recognized for its historic significance in American waterfowling culture
- The museum houses the Joel Barber Collection featuring ceramic and bronze paperweights and wooden test models, representing a significant private collection of decoy-related artifacts
- The museum preserves century-old decoy carving skills passed down from master to apprentice, with exhibits including an operational historic garage that was physically moved to the museum site and continues to be used for live carving demonstrations
Other Children's Museums in Havre De Grace
More Family Fun Nearby
Other venues within driving distance:
The Havre de Grace Maritime Museum
Children's MuseumsHavre De Grace, MD
0 miles away
Havre de Grace Colored School Museum and Cultural Center
Children's MuseumsHavre De Grace, MD
0 miles away
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