Babe Ruth Birthplace & Museum
216 Emory St., Downtown, Baltimore, MD, 21230
Baseball fans shouldn’t miss a visit to the birthplace of George Herman “Babe” Ruth in Baltimore. The well-preserved, humble row house includes the upstairs bedroom where the baseball player was born, plus displays of family memorabilia, sports paraphernalia, and Ruthian records. The museum also highlights the history of the Baltimore Orioles, Ravens, and Colts, and other regional sports teams.
The basics
Though it was slated for demolition in the mid-1900s, the city saved Ruth’s former home, and in 1974, the site opened as a shrine to the baseball great. Run by the Babe Ruth Birthplace Foundation, a not-for-profit educational institution, the museum preserves and commemorates the legacy of Ruth, as well as Baltimore's local sports teams. In addition to showcasing his baseball achievements, the site also features a display about Ruth’s favorite radio show, The Lone Ranger, including the radio from his New York apartment, and his Catholic rosary.
Tours of the museum are self-guided, but you can book city tours of Baltimore that include a stop at Oriole Park, which is a short walk from the museum.
Things to know before you go
- The museum takes about 30 minutes to explore, but it's possible to spend more time here.
- It’s a must-see attraction for sports fans and is an easy place to visit before an Orioles game.
- Visitors recommend watching the museum’s short film about the origin of the National Anthem at sporting events.
- An elevator provides access to galleries on the first and second floors.
How to get there
The Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum is in Baltimore’s downtown, 3 blocks west from Oriole Park at Camden Yards. To get to Camden Yards from the museum, follow the baseball bats painted on the sidewalk, which lead to the Babe Ruth statue at the ballpark. Public parking is available near the Inner Harbor and Oriole Park.
When to get there
From April through September, on evenings when the Orioles are playing a home game, the museum stays open until the early evening; during the winter months, it typically closes in the late afternoon. In addition to being baseball season, summer is considered the best time to visit Baltimore for festivals and other cultural events.
Inner Harbor
Perhaps Baltimore’s most popular tourist attraction, Inner Harbor is a waterfront promenade along the Patapsco River where visitors can take a leisurely stroll, grab fresh seafood, and browse the shops. Plus, there are plenty of dinner-cruise and yacht-charter options to see the sights from the water.
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