Discover Baltimore’s Hidden Gem: The National Aquarium’s Award-Winning Harbor Wetland

A Free World-Class Attraction in the Inner Harbor — And Why You Should Spend the Whole Day Exploring

Baltimore’s Inner Harbor just celebrated a remarkable milestone: the National Aquarium’s Harbor Wetland® completed its first full year of operation, and the results are nothing short of extraordinary.

If you haven’t visited this world-first floating wetland yet, you’re missing one of the most innovative and beautiful attractions in Baltimore — and the best part? It’s completely free and open to the public.

The National Aquarium recently published impressive findings from Harbor Wetland’s first 365 days, and the numbers tell a story of conservation success, community engagement, and urban innovation that’s putting Baltimore on the map for all the right reasons.

What Is Harbor Wetland?

Harbor Wetland, presented by CFG Bank, is an expansive outdoor exhibit located right in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. This isn’t just any attraction — it’s the first floating wetland of its kind anywhere in the world.

The exhibit is a re-created salt marsh designed to:

Support native wildlife species
Educate visitors about ecosystems
Promote healthy water in the Inner Harbor
Withstand extreme weather conditions
Provide a beautiful, accessible green space for all

The project represents 14 years of research and planning, four prototypes, nine months of construction, and more than 32,000 hand-planted grasses and shrubs. The result? A stunning example of how urban environments can support nature while giving city residents and visitors a connection to Maryland’s native ecosystems.

First Year Achievements: The Numbers Are Remarkable

The National Aquarium has been carefully tracking Harbor Wetland’s impact since it opened on August 8, 2024, and the first-year results are impressive:

Wildlife Thriving in the City

139 different species have been documented on and around Harbor Wetland in its first year, including:

31 species of birds
24 species of insects
12 species of fish
8 species of arachnids
6 species of mammals
4 species of reptiles
2 species of mollusks
1 amphibian species

Monarchs, menhaden, and even muskrats have all made Harbor Wetland a regular stop. More than 120 community scientists contributed 496 observations, all tracked on the National Aquarium Harbor Wetland iNaturalist page.

Improving Inner Harbor Water Quality

Harbor Wetland isn’t just beautiful — it’s functional. During low-oxygen events in the Inner Harbor, the wetland provided healthier oxygen conditions 34% of the time. The Aquarium collects live water quality data every 15 minutes, measuring:

Temperature
Salinity
Dissolved oxygen
Chlorophyll
Turbidity
pH

This real-time environmental monitoring is helping scientists understand and improve the health of Baltimore’s waterways.

Welcoming 120,000 Visitors

In its first year, Harbor Wetland welcomed 120,000 people, including:

More than 1,000 participants in the first annual Harbor Wetland BioBlitz
813 Baltimore City sixth graders in the “What Lives in the Harbor” education program
Countless families, tourists, and nature lovers

Built to Last

Mother Nature tested Harbor Wetland right from the start, and it passed with flying colors. The exhibit successfully weathered:

Tropical Storm Debby (August 2024)
A massive fish kill caused by a “pistachio tide” (September 2024)
Baltimore’s longest dry streak in 150 years — 38 consecutive days without rain (fall 2024)
A tornado (May 2025)

The resilience of this innovative design proves that urban green infrastructure can withstand the challenges of climate change while providing critical ecosystem services.

National Recognition

Harbor Wetland’s excellence has been recognized with multiple prestigious awards:

Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Facility Award — top honors at the 2025 AZA conference
Baltimore WaveMaker Award from the Urban Land Institute
Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Maryland chapter

Why This Matters for Your Inner Harbor Visit

Here’s the thing: Harbor Wetland is just one of dozens of incredible experiences waiting for you at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. And because it’s completely free, you can use your budget for the many other attractions, restaurants, and activities that make the Inner Harbor one of America’s great urban waterfronts.

But here’s what many visitors don’t realize: You need time to truly experience the Inner Harbor.

Too many people rush through their visit, feeling pressured by expensive hourly parking rates or strict time limits. They see one attraction, grab a quick meal, and hurry back to their car before the meter runs out or the next parking charge kicks in.

That’s not how the Inner Harbor is meant to be experienced.

A Full Day at the Inner Harbor: What You’re Missing

Imagine a perfect day at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor:

Morning: Start with Nature (Free!)

Walk through the Harbor Wetland and spot native birds and wildlife
Learn about Chesapeake Bay ecosystems
Take Instagram-worthy photos of the stunning floating marsh

Late Morning: World-Class Aquarium

Visit the National Aquarium itself (right next door to Harbor Wetland)
See dolphins, sharks, tropical fish, and more
Explore award-winning exhibits

Lunch: Waterfront Dining

Choose from dozens of restaurants
Enjoy views of the harbor while you eat
Try Maryland crab cakes, fresh seafood, or international cuisine

Afternoon: History & Culture

Tour the Historic Ships (USS Constellation, USS Torsk, USCGC Taney, Lightship Chesapeake)
Visit the Maryland Science Center
Explore the Port Discovery Children’s Museum (if you have kids)
Walk through Harborplace and The Gallery for shopping

Late Afternoon: Relaxation

Stroll along the waterfront promenade
Sit by the water and watch boats go by
Return to Harbor Wetland for sunset views
Let the kids run around in open spaces

Evening: Dinner & Entertainment

Dinner at a waterfront restaurant
Live music at Power Plant Live
Ice cream or dessert at one of many cafes

The Problem? Most parking options make this impossible.

Hourly parking at $8-12 per hour means constantly watching the clock
No in/out privileges trap you in one spot
Time limits force you to rush
Premium rates at individual attractions ($25-35) add up quickly

The Harbor Park Garage Solution: Park Once, Explore All Day

This is exactly why Harbor Park Garage offers $18 all-day parking.

Think about that for a moment:

Park once in the morning
Explore for 12 full hours
Visit multiple attractions
Take your time
Never worry about rushing back to your car
Never pay another parking fee

Location: 55 Market Place, Baltimore, MD 21202

3-minute walk to Harbor Wetland
6-minute walk to the National Aquarium
4-minute walk to the Maryland Science Center
5-minute walk to Historic Ships
3-minute walk to Harborplace dining and shopping

The Math Makes Sense

Let’s compare a typical Inner Harbor day:

Scenario: Family of Four Visiting for 8 Hours

Option 1: Hourly Parking at Inner Harbor Garage

Rate: $10/hour
Total: $80 for 8 hours
No in/out privileges

Option 2: National Aquarium Garage

Rate: $25-30 for the day
Total: $30
But you’re stuck near the aquarium

Option 3: Harbor Park Garage

Rate: $18 for 12 hours
Total: $18
Walking distance to everything
Freedom to come and go

You Save: $12-62 compared to other options

What Could You Do With Those Savings?

Grab lunch at a nice restaurant
Buy souvenirs for the kids
Upgrade to premium aquarium tickets
Enjoy dessert or ice cream
Add another attraction to your day

Making the Most of Your Inner Harbor Day

With Harbor Park Garage’s all-day parking, you can truly experience Baltimore the way it’s meant to be enjoyed. Here are some perfect itineraries:

Nature & Science Day (8 hours)

Perfect for families with school-age children

9:00 AM: Park at Harbor Park Garage
9:15 AM: Explore Harbor Wetland (free, 45 minutes)
10:00 AM: National Aquarium opens — spend 2-3 hours
1:00 PM: Lunch at Harborplace
2:30 PM: Maryland Science Center
5:00 PM: Walk along the waterfront, return to the Harbor Wetland for golden hour photos
5:30 PM: Head back to Harbor Park Garage

Total Parking: $18

History & Harbor Day (10 hours)

Perfect for history buffs and out-of-town visitors

10:00 AM: Park at Harbor Park Garage
10:15 AM: Harbor Wetland walk
11:00 AM: Historic Ships tour (multiple vessels)
1:00 PM: Lunch at waterfront restaurant
2:30 PM: Shopping at Harborplace and The Gallery
4:00 PM: Return to Harbor Wetland, spot afternoon wildlife
5:00 PM: Coffee break at waterfront café
6:00 PM: Dinner at nice restaurant
8:00 PM: Evening stroll, return to car

Total Parking: $18

Little Kids Adventure (6 hours)

Perfect for families with young children

10:00 AM: Park at Harbor Park Garage
10:15 AM: Let kids explore Harbor Wetland, look for birds and fish
11:00 AM: Port Discovery Children’s Museum
1:00 PM: Lunch (kids menu at family restaurant)
2:00 PM: Play at waterfront open spaces
3:00 PM: Ice cream at Harborplace
3:30 PM: Return to Harbor Wetland, let kids run around
4:00 PM: Head home for nap time

Total Parking: $1Baltimore National Aquarium Parking8

Date Day/Couple’s Getaway (12 hours)

Perfect for couples or adult friends

11:00 AM: Park at Harbor Park Garage
11:15 AM: Brunch at waterfront restaurant
1:00 PM: Harbor Wetland walk (peaceful, beautiful)
2:00 PM: National Aquarium
4:00 PM: Shopping and exploring Harborplace
6:00 PM: Sunset at Harbor Wetland (golden hour photos)
7:00 PM: Dinner at upscale restaurant
9:00 PM: Drinks at Power Plant Live
11:00 PM: Walk back to car

Total Parking: $18

Why Harbor Wetland Makes Baltimore Special

The success of Harbor Wetland represents something larger than just one attraction. It shows Baltimore’s commitment to:

Environmental Leadership The National Aquarium is pioneering technology that could help cities worldwide. They’re even in the process of patenting the floating wetland technology, with interest from groups including a Superfund site in Brooklyn, New York.

Urban Innovation Baltimore is proving that major cities can support thriving ecosystems. Harbor Wetland is helping improve water quality, support wildlife, and educate the next generation about conservation.

Community Access By making Harbor Wetland free and accessible to all, the National Aquarium ensures that world-class environmental education isn’t limited to those who can afford admission tickets.

Research Excellence The Aquarium recently joined the Chesapeake Bay Otter Alliance and is supporting research on river otters’ diets and parasites by providing samples to the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Harbor Wetland

According to Charmaine Dahlenburg, Director of Field Conservation at the National Aquarium: “I’m really looking forward to what’s to come for Harbor Wetland. It feels like we’re just getting started.”

The National Aquarium continues to:

Monitor water quality 24/7
Track wildlife populations
Expand educational programs
Share technology with other cities
Document the long-term impact of urban wetlands

As visitors, we get to witness this groundbreaking project evolve while enjoying one of Baltimore’s most beautiful public spaces.

Practical Information for Your Visit

Harbor Wetland Details

Location: Inner Harbor, Baltimore (adjacent to National Aquarium)
Address: 501 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
Hours: Open 24/7, free to all
Accessibility: Fully accessible
Best Times: Early morning for birding, sunset for photography, anytime for peaceful walks

Harbor Park Garage Details

Address: 55 Market Place, Baltimore, MD 21202

Rates:

All-Day Parking (12 hours): $18
Overnight Parking: $24 with unlimited in/out access

Why Choose Harbor Park Garage: ✓ Best value in the Inner Harbor
✓ Walking distance to all major attractions
✓ Covered parking protects your vehicle
✓ 24/7 security and professional staffing
✓ Online reservations available
✓ No surprises, no hidden fees

Reserve Online: harborparkgarage.com

Getting There from Harbor Park Garage

To Harbor Wetland/National Aquarium:

Exit garage onto Market Place
Turn right on Pratt Street
Walk 3-6 minutes to Inner Harbor
Harbor Wetland is on the water, impossible to miss

To Other Attractions:

Maryland Science Center: 4-minute walk
Historic Ships: 5-minute walk
Port Discovery: 8-minute walk
Harborplace: 3-minute walk
Power Plant Live: 5-minute walk

Everything is within easy walking distance, even with kids or elderly family members.

Additional Resources

Learn More About Harbor Wetland:

Plan Your Inner Harbor Day:

The Inner Harbor Awaits

Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is more than just a collection of attractions — it’s a destination where history, nature, science, dining, and entertainment come together in one beautiful waterfront setting.

Harbor Wetland’s remarkable first year proves that Baltimore is a city where innovation meets conservation, where urban spaces can support thriving ecosystems, and where world-class attractions can be accessible to everyone.

With Harbor Park Garage’s all-day parking, you have the freedom to experience it all. No rushing. No stress. No constantly checking your watch. Just a full day of exploration, discovery, and creating memories with family and friends.

Park once. Explore all day. Experience everything.

The Inner Harbor is waiting for you, and Harbor Wetland is the perfect place to start your adventure.

Reserve Your Spot Today

Harbor Park Garage
55 Market Place
Baltimore, MD 21202

Call to Action: Don’t let parking limit your Inner Harbor experience. With our $18 all-day rate, you can visit Harbor Wetland, explore the National Aquarium, have lunch, see Historic Ships, shop at Harborplace, and still have time for dinner — all without worrying about your car.

Reserve online at harborparkgarage.com and start planning your perfect Inner Harbor day.

Harbor Park Garage is proud to support Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and the National Aquarium’s groundbreaking conservation work. We believe great parking shouldn’t just get you close to where you’re going — it should give you the freedom to fully experience everything Baltimore has to offer.

Welcome to Baltimore. We’ll save you a spot.