Campus Tours
Horn Point Laboratory offers a 90-minute walking tour that is free and open to the public. Graduate students will give you a behind-the-scenes tour of HPL. You will explore oysters in the Atlantic Coast's largest hatchery, physical oceanography, coastal resilience, water quality, and more.
When you arrive at Horn Point Laboratory, located at 2020 Horns Point Road in Cambridge, turn onto the campus lane and then turn right at the first available right turn. The tour will begin in the lobby of the Coastal Science Building, first building on the left.. Enter through the double doors.
The walking tour will begin with a presentation on Chesapeake Bay facts and problems, Horn Point research that seeks solutions for restoration, and your role as stewards of the Bay. There will be several stops on the tour where our laboratories tell the story of the vital role of science in: (1) the physical oceanography of the Bay, (2) Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV), and the Bay ecosystem, (3) oyster restoration.
Public tours are hosted at 10:00 AM each Tuesday from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Special tours may also be arranged, depending on the availability of tour guides.
Tours are on foot and best suited for individuals 10 years and older.
For details, contact the outreach coordinator at 410-221-8383, or hpltours@umces.edu.
Oyster Culture Facility tours
The Horn Point Oyster Culture Facility offers weekday tours during the spawning season, which runs from March through September. Tour groups during the season may have the opportunity to see oysters spawn, baby oyster larvae, and see a working production facility giving the best experience possible. Tours are open to kids of all ages- from preschool on up and usually last 30-60 minutes. If you are interested in a hatchery tour, please contact Stephanie Alexander at tobash@hpl.umces.edu or at 410-221-8310.