Top Frederick Historical Tours

Winding through trails, town, and time, this self-guided audio tour explores the powerful stories and landscapes of Harpers Ferry. Over the course of 3 miles, you’ll journey from quiet riverbanks to dramatic ridgelines, past weathered ruins and historic landmarks that shaped the course of American history. This is no ordinary walk—it’s a deep dive into a place where freedom was fought for, ideas were tested, and the nation’s future often hung in the balance. From John Brown’s bold raid to the legacy of Storer College, each stop brings to life a new chapter of ambition, conflict, and change. With GPS-triggered audio guiding your way, you can explore at your own pace—pausing for a scenic view or reflecting at a historic site. Whether you’re a history lover, a curious traveler, or just here for the beauty, this tour offers a moving and memorable way to experience Harpers Ferry.

I’m Don Burgess, a Frederick resident interested in sharing my passion for heritage tourism and historic preservation as they contribute to preserving and creating a city’s “Sense of Place.” I’ve been a history buff of this region for years, and my role on Facebook as Frederick Tour enables me to combine my love of things old with my skills with things new. I’m a semi-professional photographer who has photographed, shown, and sold images of Frederick, Harpers Ferry, and other regions. See more details about tour in itinerary below and at fredericktour.org We can give tours year round. If it is raining/snowing (light) and you still want to take the tour, we can do that. If it is raining/snowing (hard), we can do a virtual "tour" indoors (groups of 8 or less). Upon request, we can offer theme tours such as churches, architecture, or Civil War, or even photo shoots.

Rarely are guests able to relive history in a relaxed, conversational atmosphere with guides who are local to the area and want to share what makes their home special to them. Along with the 300+ year history of the region, your private driver will share with you stories, show you other points of interest, fill you in on the best restaurants or other attractions that only the locals know. This is a chance to experience Harpers Ferry and Jefferson County not just in times long past but as a thriving and diverse region. Many of the guests are looking for authentic interactions on a personal level that are more real than just a history tour. With facts about how George Washington and his family shaped the area and the country is to where the best ice cream shop is along the way, we strive to make your journey with us is like traveling with a friend through the centuries!

Enjoy a private, full-day historical adventure through West Virginia and Maryland with your own personal driver-guide. Visit the charming town of Harpers Ferry, the Bolivar Heights Battlefield, and the fascinating National Museum of Civil War Medicine. End your journey with a relaxing stroll along Carroll Creek Park in Frederick. Perfect for couples, families, or small groups who want a personalized, comfortable, and flexible travel experience filled with history, culture, and scenic beauty.

Explore Harpers Ferry with a professional, highly knowledgeable guide who brings America’s history to life. Walk iconic Civil War sites, abolitionist landmarks, and scenic river viewpoints while expert storytelling reveals the people, conflicts, and ideas that shaped the nation. Don’t just visit Harpers Ferry, experience it with a certified guide.

Enjoy a private, full-day historical adventure through West Virginia and Maryland. Visit the charming town of Harpers Ferry and the Bolivar Heights Battlefield. Perfect for couples, families, or small groups who want a personalized, comfortable, and flexible travel experience filled with history, culture, and scenic beauty.