Facility Overview
Parking for McLhinney Park is a dedicated open-air public parking facility serving visitors to McLhinney Park and the scenic northern waterfront of Havre de Grace, Maryland. Positioned right off Conesteo Street near the mouth of the Susquehanna River, this ground-level surface parking lot provides convenient access to local park grounds, shoreline trails, and water views. The lot layout features standard outdoor parking bays bordered by natural greenery and residential surroundings. Because this is an open-air surface area without overhead canopies or garage structures, it accommodates virtually all consumer vehicle types with zero vertical clearance restrictions. Compact cars, midsize sedans, family minivans, full-sized pickup trucks, tall SUVs, and rooftop cargo carriers can navigate and park with ease.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Located on the banks of the lower Susquehanna River, McLhinney Park offers breathtaking views toward Garrett Island and the historic railroad bridges crossing into Perryville. The parking lot serves as a tranquil starting point for water enthusiasts, casual walkers, and sightseers visiting several Havre de Grace highlights:
- McLhinney Park & Shoreline: Located steps away from the vehicle bays, offering open green space, shoreline fishing, and quiet waterfront relaxation.
- Susquehanna Museum at the Lock House: Situated less than a 5-minute walk (0.2 miles) south along Erie Street, presenting the rich industrial canal history of Havre de Grace.
- Historic Downtown Havre de Grace: Approximately a 10 to 15-minute walk (under 1 mile) south, where visitors can explore Washington Street and St. John Street boutiques, antique stores, bakeries, and local cafes.
- Havre de Grace Promenade & Concord Point Lighthouse: A short 3-minute drive or leisurely scenic stroll southward along the riverbank leads to the boardwalk promenade and the iconic 1827 lighthouse.
- Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge (US-40): Directly visible to the north, framing stunning panoramic sunrises over the river basin.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
The facility provides straightforward ingress and egress via Conesteo Street, which connects directly to Otsego Street and historic downtown thoroughfares. Motorists arriving via regional corridors can take US Route 40 (Pulaski Highway) or Interstate 95 (Exit 89 for Route 155 / Level Road), proceeding into Havre de Grace and heading east toward the river. Exiting the lot remains smooth and stress-free even on busy holiday weekends, as local neighborhood streets maintain mild traffic flows. While personal vehicle transport is the most practical means of arrival, regional bus connections operated by Harford Transit LINK operate in the wider Havre de Grace area, and the Perryville MARC commuter rail station is situated just across the Susquehanna River via US-40.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Open-air ground-level parking spaces adjacent to public parkland.
- No vertical clearance limitations, ideal for tall SUVs, pickup trucks, and vehicles with kayak or bike racks.
- Immediate pedestrian pathway access leading to green lawns and riverbank vistas.
- Complimentary public parking without metered gates or time kiosks.
- Designated accessible parking spaces close to park entry points.
- Peaceful residential and parkland environment with ambient street lighting.
Ideal For
- Anglers, shoreline explorers, and recreational kayak enthusiasts launching onto the Susquehanna River.
- Families and pet walkers spending an afternoon at McLhinney Park and surrounding riverfront spots.
- Visitors touring the Susquehanna Museum at the Lock House and exploring local canal history.
- Photographers seeking prime morning light and bridge panoramas over Garrett Island.
- Travelers taking a scenic detour off Interstate 95 or US Route 40 to enjoy a relaxing break.
Visitor & Driver Tips
Parking at McLhinney Park is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. If you plan to visit on sunny summer weekends or during Havre de Grace holiday festivals, plan to arrive mid-morning to secure a prime spot. Outdoor sports enthusiasts hauling kayaks or bicycles will find the absence of clearance gates especially convenient, though drivers should verify park regulations regarding permitted non-motorized watercraft launch spots along the river bank. Set your GPS directly to 802 Conesteo Street, and observe all posted municipal park rules and dawn-to-dusk closing schedules.