Discover Towson: History, Campus and Culture

Explore Towson through its history, campus nature and culture. The Freedom Trail and the self-guided Towson Walking Tour highlight different aspects of local history. On campus, the Glen Arboretum, outdoor sculptures, Challenge Course and planetarium offer other points of interest; the Asian Arts & Culture Center focuses on cultural experiences related to Asia. Depending on your interests, you can focus on historical context, nature, group learning, astronomy or art.

History Along Two Routes

The Freedom Trail connects historic sites in East Towson with Hampton Plantation. The route is designed for pedestrians and cyclists. It also connects community sites with the ancestors of people enslaved by Maryland Governor Charles Carnan Ridgely, as well as with subsequent generations. In this way, the trail links historic places with a story that includes the ancestors of enslaved people and later generations.

The Towson Walking Tour offers a different perspective. It is self-guided and illustrates Towson’s development from an 18th-century village into the county seat. Unlike the Freedom Trail, which connects historic sites and community history, this tour focuses on Towson’s transformation. You can choose the historical focus that interests you most.

Campus: Nature, Learning and Art

The Glen Arboretum includes 10 acres of woodland in the center of Towson University’s campus. Access is limited to daylight hours. Check campus information before your visit and plan to go within this time frame.

The Challenge Course is located in the Glen Arboretum and gives groups the opportunity to tailor their learning experience. Its experiential learning programs are designed for people of all ages and with a range of physical abilities. The focus is on group learning, distinguishing the Challenge Course from the wooded area and campus artworks.

Towson University’s public art collection includes outdoor sculptures on campus. A walking tour begins at the Center for the Arts; individual works may change. Those interested in art will find another point of interest here, alongside nature and group learning.

Planetarium and Culture

Towson University’s planetarium is a fully digital system. It makes it possible to observe the sky at any time from any place on Earth and from any perspective in space. Public planetarium shows are held on the evenings of the first and third Fridays of each month during the academic year and are free of charge. Since the schedule may change, it is a good idea to check the current schedule before your visit.

Weather permitting, a public viewing through the rooftop telescopes may be available after a show. For planning purposes, the show and sky viewing are separate: public viewing is a weather-dependent option after the show.

Through a broad range of artistic and cultural experiences related to Asia, Towson University’s Asian Arts & Culture Center promotes intercultural dialogue with the surrounding community. It continues a 50-year tradition of accessible, engaging and inclusive educational programs. These programs center Asian stories and foster exchange among diverse communities.

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