Rackliffe House

11700 Tom Patton Lane, Berlin, MD 21811

11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Sunday 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Tuesday 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Thursday 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

https://rackliffehouse.org/

Rackliffe House: Assateague's New Coastal Heritage Center

Visitors to Assateague State Park have a new opportunity to learn about colonial life along Maryland's coast when they visit historic Rackliffe House. Rackliffe, overlooking Sinepuxent Bay, is a beautifully restored 18th-century coastal plantation house located at the end of Tom Patton Lane, just a half-mile hike from the Assateague Island Visitor Center.

The late Tom Patton, founding President of the Rackliffe House Trust, envisioned the House as a site for coastal heritage interpretation. The Trust, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Assateague State Park, has raised more than $800,000 for the restoration of Rackliffe House and the archeological investigation of the surrounding property. The Trust is now operating the structure and surrounding three acres of property as a Coastal Maryland Heritage Center. The plantation house is reportedly the only one of its kind and vintage in the Mid-Atlantic region that is open to the public.

The vast majority of the funds raised have been used to complete the restoration of the notable coastal Maryland colonial residence and attached kitchen wing. The Trust is currently working to complete the restoration of the historic milk house and construction of a Colonial-style outbuilding to house a fire suppression system. Funds are being raised to develop an interpretation and landscaping plan.

Rackliffe House is open to tours May - October on Tuesdays ad Thursdays.

Visitors may hike to Rackliffe House any day between dawn and dusk to view the House exterior and explore the grounds. Visitors are asked to park in the lot for the new Assateague Island Visitor Center and walk to the House along Tom Patton Lane. New hiking trails are being created by Assateague State Park that will offer a more scenic path to Rackliffe House.

Recent Reviews

Crystal Justice : 5 on 12/8/2025 9:23 pm

My husband and I attended the Colonial Christmas tour at Rackliffe house, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. The moment we stepped inside this beautifully restored 18th century coastal plantation house, we were transported straight into the colonial era. The home is filled with authentic antiques from the time period, including artifacts that originally belonged to the house itself- such a rare treat to see history preserved so thoughtfully.
The holiday decor was stunningly done in full colonial style, elegant and historically appropriate without feeling overdone. As we moved through the rooms, we were treated to live caroling inside the home, the singers voices drifting upstairs like angels, highlighting the acoustics of historic homes. It added so much warmth and authenticity to the evening.
The docents were outstanding-incredibly knowledgeable, welcoming, and patient with every question. Their passion for the site’s history really shines through, enriching the entire tour.
If you’re visiting Berlin or the Assateague area, Rackliffe House is a must see. If you can attend the Colonial Christmas tour you will not be disappointed.

Sherelle “relle” : 5 on 8/5/2025 2:48 pm

I have an appreciation for history; the hood and bad. Rackcliffe House was chucked gill of history and artifacts. This was a hidden gem right near the Verrazano Bridge and behind the visitor center in Berlin, MD. The staff was helpful, sweet, and knowledgeable. There is outdoor grass parking, you get a passport for other local historical places.

Deeley “Deeley OC Realtor” Chester : 5 on 1/22/2023 9:52 pm

The Rackliffe House trail is awesome short trail about a 1.5 miles. I usually take my blood hound for a walk on this trail It’s wide and flat. It’s very well built Trail. The best part is it’s free of charge. You park in front of the visitor center and walk right around the back to the beginning of the trail it will then bring you out to the front of the parking lot. It’s a great walk to see some history of the Rackliffe house. Pet friendly with some nice views of the bay and Verrazano bridge to assateague island. Best time to hike it is usually fall winter spring months. You will it come across some wildlife such as deer, Foxes, etc.