Federal Hill Park, Baltimore

Federal Hill Park is a public park near Baltimore's Inner Harbor. The 10.3-acre park offers spectacular views of the harbor and the downtown skyline.

The park, created in 1880, was named for the hill and the nearby Federal Hill neighborhood. Before being a public park, the area was used by the Union Army during the U.S. Civil War as Fort Federal Hill.

The hill has not always been a treasured area in the city. Even after being declared a public park, it was graded for its red clay. As a result, massive erosion on the hill has caused its collapse on two occasions. The area was re-stabilized in 1995 and 2000.

Visitors to the park will see cannons used during the Civil War. They will also find recreational areas, including a basketball court, beach volleyball, and playground. The hill is often used for picnics during the day and for stargazing at night.