Pemberton Historical Park

Pemberton Historical Park is a gorgeous 262 acre expanse of nature and wildlife, located just minutes from Route 50 along Pemberton Drive. Created in the 1980s, the park surrounds Pemberton Hall, a plantation home built in 1741, which is rich in Eastern Shore history.

The park's mission is to provide a setting that blends together history and nature. Amenities include a trail system, outdoor amphitheater, fresh water ponds with catch-and-release fishing, public restrooms and several picnic areas.

Pemberton Park hosts several environmental education programs and special events throughout the year.

Trail System

Pemberton Historical Park is home to 4.5 miles of nature trails, offering visitors the opportunity to explore unique ecosystems that bring together tidal and fresh water wetlands, fresh water ponds, upland pines, hardwood forests and meadows. There are seven different trails, ranging from 0.3 miles to 1.2 miles in length. The trails are for walking and hiking only. Biking is not permitted.

Trail Guide

Nature Center

The Nature Center's summer hours are Saturdays & Sundays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Off-season hours are Saturdays or Sundays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

The Nature Center's animal ambassadors include Skittles and Noodle, both corn snakes; Jack the milk snake; Hidey and Monkey, both green anoles; and Mater the Russian tortoise.

Pemberton Park merchandise is available for purchase (cards only, no cash), with proceeds going towards the care of our animal ambassadors. Looking for another way to contribute? Shop our Amazon wish list.

History

Pemberton Hall

Pemberton Hall is the only original 18th century house open to the public on the lower Eastern Shore. In 1726, Isaac Handy purchased 960 acres of undeveloped land from Joseph Pemberton. The property sat opposite of the Wicomico River. Handy completed construction of Pemberton Hall in 1741. With the exception of the window glass and iron hardware, all materials for the home were made on site. The Great Room stood two times larger than the average home in the Chesapeake Bay region.

Restoration

Over 200 years after Handy's death, Pemberton Hall had become a derelict property on the verge of destruction. The Pemberton Hall Foundation was formed in the mid-1960s to save the home and restore it to its former glory. The Foundation continues to maintain the Hall and two acres upon which it sits. Foundation volunteers offer tours during the summer season and by appointment. Visit the Pemberton Hall Foundation website to learn more.

Rentals

Pemberton Park is equipped to host picnics, retreats and wedding receptions and/or ceremonies for up to 100 guests.

• Classroom Rental Application - Coming soon.
• Special Event Rental Application - Coming soon.
• Wedding Application - Coming soon.

Field Trips & School Groups

Groups of 10 or more should receive written permission prior to visiting the park. Students must be accompanied by teachers/chaperones, who will provide instruction and supervision throughout the trip. Field trips can be scheduled Monday-Friday. Contact Catie Hamel at 410-548-4900 x109 or chamel@wicomicocounty.org for more information.

Field Trip Flyer

Volunteering

Protect our environment and Eastern Shore heritage by volunteering at Pemberton Park. Volunteer opportunities include special event assistance, service projects and historic area maintenance. For more information about volunteering, email chamel@wicomicocounty.org or call 410-548-4900 x109.

Volunteer Flyer

Employment

We're looking for hardworking individuals who love the outdoors and/or have a background in environmental education.

• Nature Center Counselor
• Pemberton Park Nature Camp - Positions Filled

Park Rules

Visitors should abide by all Wicomico County park rules and regulations. Here are some FAQs relating to the use of Pemberton Park:

• Equestrian use is limited to Woodland and Pondside trails.
• Bicycles and all-terrain vehicles are not permitted on trails. 
• Use of metal detectors and/or digging into the surface of park property is prohibited.
• Camping, swimming, fires (with the exception of park grills), fireworks, explosives, hunting and trapping are prohibited.
• Fishing on a catch and release basis is permitted, in compliance with State law.
• Photography is permitted, with the exception of the area inside the wooden fence that surrounds Pemberton Hall.
• Personal use of electrical outlets is prohibited.

Notice: Invasive Species Removal In Progress

Wicomico County is in the process of removing invasive Japanese wisteria from Pemberton Park. The removal process may take several years to complete. The goal of this project is to improve visit experience and increase wildlife habitat and biodiversity. Portions of the park may be temporarily closed to the public. Wisteria foliage may turn brown and lose leaves. Damaged or fallen trees will be removed and replaced by native species.