Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
I’m Don Burgess, a Frederick resident interested in sharing my passion for heritage tourism and historic preservation as they contribute to preserving and creating a city’s “Sense of Place.”
I’ve been a history buff of this region for years, and my role on Facebook as Frederick Tour enables me to combine my love of things old with my skills with things new. I’m a semi-professional photographer who has photographed, shown, and sold images of Frederick, Harpers Ferry, and other regions.
See more details about tour in itinerary below and at fredericktour.org
We can give tours year round. If it is raining/snowing (light) and you still want to take the tour, we can do that. If it is raining/snowing (hard), we can do a virtual "tour" indoors (groups of 8 or less).
Upon request, we can offer theme tours such as churches, architecture, or Civil War, or even photo shoots.
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Winchester Hall
Winchester Hall / Frederick Female Seminary / Women's College of Frederick. At this stop, we first provide an overview of Frederick from its founding in 1745 to the Civil War to the present day in order to provide context for all of the stops. See a 180 year old girls school that went through several closures, but still exists today as an important part of our heritage.
Heritage Frederick
Loats Female Orphan Asylum / Protestant Episcopal Orphan Home. This is a short stop about two orphanages operated for 75-100 years by the Lutheran and Episcopal churches. Although long gone, their legacies live on with foundations providing college scholarships for needy youth.
English guide
61 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Z5993VZpatricias,,Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
It was just my husband and I on the tour, but we had a great time! Don was knowledgeable about the history of Frederick as well as what is happening currently. He was easy to listen to and we could ask whatever we wanted. It was a nice walk around town. Would recommend it!
B2961JXstevenm,,Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had a good time on this is an in-depth history tour of the town of Frederick. The host, Don Burgess, has extensive knowledge of the city and the role the town played in the civil war. He also has interesting stories about the old homes around the town. We were forewarned that there was not a lot of walking, more of a walk, show, and talk kind of tour, but very pleasant.
Tammy S,,Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
This should not be labeled a walking tour. We didn’t see whatever the first picture in the ad is and we only covered two streets and maybe 3-4 blocks on the streets. Guide was very knowledgeable but we were hoping to see more of Fredrick. We saw more on our walk to meet the guide.
jbas,,Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
Don was very knowledgable and gave a fun tour with LOTS of info and good stories about some historic homes and businesses in Frederick’s historic district. I would recommend this tour for its reasonable price and loads of info.
jeaette y,,Sep 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
I was the only person who booked for the afternoon tour.. Enjoyed having John to myself..He has such a vast knowledge of the history of Frederick...even adding little interesting stories in between.
marilynmM3424RG,,Aug 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Our multigenerational family had a wonderful time on this delightful and informational tour of Frederick. We were all impressed with our guide's vast treasure trove of facts and stories about Frederick. The grandchildren were especially grateful for the tip on a delicious candy store in the area. We highly recommend this educational and fun tour.
Little5ofus,,Aug 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had a 2 hour tour learning about Frederick. We learned not only history which was rich with details and stories that brought it to life, but of the churches, industry, and culture of Frederick. Don was so knowledgeable of the civil war and the impact it had on the area. Thank you for a great tour!


alexandradY3540WA,,Jun 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had a great time on the walking tour with Don. He is definitely a history buff and enjoys sharing his knowledge of Frederick with others. He kept mentioning other patrons who complained in the past about how his "walking tour" was a "standing tour" and how they did not like that. I couldn't understand such a complaint. That's how walking tours are - you walk to a location, stand and listen to stories, then walk to the next place. It also was not a very long tour - only 2 hours. It made me sad to hear other people had complained, because we were having such a good time listening to all the history and admiring the architecture.
Rebecca P,,Apr 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
This is an in-depth tour of the town of Frederick. The host has extensive knowledge of the city and the role the town played in the civil war. He also has interesting stories about the old homes around the town. We had a good time! The walk is slow-paced, so older walkers can keep up.
Carol T,,Feb 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
Dan was super knowledgeable about beautiful Frederick MD. So much history here. He knew all the facts! Don was very personable. I highly recommend this tour

Operated by Don Burgess