History of the Log Canoe Inn
Love the Log Canoe Inn. We travel down every year from NJ. Right in the middle of shopping, restaurants, and all you want to do in St. Michael’s.
Mich D. - on Trip Advisor
A Historic Property on the St. Michaels Harbor
The Log Canoe Inn is located at 208 Carpenter Street, in St. Michaels, Maryland on St. Michaels Harbor, a short walk from the shops, restaurants, museums, and waterfront that draw visitors to town. The property includes two historic homes and a former sail shed, all of which have changed with St. Michaels over more than two centuries.
Today, the inn has six guest rooms and suites. Each is named for a Chesapeake Bay log canoe, and the photographs, artwork, and sailing memorabilia throughout the property reflect the boats and families connected to that tradition.
The harbor has always been central to life here. Higgins Yacht Yard & Marina is directly across the street, so guests arriving by boat can dock nearby and walk to the inn. Guests arriving by car can park once and explore much of St. Michaels on foot.
A Property with Deep Roots in St. Michaels
The two homes that make up the Main House were built in 1790 and 1810. For much of their early history, they served as a private residence near the working harbor.
From 1921 to 1930, the Main House was the original clubhouse of the Miles River Yacht Club. The club became an important part of the area’s sailing community and remains closely associated with the Chesapeake Bay log canoe tradition.
By the 1970s, the property had been converted into a boarding house with five simple guest rooms and a shared bathroom. The nearby Sail Shed, originally used to store sails, spars, and boating equipment, was later renovated to create additional guest accommodations with private entrances and en suite bathrooms.
The buildings have been updated many times since then, but their original character is still easy to recognize. The result is a property that feels connected to the history of St. Michaels without giving up the comforts guests expect today.
The Log Canoes Behind the Inn
Log canoes were first built as working boats on the Chesapeake Bay. Over time, they became the racing vessels that still sail on local rivers today.
The inn’s name and room names come from that history. Each accommodation honors a particular canoe, and many of their stories are shared through photographs and displays around the property.
These boats are not simply part of the décor. They are tied to local families, the Miles River Yacht Club, Higgins Yacht Yard, and generations of sailors who have kept the tradition alive.
Guests interested in the boats can read more on our Chesapeake Bay log canoes page.
A Family Connection to the Chesapeake
Jonathan Clarke purchased the Log Canoe Inn in 2021. He was born and raised in Talbot County and also owns Higgins Yacht Yard & Marina, located right beside the inn.
His family has longstanding ties to St. Michaels, the sailing community, and the Chesapeake Bay log canoes. Jon owns the log canoe Magic, built in 1894 and owned by his family since 1923.
His great-great-grandfather, Captain William “Bill” Greene, owned and skippered the log canoe Mary Rider and was one of the founding members of the Miles River Yacht Club.
The Magic Suite and the Mary Rider Room were named in recognition of those boats and the family history behind them.
Arriving by Boat
The inn is well suited to guests traveling by water. Higgins Yacht Yard & Marina is only steps away, and boat slips may be arranged in advance for guests who wish to arrive by boat.
Once ashore, guests can walk to restaurants, shops, museums, and other attractions in St. Michaels. More information is available on our Visit by Boat page.
Staying at the Log Canoe Inn Today
Log Canoe Inn now offers six rooms and suites overlooking or facing St. Michaels Harbor. The Main House rooms retain much of the feel of the historic homes, while the ground-floor Sail Shed suites offer private entrances and a little more separation.
For us, the appeal of the inn is closely tied to its setting. It is a place where guests can watch the harbor, walk through town, arrive by boat, and learn a little about the people and sailing traditions that have shaped St. Michaels.
All accommodations have private en suite bathrooms and modern guest amenities. Several rooms are dog-friendly, and some include private entrances with private outdoor spaces.
Explore our rooms, current rates, and availability for your stay in St. Michaels.
