|
ACCOKEEK
FOUNDATION
[NATIONAL
COLONIAL FARM & PISCATAWAY PARK] |
| National
Colonial Farm is a living-history
museum with interpretations of middle-class,
colonial tobacco plantation, ecosystem
farms (organic farming), nature trails
and other research projects. Open
Tue-Sun 10-4:30 p.m. Public tours
Sat 1-3 p.m.; other tours by reservation.
($)
Because of its natural beauty, Piscataway
Park, located off Bryan Point Road
on Farmington Landing, is one of the
greatest assets to the Accokeek Foundation.
It is a National Park Service site
that features seven miles of riverfront
across the Potomac River from Mount
Vernon. It provides a scenic view
of Washington's home. The park is
home to bald eagles, beavers, deer,
fox, osprey and other animals. It
features public fishing pier, hiking
trails, wetlands and Indian burial
grounds. The park is open daily dawn
to dusk. |
3400
Bryan Point Road, Accokeek, MD
301-283-2133 |
| [Back
to top] |
|
AGRICULTURAL
RESEARCH CENTER
[(BARC)
National
Visitor Center] |
| The
Agricultural Research Center is the
largest research center operated by
the United States Department of Agriculture.
The National Visitor Center is housed
in a charming Log Lodge built from blueprints
for Yellowstone ski lodges, and completed
in 1937. Visitors can peer into the
future of food and farm sciences in
plant breeding, animal and human nutrition,
products, and inventions of agricultural
science. Ask about our film series.
The staff offers tours of the Research
Center by appointment. Open Mon-Fri,
8-4:30 p.m. (D) |
Powder
Mill Road
Beltsville, MD
301-504-8483
|
| [Back
to top] |
|
BLADENSBURG
WATERFRONT PARK
4601
Annapolis Road
Bladensburg, MD
301-779-0371/ 301-927-2163
Historical Bladensburg Waterfront Park features
public fishing pier, boat ramp and a visitor
center. Guided boat and canoe tours available
for groups and families. Open Tue-Sun 10
to 4 p.m. Boat ramp open daily, sunrise
to sunset. ($) (D)
[Back
to top]
CEDARVILLE
STATE FOREST
Route
301 & Cedarville Road
Brandywine, MD
301-888-1410/ 800-784-5380
Forest area features more than 15 miles
of trails for hiking, biking and horseback
riding. Cedarville Pond, located and the
end of Cedar Forest Road, offers freshwater
fishing. Of particular interest is the bog
at the headwaters of Zekaih Swamp where
several rare and endangered plant species
can be found. Group and youth camping, bath
house available Apr-Oct, primitive camping
Nov-Mar. Open daily sunrise to sunset. The
Cedarville Fish Hatchery Visitor Center
(301-888-2107) is open to the public Tue
and Thurs 8:30-4:30 p.m.
[Back
to top]
CHESAPEAKE
BAY CRITICAL AREAS DRIVING TOUR
Between
Patuxent River Park & Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary
Upper Marlboro, MD
301-627-6074/ 301-888-1410
The tour offers a 5-mile self-guided tour
through the forest fields and wetlands of
the Patuxent River. Interpretive stops,
trails and observations towers along the
way. Tour starts at Patuxent River Park
and winds through the wetlands to the Merkle
Wildlife Sanctuary. Tour is open to cars
Sun 10 to 3 p.m. Biking access Sat only,
May-Sep, 10-3 p.m.
[Back
to top]
CLEARWATER
NATURE CENTER
[Louis
F. Cosca Regional Park]
11000 Thrift Road
Clinton, MD
301-868-1397
This park is situated on 500 acres of rolling,
wooded terrain that features the Clearwater
Nature Center, hiking or horseback riding
trails, athletic fields, tennis courts,
tram train, picnic/play areas, a 15 acre
lake, boating, fishing, tennis courts and
ballfields. Camping is available. The park
is open daily 7:30 a.m. to dusk.
[Back
to top]
FORT
WASHINGTON PARK
13551
Fort Washington Road
Fort Washington, MD
301-763-4600
341-acre national park on the Potomac River.
Contains a fort built between 1814 and 1824.
The park features a visitor's center, auditorium,
trails and picnic facilities. Park is open
daily 9-5 p.m. ($) (D)
[Back
to top]
FRAN
UHLER NATURAL AREA
Lemons
Bridge Road
Bowie, MD
301-627-6074
The Uhler Natural Area is home to a wide
variety of wildlife and wildflowers. It
is a forested floodplain of the Patuxent
River. Programs and nature walks are available.
Managed in cooperation with the Prince George's
Audubon Society.
[Back
to top]
GREENBELT
PARK
6565
Greenbelt Road
Greenbelt, MD
301-344-3948
This 1,078-acre woodland park site is administered
by the National Park Service. The park includes
nature trails, picnic facilities and special
park and nature programs. Open daily.
[Back
to top]
HOWARD
B. OWENS SCIENCE CENTER
[Planetarium, Space
Environment & Nature Exhibits]
9601 Greenbelt Road
Lanham, MD
301-918-8750
The county's only permanent
planetarium can be found at the Science
Center. Included are exhibits featuring
arthropods, reptiles, and small mammals.
Other exhibits show presistence of vision,
color mixing, mineral fluorescence, and
other phenomenon associated with light,
sight and perception. The Center also houses
the Challenger Learning Center, a simulated
space environment including a mission control
and space station.
[Back
to top]
LAKE
ARTEMISIA NATURAL AREA PARK
Branchville
Road
Berwyn Heights, MD
301-927-2163
The park features a 38-acre lake, 2+ miles
of accessible hiker/biker trails, fishing
pier and aquatic garden. Canoe rentals are
available. No vehicles permitted on park
grounds. Pedestrian entrances to hiker/biker
trails in the 5200 block of Calvert Road
in College Park and Osage & Swarthmore Court
in Berwyn Heights. Open dawn to dusk.
[Back
to top]
MARYLAND-NATIONAL
CAPITAL PARK & PLANNING COMMISSION
[Prince
George's Dept. of Parks & Recreation]
6600 Kenilworth Avenue
Riverdale, MD
Natural & Historical Resources Division
- 301-627-2270
Park Rangers - 301-627-7755
Public Affairs Office- 301-699-2407
M-NCPPC provides information on nature programs,
parks and recreation in the Prince George's
County area.
[Back
to top]
MERKLE
WILDLIFE SANCTUARY & VISITOR CENTER
11704
Fenno Road
Upper Marlboro, MD
301-888-1410 / 800-784-5380
Started in 1932 as nesting and wintering
grounds for Canadian Geese, the Sanctuary
overlooks the Patuxent River just south
of Jug Bay. Nearly, 2,000 acres of land
are dedicated to wildlife habitat and waterfowl
management. The Visitor Center features
exhibits on native wildlife, especially
the Canadian goose life cycle and ecology.
There are eight miles of trails through
field, forest and wetland areas for hiking
and bird watching. Open daily - Sanctuary
grounds 8-5 p.m.; Visitor Center 10-4 p.m.
[Back
to top]
MT.
RANIER NATURE/RECREATION CENTER
4701 31st Place
Mt. Rainier, MD
301-927-2163
This unique urban nature center features
exhibits, nature programs and live animals.
Also offered is a self-guided tour of the
Mt. Rainier Tree Trail. Center is open Tues-Fri,
11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
[Back
to top]
| NATIONAL
AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
|
| Established
in 1862 under legislation signed by
President Lincoln, the National Agricultural
Library, along with the Library of Congress
and the National Library of Medicine,
is one of the three national libraries
of the United States. It is the largest
agricultural library in the world with
over 2.3 million volumes on 48 miles
of shelves located on 14 floors. Open
8-4:30 p.m. (D) |
10301
Baltimore Boulevard
Beltsville, MD
301-504-5755 |
| [Back
to top] |
|
NATIONAL
AQUARIUM IN BALTIMORE
501 East Pratt Street Pier 3
Baltimore, MD
410-576-3800
A CVB Member Attraction. Just minutes from
Prince George's County is Maryland's premier
attraction on the world-famous Inner Harbor.
Discover the exotic creatures of the Earth's
waters, as you journey from ocean to mountain
stream to rain forest tributary. Spend the
day with seahorses, sharks, piranha, tree
frogs, the world's smallest monkeys, or
tour the Amazon. The Aquarium strives to
blend naturalistic exhibit elements with
the most modern interpretive techniques,
engaging visitors by focusing on the beauty
of the aquatic world. The collections embrace
diverse world-wide habitats. ($) The Aquarium
is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Due to its popularity, the best time to
visit is before 11 a.m. Call for specific
hours and ticket information.
[Back
to top]
NATIONAL
WILDLIFE VISITOR CENTER
[Patuxent
Research Refuge]
10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop
Laurel, MD
301-497-5760
President Franklin D. Roosevelt established
the Refuge in 1936. It now encompasses more
than 12,000 acres. Explore wildlife and
the environment in a Smithsonian-quality
experience featuring interactive exhibits.
The focus is on global environmental issues,
migratory bird studies, habitats, endangered
species and creature life cycles. Magnificent
walking trails available. For those who
would rather sit, enjoy the view from the
tram tours (seasonal & weather-dependent,
minimal fee applies). Open daily 10-5:30
p.m. (D)
[Back
to top]
OLD
MARYLAND FARM
Watkins Regional Park
301 Watkins Park Drive
Upper Marlboro, MD
301-218-6770
Old Maryland Farm is located in Watkins
Regional Park. It is an educational farm
where visitors can interact with live animals.
There are also agricultural antiques and
gardens. Features hayrides, pony rides and
farm demonstrations. Old Maryland Farm is
open Tue-Fri 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.-4:30
p.m. and Sun 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
[Back
to top]
OXON
COVE PARK/OXON HILL FARM
6411
Oxon Hill Road
Oxon Hill, MD
301-839-1177
A turn-of-the-century-working farm operated
by the National Park Service. The park is
filled with farm animals. Most of the farm
work is still done by hand. Open daily 8:30-5
p.m.
[Back
to top]
PATUXENT
RIVER PARK
[Jug
Bay Natural Area]
16000 Croom Airport Road
Upper Marlboro, MD
301-627-6074
Park features natural habitat with abundant
wildlife, guided tours, canoe rental, fishing
areas, managed hunting areas, boat ramps
hiking and horseback trails. Park encompasses
the Patuxent River, Jug Bay area and the
Chesapeake Bay Driving tour. Open 8 a.m.
to dark.
[Back
to top]
R.M.
WATKINS REGIONAL PARK
Watkins
Regional Park
301 Watkins Park Drive
Upper Marlboro, MD
301-218-6702
The largest nature center in the metropolitan
area, boasting live animals, auditorium,
large nature exhibit area, crafts and exhibits.
There is also 6 miles of park trails to
explore nature. Rangers throughout the year
hold a variety of wildlife and nature programs.
The center is open Mon-Sat, 8:30-5 p.m.,
Sun & holidays, 11-4 p.m.
[Back
to top]
ROSARYVILLE
STATE PARK
Rosaryville
State Park
US Route 301
Upper Marlboro, MD
301-888-1410
Rosaryville is a 982 acre day-use park consisting
of trails and scenic grounds. It is also
the home to the historic Mount Airy Plantation.
Call for schedule and programs.
[Back
to top]
TRAILS
- PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY
Anacostia Tributary Trail System is
a series of seven different trails that
connect at various intersections along
the
many tributaries of the Anacostia River.
A link in the national shore-to-shore American
Discovery Trail, it provides miles of uninterrupted
pleasure. The southernmost point of the
trail is located at Colmar Manor Community
Park, and trail spurs extend northeasterly
and northwesterly from there along beautiful
stream valley parkland. The trail system
links several neighborhoods to Metro stations.
Major points of interest include Lake Artemesia,
College Park Airport & Aviation Museum and
Adelphi Mill. The trail system is open for
public use from sunrise to sunset each day.
For additional information, contact Prince
George's County Parks & Recreation at 301-699-2407.
Cedarville State Forest Trails in
Brandywine offer enjoyment for hikers, mountain
bikers and equestrians. Located at the headwaters
of Maryland's largest freshwater swamp,
the Zekiah, this 3,510-acre park invites
exploration and adventure of its diverse
natural, recreation and historic features.
There are 19 miles of trails, developed
in the 1930s by a Civilian Conservation
Corps comprised mostly of African Americans.
For additional information, call 301-888-1410.
Greenbelt Park Nature Trails
circulation throughout the park and cover
nine miles. The Perimeter Trail is 5.3 miles
and is marked by yellow blazes. The Azalea
Trail is 1.1 miles and is marked by white
blazes. It begins and ends at the Sweetgum
Picnic area located near the entrance of
the park. The Dogwood Trail is 1.4 miles
and is marked by red blazes. The Blueberry
Trail is 1 mile and is located near the
campground area and is marked by blue blazes.
Greenbelt Park is operated by the National
Park Service. For additional information,
call 301-344-3948.
Prince George's County Hiker/Biker/Equestrian
Trails are available throughout Prince
George's County at select area parks. There
are 34 miles of paved trails within the
park system. For information regarding trails
near you, contact Prince George's County
Parks and Recreation at 301-699-2525.
Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis
(WB&A)
Trail runs along the site of the former
Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis Railroad.
The 5.6-mile trail from Route 450 in Glenn
Dale, running northeasterly to the Patuxent
River, includes five bridge crossings,
two
tunnel crossings, and two at-grade intersections.
Ancillary facilities include trail head
parking and rest areas with benches, bike
racks, and landscaping. For additional
information,
Prince George's County Parks & Recreation
at 301-699-2407.
[Back
to top]
UNIVERSITY
OF MARYLAND OBSERVATORY
Metzerott
Road
College Park, MD
301-405-6555
The Astronomy Department's Observatory is open to the public on the 5th and
20th of each month. During winter and early spring, programs begin at 8 p.m.
During summer and fall, programs may begin at 9 p.m. Program includes a lecture,
slide show and telescopic viewing.
[Back to top]
Prince
George's County, Maryland Conference & Visitors
Bureau, Inc.
9200 Basil Court, Suite 101 • Largo,
Maryland 20774
Tel: 301.925.8300 or 888.925.8300 •
Fax: 301.925.2053
E-mail: visitorinfo@co.pg.md.us
|
