Prince George's: Nature, Culture and Special Excursions

Prince George's combines surprising insights into aviation, waterside landscapes, nature programs and a diverse cultural scene. For planning your trip, you can choose between active days on trails and rivers, historical discoveries, activities for children and families, and events on stage. The right holiday rental or vacation home can primarily be selected based on which of these experiences should be the focus of your trip.

Aviation, History and Unusual Discoveries

A notable cultural attraction is the College Park Aviation Museum on the grounds of College Park Airport. The airport has been in continuous operation since 1909 and is considered the oldest airport in the world. In the exhibition area, you can see ten unique aircraft and objects relating to the history of early aviation at College Park Airport. Tours last around 90 minutes and include interactive time in the Flight School area as well as instructions for using the Paper Plane Launcher. This makes a visit to the museum a clearly defined activity that can be planned independently of longer days in nature.

At Dinosaur Park, you will encounter a much older history: The fossils found there are 115 million years old and date from the Early Cretaceous period. With the support of paleontologists, visitors can collect fossils from the ground surface. At the same time, the park preserves remains of a river and wetland landscape from this era. Those who want to combine nature observation and the past will find a distinctly different experience here than at the aviation museum.

Riversdale Historic Site & Museum also focuses on history. The former 19th-century plantation site in Maryland is interpreted as a National Historic Landmark. Members of the Riversdale Kitchen Guild give demonstrations of cooking over an open hearth using historic recipes and traditional food-preparation techniques. In addition to the history of the buildings, the visit therefore offers a culinary perspective.

Nature on the Trail, in the Park and on the Water

For birdwatching, the Jug Bay area of Patuxent River Park offers guided tours year-round. The park also has seven access points for launching canoes and kayaks along the river. Guided tours of the six buildings of the Patuxent Rural Life Museums are also offered there year-round. This allows nature, water and rural history to be considered as different options for planning your day.

The Oxon Cove Trail takes hikers and cyclists through forest and meadow ecosystems along Oxon Cove. The 3.5-mile trail leads to the shore of the cove. In addition, Oxon Cove Park offers hands-on programs about rural life and how it has changed over time. Another green highlight is the Anacostia Tributary Trail System, a section of the nationwide, coast-to-coast American Discovery Trail. It comprises a continuous green corridor through forests, open fields and wetlands.

Large parts of Cosca Regional Park have been preserved in their natural, undeveloped state. At the Clearwater Nature Center, interpretive programs are led by park naturalists. Mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds of prey live there, including a bald eagle. Greenbelt Park has 172 campsites with showers and restrooms; this specific fact adds to the range of overnight and nature experiences, but does not replace the search for a holiday rental for your trip.

Family Experiences and Performing Arts

The Watkins Nature Center offers nature-related programs for children, families and adults. The Wonderful World of Watkins Amusement Complex includes a replica of the C. P. Huntington miniature train and the historic Gustav Dentzel Carousel. At Old Maryland Farm, visitors can experience agricultural exhibits, farm animals and demonstration gardens. Paved, level paths lead to all areas of the farm. These different offerings allow you to choose between learning about nature, historic rides and an agricultural visit.

For cultural evenings, the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center offers six venues for the performing arts. The Clarice hosts around 1,000 events from all areas of the performing arts every year. Those who do not want to fill every day of their trip with an outdoor excursion can therefore also consider the stage offerings as an independent focus.

Water Activities and Regional Flavors

Bladensburg Waterfront Park has a free public boat ramp. Bicycles, canoes, kayaks, pedal boats and rowboats are available for rent there. The park also offers free interpretive pontoon rides on the Anacostia River. When choosing your accommodation, it makes sense to first decide whether water activities, birdwatching, museums or events should take up the largest part of your trip planning.

The Legacy Wine Trail offers a culinary addition. It includes Romano Vineyard & Winery, Janemark Winery & Vineyard, Gemeny Winery & Vineyards, Two Lions Vineyards and Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards. The trail promotes hands-on experiences with wine grapes in the fields of the participating wineries. This creates another travel highlight alongside nature, history and culture.

More Places to Search

For further orientation, you can also visit Temple Hills, Upper Marlboro, College Park, Beltsville, Hyattsville, Laurel, Morningside, Brandywine, Fort Washington, Largo, Greenbelt, Oxon Hill, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Bowie, Cheverly, Forestville, Lanham-Seabrook, Landover Hills, New Carrollton, Hillcrest Heights, Riverdale Park and Bladensburg. This allows you to further tailor your search to your desired type of trip.

For the higher-level travel overview: Maryland.