Best attractions and places to see around Bowie include a mix of historical landmarks, natural features, and cultural sites. The region features significant natural areas like the Patuxent River and extensive urban tree canopy. Bowie's history is rooted in railway development and equestrian heritage, offering diverse points of interest. The area provides opportunities for outdoor activities, including numerous parks and trails.
Last updated: May 5, 2026
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As you make your way along the trail, you will find several old cars! It makes for a fun stop as it looks like they have been here for centuries.
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This is a very cool wildlife refuge with trails surrounding Lake Cash and Lake Redington. Make sure to stop in and check out the museum in the Visitor's Center, and keep your eyes peeled for birds along the trail.
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Managed by the National Park Service since 1950, Greenbelt Park is a forested park with paved, unpaved, and boardwalk trails running through it. The park boasts many amenities, including a 5.3-mile hiking trail, Park Central Road for bikers, an equestrian trail, shorter nature trails, numerous campsites, and three picnic areas.
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Managed by the National Park Service since 1950, Greenbelt Park is a forested park with paved, unpaved, and boardwalk trails running through it. The park boasts many amenities, including a 5.3-mile hiking trail, Park Central Road for bikers, an equestrian trail, shorter nature trails, numerous campsites, and three picnic areas.
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This area of sprawling farmland is an important research center for agriculture. It's a great place to ride – with roads winding through endless fields.
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This is a very cool wildlife refuge with trails surrounding Lake Cash and Lake Redington. Make sure to stop in and check out the museum in the Visitor's Center, and keep your eyes peeled for birds along the trail.
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Very nice trail, a straight shot. Not many turns. It's going to eventually connect to Annapolis and Baltimore.
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The stretch along 201 can be busy and unpleasant, but it is otherwise a remarkably rural spin considering that it is just outside the Beltway.
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Bowie offers several natural areas and parks. The Patuxent Research Refuge is a vast forest covering over 12,800 acres, home to diverse wildlife and plant species, with a visitor center. You can also visit Allen Pond Park, Bowie's premier public park with a stocked pond for fishing and paddle boating, or explore the green spaces and trails at Whitemarsh Park and Watkins Regional Park. The Governor Bridge Natural Area is another option for hiking and canoeing.
Yes, Bowie has a rich history reflected in its landmarks. You can tour the historic Georgian colonial Belair Mansion, learn about equestrian heritage at the Belair Stable Museum, or explore the city's railway history at the Bowie Railroad Museum. The National Capital Radio & Television Museum showcases the evolution of electronic media, and the Old Town Bowie Welcome Center provides insights into a turn-of-the-century railroad town.
Beyond visiting attractions, Bowie offers numerous outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on the WB&A trail, which is part of a larger network. For hiking, explore trails at Patuxent Research Refuge or Greenbelt Park. The area also boasts over 24 miles of hiker/biker trails. For more detailed route information, you can check out guides like Easy hikes around Bowie or Cycling around Bowie.
Absolutely! Many attractions in Bowie are suitable for families. Patuxent Research Refuge offers a visitor center and trails, while Allen Pond Park features playgrounds, paddle boating, and picnic areas. For entertainment, Prince George's Stadium hosts Bowie Baysox minor league baseball games, and Six Flags America, located nearby, offers a theme park experience with rides and a water park.
Bowie has a variety of trails for hiking and running. The Patuxent Research Refuge features trails around Lake Cash and Lake Redington. Greenbelt Park offers a 5.3-mile hiking trail, along with paved and unpaved options. Whitemarsh Park also provides trails for communing with nature. You can find specific routes in guides such as Easy hikes around Bowie and Running Trails around Bowie.
While exploring trails around Bowie, you might stumble upon unexpected sights. For instance, along certain trails, you can find Abandoned Cars in the Forest, which offer a unique and intriguing stop. The Beltsville Agricultural Research Center provides a unique cycling experience through sprawling farmland, offering a rural feel just outside the Beltway.
Bowie hosts various cultural events and performances. The Bowie Center for the Performing Arts and the Bowie Playhouse Theater are venues for stage productions, concerts, and other cultural events. Annually, Allen Pond Park hosts the Bowie International Festival in October, celebrating the city's cultural diversity with music, dance, and activities.
Bowie offers outdoor activities year-round. Spring and fall are particularly pleasant for hiking and cycling, with comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage. In fall and spring, the Patuxent Research Refuge sees huge flocks of migratory birds. Summer is great for water activities at Allen Pond Park or visiting Six Flags America, while the Bowie Ice Arena provides year-round indoor skating.
Yes, Bowie provides several options for sports and recreation. Prince George's Stadium is home to the Bowie Baysox baseball team. Golf enthusiasts can visit the Bowie Golf Course/Club, which features an 18-hole championship course. The Bowie Ice Arena offers an indoor ice rink for skating and hockey, and many local parks like Allen Pond Park and Fairwood Community Park have sports facilities and courts.
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse offerings. The Patuxent Research Refuge is loved for its extensive wildlife and plant species, with many enjoying the visitor center and bird spotting. The Beltsville Agricultural Research Center is popular for its rural cycling experience through endless fields. The WB&A trail is noted for being a very nice, straight shot for cycling.
Yes, the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center is an important research center with sprawling farmland. While primarily a research facility, its roads winding through extensive fields are a popular spot for cycling, offering a unique perspective on agricultural science in action.
For local produce and a sense of community, you can visit the Bowie Farmers' Market. It's a great place to find fresh goods and connect with local vendors. Additionally, Allen Pond Park often hosts community events, including summer concerts at the Robert V. Setera Amphitheater and the annual Bowie International Festival.
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