Attractions and Places To See around College Park - Top 20

College Park offers several natural escapes. The Rock Creek Park is a vast forest providing trails, wildlife, and a serene environment. You can also visit the Lake Artemesia Natural Area, which features a 38-acre lake with trails perfect for fishing, bird watching, and picnicking. Greenbelt Park, located nearby, also offers hiking trails for a peaceful outdoor experience.

Yes, College Park boasts an extensive network of interconnected hiker-biker trails. These include the Trolley Trail, Paint Branch Trail, Lake Artemesia Trail, Indian Creek Trail, and the Northeast Branch Trail, all part of the larger Anacostia Tributary Trail System. For cyclists, Beach Drive, Rock Creek Park offers a smooth tarmac route largely closed to vehicular traffic, ideal for a full workout in a wooded landscape. You can find various routes for cycling, running, and mountain biking in the area. For more detailed routes, check out the Cycling around College Park, Running Trails around College Park, and MTB Trails around College Park guides.

College Park is rich in history. The University of Maryland campus itself features historic landmarks like the Rossborough Inn (built 1804-1812) and the Memorial Chapel. The College Park Airport, established in 1909, is the world's oldest continuously operating airport and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can also explore Peirce Mill, a man-made monument from 1829 that once processed grains, now restored with a visitor center. Additionally, the Old Town College Park and Calvert Hills Historic Districts showcase various architectural styles.

Absolutely. On the University of Maryland campus, you'll find The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, a world-class venue for theater, music, and dance. The University of Maryland Art Gallery offers free admission to view works by students and local artists. The College Park Aviation Museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian, showcases historic aircraft and offers hands-on activities. There's also the National Museum of Language, exploring the history of communication.

Families visiting College Park have several options. The College Park Aviation Museum offers engaging exhibits for all ages. For outdoor fun, the Linson Splash Park features slides and pools, while the Herbert Wells Ice Rink provides seasonal ice skating. Rock Creek Park offers family-friendly activities, including flat paved trails, a Nature Center, and picnic spots. Lake Artemesia also provides a great setting for family outings with its trails and fishing pier.

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Many enjoy the extensive network of trails, especially for cycling, like Beach Drive, Rock Creek Park, which is described as a 'cyclist heaven' with smooth tarmac and a wooded landscape. The serene escape offered by Rock Creek Park, with its trails, wildlife, and historic landmarks, is also highly valued. The historical aspect of sites like Peirce Mill and the opportunity to explore the University of Maryland campus are also popular.

You can visit Meadowbrook Stables, a historic horseback riding school established in 1934, located along the Rock Creek Trail. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the grounds during summer hours, greet horses in outdoor stalls, and use the picnic area. It's a scenic detour for cyclists or walkers, offering a peaceful equestrian escape.

Yes, you can find the Boulder Bridge, a beautiful stone bridge with a distinct arch, which makes for a great photo spot on the bike path. On the University of Maryland campus, the historic Rossborough Inn and the impressive architecture of the Memorial Chapel are notable landmarks.

College Park offers attractions year-round. Spring and fall are ideal for exploring the extensive trail networks and natural areas like Lake Artemesia and Rock Creek Park, thanks to pleasant weather and vibrant foliage. Summer provides opportunities for splash parks and outdoor events. In winter, the Herbert Wells Ice Rink is open, and trails can still be enjoyed, though some sections might be muddy during rainy periods.

Yes, the Lake Artemesia Natural Area features a handicapped-accessible fishing pier and trails. Many parts of the University of Maryland campus are also accessible. Rock Creek Park offers flat paved trails that are generally accessible. It's always recommended to check specific venue websites for detailed accessibility information.

Yes, College Park hosts a weekly Farmer's Market, offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and crafts from local vendors. The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center on the University of Maryland campus regularly features a diverse program of theater, music, and dance performances. The College Park Arts Exchange also promotes local arts through workshops and community events.

Just a few minutes east of College Park in Greenbelt, you can visit the NASA Goddard Visitor Center. This free center offers insights into NASA's groundbreaking space research and is a fascinating stop for anyone interested in science and space exploration.