Prince George's: Aviation History and Nature

In Prince George's, early aviation, geological history, waterside landscapes and the performing arts exist side by side. To plan your trip, you can first consider what kind of visit interests you most: museums and historical interpretation, nature observation and outdoor activities, or stage events. The different themes offer several possible ways to focus your stay.

Aviation, Geological History and Everyday Life

The College Park Aviation Museum is located on the grounds of College Park Airport, the world's oldest continuously operating airport, in operation since 1909. The exhibition area features ten unique aircraft and objects related to the history of early aviation at the airport. Tours last about 90 minutes and include interactive time in the Flight School area as well as instruction on the Paper Plane Launcher. The approximate duration helps you plan this museum visit as a separate itinerary item.

At Dinosaur Park, the story reaches far back to the Early Cretaceous: the fossils found there are 115 million years old. The park also preserves remnants of a river and wetland landscape from that era. Visitors can collect surface fossils with the help of paleontologists. This connects the area's geological history with a hands-on activity at the site.

Riversdale Historic Site & Museum offers a different historical perspective. The site was a 19th-century plantation in Maryland and is designated a National Historic Landmark. Today, food history is brought to life through demonstrations by the Riversdale Kitchen Guild: its members demonstrate cooking over an open hearth using historical recipes and traditional food preparation techniques. Riversdale therefore focuses not only on historical context, but also on earlier ways of cooking.

Birdwatching, Water and Trails

Guided birdwatching tours are offered year-round in the Jug Bay area of Patuxent River Park. The park also has seven access points for launching canoes and kayaks along the river. Those interested in the history of rural life can also take year-round tours of the six buildings of the Patuxent Rural Life Museums. Birdwatching, water activities and museum tours each offer a different focus, and none needs to replace the others.

The Oxon Cove Trail takes hikers and cyclists through forest and meadow ecosystems along Oxon Cove. The trail is 3.5 miles long and reaches the shore of the cove. Since trail conditions can change, check the current conditions before setting out. Greenbelt Park also combines a nature getaway with practical amenities: the park has 172 campsites with showers and restrooms. Confirm operating conditions before your trip.

The Anacostia Tributary Trail System includes a continuous greenway through forests, open fields and wetlands. It is part of the coast-to-coast American Discovery Trail, which spans the country. The landscapes therefore shift between wooded sections, open areas and wetlands; the connection to the larger trail system also gives the route a broader regional context.

At the water, Bladensburg Waterfront Park offers different ways to experience the river environment. It has a free public boat launch. Bicycles, canoes, kayaks, pedal boats and rowboats are available to rent. The park also offers free interpretive pontoon rides on the Anacostia River. When planning, it is worth distinguishing between an independent activity with rental equipment, launching your own watercraft and taking a guided ride.

Nature Programs and Activities for Different Interests

Large areas of Cosca Regional Park have been preserved in their natural, undeveloped state. At Clearwater Nature Center, park naturalists lead interpretive programs. The center is home to mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds of prey, including a bald eagle. The programs and animal examples offer different points of interest for visitors interested in natural history.

Watkins Nature Center offers nature 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. Old Maryland Farm, in turn, features agricultural exhibits, farm animals and demonstration gardens. Paved, level paths lead to all areas of the farm. The offerings thus vary considerably, from nature programs and rides to agricultural topics.

The Goddard Visitor Center presents work in Earth and planetary science, astrophysics, heliophysics, engineering, communications and technology development. Those interested in science and technology will find a range of topics, from the study of Earth and space to technological developments.

Performing Arts and Wine Country

The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center has six performing arts venues. The Clarice hosts about 1,000 events each year across all performing arts disciplines. The annual program may change; check the schedule if a particular event is part of your plans.

The Legacy Wine Trail includes Romano Vineyard & Winery, Janemark Winery & Vineyard, Gemeny Winery & Vineyards, Two Lions Vineyards and Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards. These five names give you a concrete introduction to the region's wine offerings, without requiring you to follow a particular route or order.

Discover more destinations: Capitol Heights, Largo, Greenbelt, Oxon Hill, Lanham-Seabrook, Landover Hills, New Carrollton, Hillcrest Heights, Riverdale Park, Bladensburg, Bowie, Cheverly, Forestville, Laurel, Morningside, Brandywine, Temple Hills, Upper Marlboro, College Park, Beltsville, Hyattsville, Clinton, Fort Washington.

For the broader travel overview: Maryland.