|
|
|
List of State Attractions
I. National Land
National Seashore
-
Assateague Island National Seashore
A stunning 37-mile-long barrier island, Assateague is famous for its wild horses that roam the beaches, salt marshes, and maritime forests. The Maryland portion of the island offers a unique coastal experience with opportunities for wildlife viewing, beach recreation, and camping.
- Location: 7206 National Seashore Ln, Berlin, MD 21811
- Nearest Major City: Salisbury
- Website: nps.gov/asis
- Phone: (410) 641-1441
- Visitor Interests: Viewing the famous wild horses, beachcombing and swimming, surf fishing, kayaking and canoeing in the calmer bay side, camping (ocean and bay side sites available).
National Historical Parks & Battlefields
-
Antietam National Battlefield
This site preserves the location of the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, which took place on September 17, 1862. The battle was a pivotal turning point in the Civil War and led to President Lincoln issuing the Emancipation Proclamation.
- Location: 5831 Dunker Church Rd, Sharpsburg, MD 21782
- Nearest Major City: Hagerstown
- Website: nps.gov/anti
- Phone: (301) 432-5124
- Visitor Interests: Taking the self-guided auto tour of the battlefield's key sites, visiting the Pry House Field Hospital Museum, hiking the battlefield trails, attending ranger-led talks.
-
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Preserving America's early transportation history, this park stretches for 184.5 miles from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland. The canal's towpath provides a continuous trail for recreation, passing by restored locks, aqueducts, and historic lockhouses.
- Location: Multiple access points. Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center at 11710 MacArthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854
- Nearest Major City: Washington, D.C. / Frederick
- Website: nps.gov/choh
- Phone: (301) 767-3714
- Visitor Interests: Hiking or biking the towpath, visiting the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, seeing the impressive Great Falls of the Potomac, kayaking, learning about 19th-century canal life.
-
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
The valiant defense of this star-shaped fort during the War of 1812 inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem that became "The Star-Spangled Banner." The fort is a powerful symbol of American patriotism and resilience.
- Location: 2400 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230
- Nearest Major City: Baltimore
- Website: nps.gov/fomc
- Phone: (410) 962-4290
- Visitor Interests: Exploring the historic fort, watching the inspirational film, attending the daily flag change ceremony, enjoying the waterfront park and its views of Baltimore's harbor.
-
Hampton National Historic Site
This site preserves a vast 18th-century estate, including a magnificent Georgian mansion, beautiful gardens, and original stone slave quarters. It tells the complex story of the wealthy Ridgely family and the hundreds of enslaved African Americans, indentured servants, and hired laborers who lived and worked here.
- Location: 535 Hampton Ln, Towson, MD 21286
- Nearest Major City: Baltimore
- Website: nps.gov/hamp
- Phone: (410) 823-1309
- Visitor Interests: Taking a guided tour of the opulent mansion, exploring the formal gardens and grounds, learning about the lives of the enslaved community.
-
Monocacy National Battlefield
This park commemorates the "Battle That Saved Washington." Here, a small Union force under General Lew Wallace was defeated but successfully delayed a larger Confederate army, giving the Union time to reinforce the defenses of the nation's capital.
- Location: 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD 21704
- Nearest Major City: Frederick
- Website: nps.gov/mono
- Phone: (301) 662-3515
- Visitor Interests: Taking the self-guided auto tour of the battlefield, visiting the historic farmsteads on the property, hiking the trails.
National Historic Trail & Scenic Byway
-
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park & Byway
This park and scenic byway on Maryland's Eastern Shore commemorate the life of the heroic Harriet Tubman. The landscape preserves the settings where Tubman lived and labored as an enslaved child and from which she escaped and later returned to lead others to freedom.
- Location: 4068 Golden Hill Rd, Church Creek, MD 21622 (Visitor Center)
- Nearest Major City: Cambridge
- Website: nps.gov/hatu
- Phone: (410) 221-2290
- Visitor Interests: Exploring the state-of-the-art Visitor Center, driving the 125-mile All-American Road scenic byway, visiting the Harriet Tubman Museum in Cambridge.
National Wildlife Refuges
-
Patuxent Research Refuge
Established as the nation's only refuge dedicated to supporting wildlife research, Patuxent offers a variety of habitats and recreational opportunities. The National Wildlife Visitor Center provides excellent exhibits on global environmental issues and wildlife conservation.
- Location: 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel, MD 20708
- Nearest Major City: Baltimore / Washington, D.C.
- Website: fws.gov/refuge/patuxent-research
- Phone: (301) 497-5580
- Visitor Interests: Visiting the National Wildlife Visitor Center, hiking and biking on trails, taking the seasonal tram tour, fishing.
-
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
This vast expanse of marsh, forest, and field is a major sanctuary for migratory birds, particularly Canada geese and ducks. It has been called the "Everglades of the North" and is a premier location for wildlife viewing and photography.
- Location: 2145 Key Wallace Dr, Cambridge, MD 21613
- Nearest Major City: Cambridge
- Website: fws.gov/refuge/blackwater
- Phone: (410) 228-2677
- Visitor Interests: Driving the scenic Wildlife Drive, birdwatching (especially for bald eagles and migratory waterfowl), hiking and paddling, visiting the visitor center.
Back to top
II. State Land
Top Ten Most Visited State Parks
-
Gunpowder Falls State Park
One of Maryland's largest state parks, Gunpowder Falls offers a diverse range of landscapes and activities. Its different park areas stretch from the tidal wetlands of the Chesapeake Bay to the rugged, forested hills of Baltimore County.
- Location: Multiple areas. Hereford Area at 17501 York Rd, Parkton, MD 21120
- Nearest Major City: Baltimore
- Website: dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/central/gunpowder.aspx
- Phone: (410) 592-2897
- Visitor Interests: Hiking and trail running, kayaking and tubing on the Gunpowder River, swimming at the Hammerman Area beach, horseback riding.
-
Patapsco Valley State Park
Extending for 32 miles along the Patapsco River, this park is known for its beautiful scenery, extensive trail system, and historical sites. It features recreational opportunities for all, from picnicking to mountain biking.
- Location: Multiple areas. McKeldin Area at 11676 Marriottsville Rd, Marriottsville, MD 21104
- Nearest Major City: Baltimore
- Website: dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/central/patapsco.aspx
- Phone: (410) 461-5005
- Visitor Interests: Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, canoeing, visiting the swinging bridge in the Orange Grove area, picnicking.
-
Calvert Cliffs State Park
Famous for the large, exposed cliffs that dominate its Chesapeake Bay shoreline, this park is a fossil hunter's paradise. The cliffs contain Miocene-era fossils, and visitors can search for prehistoric sharks' teeth and other treasures on the beach.
-
Swallow Falls State Park
Located in the mountains of Western Maryland, this park features a breathtaking gorge, ancient groves of hemlock, and the state's highest free-falling waterfall, Muddy Creek Falls.
- Location: 2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD 21550
- Nearest Major City: Morgantown, WV
- Website: dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/western/swallowfalls.aspx
- Phone: (301) 387-6938
- Visitor Interests: Hiking to see Muddy Creek Falls and other waterfalls, walking through the virgin hemlock forest, fishing, picnicking.
-
Deep Creek Lake State Park
Centered on Maryland's largest freshwater lake, this park is a major hub for year-round recreation. In the summer, it's a boater's paradise, and it's located near the Wisp Resort for winter skiing.
- Location: 898 State Park Rd, Swanton, MD 21561
- Nearest Major City: Morgantown, WV
- Website: dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/western/deepcreek.aspx
- Phone: (301) 387-5563
- Visitor Interests: Boating, swimming at the sandy beach, fishing, camping, visiting the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center.
-
Rocks State Park
Known for its namesake rock formations, this park in rural Harford County offers scenic beauty and hiking challenges. The "King and Queen Seat" is a spectacular rock outcrop with impressive views, and Kilgore Falls is another popular destination.
- Location: 3318 Rocks Chrome Hill Rd, Jarrettsville, MD 21084
- Nearest Major City: Baltimore
- Website: dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/central/rocks.aspx
- Phone: (410) 557-7994
- Visitor Interests: Hiking to the King and Queen Seat, visiting Kilgore Falls (requires reservation), tubing on Deer Creek, picnicking.
-
Sandy Point State Park
Located at the western terminus of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, this park is famous for its sandy beaches and spectacular views of the bridge and the Bay. It's a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and boating.
- Location: 1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21409
- Nearest Major City: Annapolis
- Website: dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/southern/sandypoint.aspx
- Phone: (410) 974-2149
- Visitor Interests: Swimming and sunbathing, boating from the marina, fishing and crabbing, attending festivals and events like the Maryland Seafood Festival.
-
Cunningham Falls State Park
Located in the Catoctin Mountains, this park is a popular destination for its 78-foot cascading waterfall and its large lake with sandy beaches. It offers a variety of recreational activities in a scenic mountain setting.
- Location: 14039 Catoctin Hollow Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788
- Nearest Major City: Frederick
- Website: dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/western/cunningham.aspx
- Phone: (301) 271-7574
- Visitor Interests: Hiking to the falls, swimming and boating in Hunting Creek Lake, camping, visiting the Scales and Tales Aviary.
-
Gambrill State Park
Situated on the ridge of Catoctin Mountain, this small park is known for its stunning overlooks of the Frederick and Middletown Valleys. It's a great spot for picnicking and hiking.
- Location: 8602 Gambrill Park Rd, Frederick, MD 21702
- Nearest Major City: Frederick
- Website: dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/western/gambrill.aspx
- Phone: (301) 271-7574
- Visitor Interests: Visiting the stone overlooks for panoramic views, hiking on 16 miles of trails, picnicking, camping.
-
Elk Neck State Park
Located on a peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and the Elk River, this park offers a variety of landscapes, including sandy beaches, marshlands, and wooded bluffs. The historic Turkey Point Lighthouse provides commanding views of the bay.
- Location: 4395 Turkey Point Rd, North East, MD 21901
- Nearest Major City: Wilmington, DE
- Website: dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/central/elkneck.aspx
- Phone: (410) 287-5333
- Visitor Interests: Hiking to the Turkey Point Lighthouse, swimming at the beach, boating, camping, staying in cabins.
Back to top
III. Private Attractions
Zoos, Botanical Gardens & Aquariums
-
National Aquarium
A centerpiece of Baltimore's Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium is a world-class institution that showcases thousands of animals in award-winning, naturalistic habitats. It is Maryland's largest paid tourist attraction.
- Location: 501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202
- Nearest Major City: Baltimore
- Website: aqua.org
- Phone: (410) 576-3800
- Visitor Interests: The multi-level Blacktip Reef exhibit, the Upland Tropical Rain Forest, the Australia: Wild Extremes exhibit, Dolphin Discovery, 4D immersion films.
-
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
The third oldest zoo in the United States, the Maryland Zoo is located in historic Druid Hill Park. It is known for its award-winning children's zoo and its successful conservation programs, particularly for African penguins.
- Location: 1 Safari Pl, Baltimore, MD 21217
- Nearest Major City: Baltimore
- Website: marylandzoo.org
- Phone: (410) 396-7102
- Visitor Interests: The Penguin Coast exhibit, the African Journey with elephants and giraffes, the Maryland Wilderness featuring local species, the carousel and train rides.
-
Brookside Gardens
A premier 50-acre public display garden located within Wheaton Regional Park. It features a variety of gardens, including formal areas, aquatic gardens, and two indoor conservatories for year-round enjoyment.
- Location: 1800 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902
- Nearest Major City: Washington, D.C.
- Website: montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/brookside-gardens/
- Phone: (301) 962-1400
- Visitor Interests: Themed gardens (Rose, Japanese, etc.), the Conservatories with tropical plants and seasonal displays, the annual Wings of Fancy live butterfly exhibit, the Garden of Lights holiday display.
Major Museums
-
Walters Art Museum
Located in Baltimore's Mount Vernon cultural district, this public museum presents a comprehensive history of world art from antiquity to the 21st century. Its diverse collection is particularly strong in medieval art, illuminated manuscripts, and 19th-century French paintings. Admission is free.
- Location: 600 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201
- Nearest Major City: Baltimore
- Website: thewalters.org
- Phone: (410) 547-9000
- Visitor Interests: The Chamber of Wonders, ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman art, the collection of Old Master paintings, suits of armor, special exhibitions.
-
Baltimore Museum of Art
Home to an internationally renowned collection of 95,000 objects, the BMA is known for holding the world's largest collection of works by Henri Matisse. The museum also features an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art and a beautiful sculpture garden. Admission is free.
- Location: 10 Art Museum Dr, Baltimore, MD 21218
- Nearest Major City: Baltimore
- Website: artbma.org
- Phone: (443) 573-2000
- Visitor Interests: The Cone Collection of modern art (Matisse, Picasso, etc.), the Contemporary Wing, the sculpture gardens, African and Asian art collections.
-
American Visionary Art Museum
A unique and acclaimed national museum and education center dedicated to intuitive, self-taught artistry. The museum's whimsical building and exhibits celebrate creativity and the human spirit outside the bounds of the mainstream art world.
- Location: 800 Key Hwy, Baltimore, MD 21230
- Nearest Major City: Baltimore
- Website: avam.org
- Phone: (410) 244-1900
- Visitor Interests: The unique and often quirky artwork by self-taught artists, the kinetic sculpture race (annual event), the interesting architecture and sculpture garden.
-
B&O Railroad Museum
Recognized as the birthplace of American railroading, this museum in Baltimore celebrates the legacy of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. It features an impressive collection of historic trains in a stunning 19th-century roundhouse.
- Location: 901 W Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21223
- Nearest Major City: Baltimore
- Website: borail.org
- Phone: (410) 752-2490
- Visitor Interests: The large collection of historic locomotives, train rides (seasonal), the historic roundhouse, special events like the Polar Express.
Historic Ships & Sites
-
Historic Ships in Baltimore
A collection of military vessels located in Baltimore's Inner Harbor that showcases American maritime history. The museum includes the USS Constellation (the last all-sail warship built by the US Navy), a WWII submarine, a Coast Guard cutter, and a lightship.
- Location: 301 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202
- Nearest Major City: Baltimore
- Website: historicships.org
- Phone: (410) 539-1797
- Visitor Interests: Touring the various historic ships, experiencing life aboard a submarine, visiting the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse.
-
United States Naval Academy
The undergraduate college for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, the Naval Academy in Annapolis is a historic institution with a beautiful campus known as "the Yard." Visitors can explore the grounds and learn about the life of a midshipman.
- Location: 52 King George St, Annapolis, MD 21402 (Visitor Access Center)
- Nearest Major City: Annapolis
- Website: usna.edu/homepage.php
- Phone: (410) 293-8687
- Visitor Interests: Taking a guided walking tour, visiting the USNA Museum, seeing the crypt of John Paul Jones, watching the noon meal formation of the Brigade of Midshipmen (during the academic year).
Amusement & Water Parks
-
Six Flags America
Maryland's largest theme park, this complex in Upper Marlboro offers dozens of rides, shows, and attractions, including a large collection of roller coasters and the integrated Hurricane Harbor water park.
- Location: 13710 Central Ave, Bowie, MD 20721
- Nearest Major City: Washington, D.C.
- Website: sixflags.com/america
- Phone: (301) 249-1500
- Visitor Interests: A variety of roller coasters and thrill rides, Looney Tunes themed areas for kids, the Hurricane Harbor water park with slides and a wave pool.
Back to top
-
Arundel Mills
The largest mall in Maryland, Arundel Mills is a major shopping and entertainment destination featuring a mix of traditional retail, factory outlet stores, and numerous entertainment venues, including a casino.
- Location: 7000 Arundel Mills Cir, Hanover, MD 21076
- Nearest Major City: Baltimore
- Website: simon.com/mall/arundel-mills
- Phone: (410) 540-5110
- Visitor Interests: Outlet and value shopping, numerous dining options, entertainment venues like Medieval Times, a movie theater, and the Live! Casino & Hotel.
-
Westfield Annapolis
A large, modern indoor mall serving the state capital and surrounding areas. It offers a wide selection of retail stores, from department stores to specialty shops, along with a variety of dining options.
- Location: 2002 Annapolis Mall Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401
- Nearest Major City: Annapolis
- Website: westfield.com/annapolis
- Phone: (410) 266-5432
- Visitor Interests: A wide variety of retail stores, a large food court and several restaurants, a multi-screen movie theater.
-
The Mall in Columbia
A major shopping destination located in the planned community of Columbia, this indoor mall features a broad selection of retailers and restaurants, serving as the commercial heart of Howard County.
- Location: 10300 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044
- Nearest Major City: Baltimore
- Website: themallincolumbia.com
- Phone: (410) 730-3300
- Visitor Interests: Major department stores, a wide range of specialty shops, numerous dining choices, an outdoor plaza with restaurants.
-
Tanger Outlets National Harbor
An open-air outlet mall offering significant savings on a variety of brand-name and designer merchandise. It is part of the larger National Harbor waterfront development with its hotels, restaurants, and attractions like the Capital Wheel.
- Location: 6800 Oxon Hill Rd, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
- Nearest Major City: Washington, D.C.
- Website: tangeroutlet.com/nationalharbor
- Phone: (301) 567-3880
- Visitor Interests: Outlet shopping for numerous brand-name stores, proximity to other National Harbor attractions, restaurants.
-
Towson Town Center
An upscale indoor shopping mall in the Baltimore suburbs, Towson Town Center is known for its high-end retailers and department stores, including Nordstrom and Macy's.
- Location: 825 Dulaney Valley Rd, Towson, MD 21204
- Nearest Major City: Baltimore
- Website: towsontowncenter.com
- Phone: (410) 494-8800
- Visitor Interests: Upscale and luxury brand shopping, a large selection of other popular stores, numerous dining options.
Back to top
Music and Products Associated with The State of Maryland
The Following album covers link to each song's specific page for this state. All lyrics have been written by Mark S. McKenzie/American Storyteller Music and The Lyrical Horizon and produced by Story Teller Books and Music or Loud Mouth Books and Music, Copyright 2025, All Rights Reserved:
|
|
