Along with historic landmarks, natural wonders and thrilling sports action, this land just east of Washington, D.C., offers several out-of-this-world attractions such as aerospace. The past takes flight at the world’s oldest continually operating airfield.
A bit more down to earth - but pushing the limits of their own - are the roller coasters and water rides at local parks. For more fast-paced fun, follow the harness racing or keep your eye on baseball’s Bowie Baysox, a minor-league affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. Fans have also been known to break the sound barrier while rallying the Landover-based Washington Redskins football squad at FedEx Field in Landover.
At Fort Washington, step up on the ramparts for a monumental view of the nation’s capital (built on land donated by Maryland), and then stroll through the fort’s tunnels and gun rooms for a closer look at 19th-century military life. Seventeenth-century agricultural life is re-created right on the banks of the beautiful Potomac River, an officially designated American Heritage waterway.
Dorsey Chapel is a circa - 1900 African / American “meeting house” you’ll want to visit in Glenn Dale. In addition, tour plantation and manor homes - they all have their own unique stories…but none so somber as those told at the Surratt House Museum. Here, inside a Confederate sympathizer’s modest dwelling and tavern, Presidential assassin John Wilkes Booth caught his breath while fleeing capture. The tavern keeper, Mary Surratt, was hanged for her involvement.
Natural highlights in Prince George’s County include the Canada geese nesting grounds of the Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary and the 13,000-acre Patuxent Research Refuge, with its interactive National Wildlife Visitor Center. You’ll also want to see Cedarville State Forest, Greenbelt National Park and Rosaryville State Park, featuring a combined 6,000 acres of prime hiking, biking and picnicking territory for your pleasure.
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