Prince George’s County, Maryland

Prince George’s County Local Guide

Enjoy the Area

Find a new favorite walk, spend an afternoon with local history, or make room for an everyday stop. 15 places to get to know Prince George’s County.

15 local places
3 ways to explore

Time Outdoors

Parks, trails and places to pause

6 places
Wooded shoreline and water at Patuxent River Park.
Patuxent River Park, photographed in 2017.Photo: F Delventhal

Upper Marlboro Area River & Trails

Patuxent River Park

Begin at the park headquarters in the Jug Bay Natural Area for trails, river views and outdoor learning. The larger park includes multiple properties along the Patuxent, so the destination is more than a single boat launch.

Before You Go Use the Croom Airport Road headquarters for Jug Bay. This is not the separate Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary across the river in Anne Arundel County. Check launch rules before bringing a boat.

Official Visitor Information for Patuxent River Park (opens in a new tab)
Lake Artemesia reflecting trees and sky beyond a wooden pier railing.
Lake Artemesia from the pier.Photo: Pim Linders

College Park Area Lake & Trails

Lake Artemesia Natural Area at Lakeland

Follow the lake’s paved paths for an easy outdoor change of pace, with places to watch birds and pause beside the water. The natural area also lists fishing and seasonal kayak rentals.

Before You Go Plan a daylight visit and keep dogs leashed. Kayak rentals are seasonal and have separate age and account requirements.

Official Visitor Information for Lake Artemesia Natural Area at Lakeland (opens in a new tab)
Stone entrance sign framed by trees at Greenbelt Park.
Greenbelt Park entrance.Photo: Ben Jacobson

Greenbelt Woodland & Camping

Greenbelt Park

Step away from nearby roads into woodland trails and picnic clearings. Greenbelt Park offers a quieter outdoor setting inside the metropolitan area, with a campground for visitors planning an overnight stay.

Before You Go Camping requires a reservation. Review NPS alerts and trail detours before walking, and use the Greenbelt Road entrance while the Good Luck Road parking area is closed.

Official Visitor Information for Greenbelt Park (opens in a new tab)
Buildings beside a gravel path at Piscataway Park.
Buildings at Piscataway Park.Photo: Mrphelps

Accokeek Waterfront & Heritage

Piscataway Park

Explore the Accokeek side of Piscataway Park for woodland, meadows and tidal wetland scenery. The National Colonial Farm adds agricultural history to a landscape connected with the continuing story of the Piscataway people.

Before You Go Choose the National Colonial Farm or Accokeek Creek destination when planning your route. The park spans separate sites, and its administrative mailing address is at Fort Washington Park.

Official Visitor Information for Piscataway Park (opens in a new tab)

More to Explore2 More Places to Discover

  • Bladensburg Waterfront Park

    Bladensburg River & Recreation

    An Anacostia River gathering place with trails, boat outings and picnic space.

    Walk along the waterfront or use the park as a starting point for a river outing. Trails, picnic areas and a playground make it useful for a land based visit, while scheduled boat tours offer a different view of the Anacostia.

  • Watkins Regional Park

    Upper Marlboro Area Parks & Family Recreation

    Trails, a nature center and seasonal recreation share a large regional park.

    Plan a visit around the nature center, park paths and family recreation rather than expecting every attraction to operate together. The amusement complex is seasonal and has its own weather and service restrictions.

Back to Interests

History & Culture

Art, heritage and local stories

6 places
Brick and glass entrance to the College Park Aviation Museum.
College Park Aviation Museum.Photo: Ilovecollegepark

College Park Aviation & Learning

College Park Aviation Museum

Discover the local experiments and people that helped shape early aviation. The museum stands on the grounds of College Park Airport, where exhibits connect historic aircraft with the airport’s continuing story.

Before You Go Use the museum entrance rather than assuming the working airport is open for general exploration. Arrange group tours with museum staff and check current admission details.

Official Visitor Information for College Park Aviation Museum (opens in a new tab)
Riversdale mansion beyond a lawn with autumn leaves.
Riversdale in autumn.Photo: InfinityStars08

Riverdale Park History & Gardens

Riversdale Historic Site & Museum

Visit the historic house, dependency buildings and gardens to learn about the people who lived and worked at Riversdale. Interpretation draws on records of Adam Francis Plummer and other enslaved residents as well as the Stier and Calvert families.

Before You Go Start at the Visitor Center at 6005 48th Avenue and arrive before your tour. The upper floor requires stairs, so discuss access needs when planning.

Official Visitor Information for Riversdale Historic Site & Museum (opens in a new tab)
Montpelier mansion framed by leafy trees and a split rail fence.
Montpelier’s house and grounds.Photo: Fmonaldo

Laurel Area History & Gardens

Montpelier Historic Site & Museum

Explore Montpelier’s Georgian architecture, grounds and exhibits while learning about the Snowden family and the people they enslaved. The surrounding landscape includes a historic summer house and garden areas.

Before You Go House visits and grounds access follow different schedules. Group tours require reservations, and the museum asks visitors with accessibility needs to call ahead.

Official Visitor Information for Montpelier Historic Site & Museum (opens in a new tab)
Brick Darnall’s Chance house beneath autumn trees, with chimneys and dormer windows.
Darnall’s Chance, photographed in 2025.Photo: JaNijah L

Upper Marlboro History & Heritage

Darnall’s Chance Historic Site & Museum

The house museum explores the lives of women who lived and labored in colonial Upper Marlboro. Its interpretation includes the Bentley family’s multigenerational pursuit of freedom through the courts, placing the house within the wider history of enslavement and resistance.

Before You Go Confirm a guided tour before visiting rather than relying on office hours. Groups need advance arrangements, and access to interpreted spaces varies by floor.

Official Visitor Information for Darnall’s Chance Historic Site & Museum (opens in a new tab)
Red historic Surratt house with a covered porch and white trim.
Surratt house, photographed in 2016.Photo: 123home123

Clinton History & Heritage

Surratt Historic Site & Museum

The museum goes beyond the Surratt family’s connection to President Lincoln’s assassination. Guided interpretation also considers enslavement and the continuing struggle for racial justice, encouraging visitors to examine how the past is remembered.

Before You Go Check the current tour schedule. Groups of eight or more should reserve, and research center visits require an appointment.

Official Visitor Information for Surratt Historic Site & Museum (opens in a new tab)
Cannon and brick buildings inside the courtyard of Fort Washington.
The courtyard at Fort Washington.Photo: Dfowlerdc

Fort Washington Fortifications & Waterfront

Fort Washington Park

Explore the fort’s defensive setting above the Potomac, then make time for the surrounding park landscape. The site combines military history with river views, picnic areas and walking opportunities.

Before You Go Check fort and visitor center hours separately from park access. Review the NPS accessibility information for terrain and routes before planning your visit.

Official Visitor Information for Fort Washington Park (opens in a new tab)
Back to Interests

Libraries & Community

Everyday places to learn and connect

3 places
Modern brick and glass Laurel Branch Library viewed from the street corner.
Laurel Branch Library.Photo: WMcBrine

Laurel Libraries & Learning

Laurel Branch Library

Make the Laurel branch a starting point for reading, research and community learning. Use its branch page to browse the local calendar and find services at this specific location.

Before You Go Use the 507 7th Street location and check the branch calendar rather than another library with a Laurel mailing address.

Official Visitor Information for Laurel Branch Library (opens in a new tab)
White Art Deco facade of Greenbelt Community Center beyond a lawn.
Greenbelt Community Center, photographed in 2018.Photo: Carol M. Highsmith

Greenbelt Community & Creativity

Greenbelt Community Center

The 1937 school building continues its community role through recreation, artist studios and meeting spaces. City programs offer ways to connect with Greenbelt beyond a quick visit to its historic center.

Before You Go Use the city activity guide and registration system for a specific class. This city operated center is separate from the county’s PARKS DIRECT facilities.

Official Visitor Information for Greenbelt Community Center (opens in a new tab)

More to Explore1 More Place to Discover

  • Hyattsville Branch Library

    Hyattsville Libraries & Learning

    A neighborhood library for reading, research and public programs.

    Use the Hyattsville branch for books, online resources and programs that bring neighbors together. Its branch page provides the local schedule and practical details for the Adelphi Road location.

Back to Interests

Check the official websites for current access, reservations, fees and seasonal operations before visiting. Destination information reviewed .

General information to help you find the right starting point. Requirements, eligibility, service areas, and application processes can change. Confirm details with the office or provider serving your exact address. Official links open in a new tab. Found a broken link or a changed office? Contact LizyTylerCo and include “Prince George’s County Guide,” the link name, and what happened. Return to All Resources.