Wicomico County, Maryland

Wicomico County Local Guide

Settling In 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 Wicomico County.

15 local places
3 ways to explore

Time Outdoors

Parks, trails and places to pause

6 places
Brick facade and gambrel roof of Pemberton Hall beneath a clear blue sky
Pemberton Hall at Pemberton Historical Park, photographed in 2013Photo: Preservation Maryland

Salisbury Area Parks & Nature

Pemberton Historical Park

Walk through forest, meadows and tidal habitats on the park’s nature trails. The grounds surround Pemberton Hall, a plantation house completed in 1741, while environmental programs introduce the wildlife and ecology of the Wicomico River landscape.

Before You Go Bicycles are not allowed on the trails. Invasive plant removal can temporarily close portions of the park. Hall tours and the seasonal nature center have separate access arrangements from the grounds.

Official Visitor Information
Two orange flamingos beside a planted pond at Salisbury Zoo
Flamingos at Salisbury Zoo, photographed May 23, 2025Photo: scott1346

Salisbury Parks & Nature

Salisbury Zoo

Follow paved paths through naturalistic animal exhibits beside a branch of the Wicomico River. The zoo offers an approachable outdoor visit within Salisbury, with conservation learning and educational programs alongside the habitats.

Before You Go Pets are not permitted, while trained service animals are covered by the zoo’s access policy. Check current notices and the visitor map, and arrange school or group visits through the education staff.

Official Visitor Information

More to Explore4 More Places to Discover

  • Pirate’s Wharf Park

    Quantico Area Parks & Nature

    Wooded walking routes and a playground offer an outing near the Wicomico River.

    Explore the loop trail and connecting paths, with interpretive exhibits and space for a picnic. The park opened in 2023 and continues to develop its waterfront facilities, so the established trails and playground should be distinguished from construction areas.

    Before You Go Waterfront construction began in June 2026, with affected areas closed and completion anticipated in spring 2027. Check the closure map and do not assume the planned boat ramp, launch or fishing pier is available.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Schumaker Park

    Salisbury Parks & Nature

    A wooded pondside park combines disc golf with quiet places to sit.

    Explore the disc golf course or settle at one of the shaded picnic areas overlooking Schumaker Pond. A narrow waterfront and fishing dock give the park a different feel from the larger athletic parks nearby.

    Before You Go Use the South Schumaker Drive entrance and review the disc golf course map before walking across playing areas. Pavilion reservations and fishing requirements are separate from an ordinary park visit.

    Official Visitor Information

  • WinterPlace Park and Equestrian Center

    Salisbury Area Parks & Nature

    Trails, courts and open fields support a flexible outdoor afternoon.

    Choose a walk along the park trails, playground time or a casual visit to its picnic areas. Sports fields, tennis and pickleball courts make this a broad recreation destination rather than a dedicated wilderness preserve.

    Before You Go Use the Blue Ribbon Road park entrance and confirm availability before planning organized field or pavilion use. Scheduled activities can affect parking and access to specific facilities.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Wicomico Demonstration Forest

    Parsonsburg Area Parks & Nature

    Marked forest trails introduce the landscape of a working woodland.

    Explore designated trails within the Wicomico Demonstration Forest, managed as part of Chesapeake Forest Lands. The forest combines outdoor recreation with examples of forestry practices, offering a different experience from a landscaped county park.

    Before You Go Download the Wicomico trail map and check current forestry work and hunting information. Choose an authorized trailhead and respect posted road or trail closures rather than entering other Chesapeake Forest tracts.

    Official Visitor Information
Back to Interests

History & Culture

Art, heritage and local stories

6 places
White facade, dark shutters and front steps of Poplar Hill Mansion in Salisbury
Poplar Hill Mansion, photographed in June 2012Photo: Lee Cannon

Salisbury History & Culture

Poplar Hill Mansion

Explore the house associated with surgeon John Huston and his family, alongside the experiences of the enslaved people who lived and worked there. Furnishings, architectural details and medical interpretation connect the building with Salisbury’s early history.

Before You Go Open house tours are offered on selected days, with other visits by appointment. Request appointments at least 24 hours ahead. Let staff know if you need the entrance lift, and ask about the video alternative to the second floor.

Official Visitor Information
Yellow wooden facade and arched windows of the Charles H. Chipman Cultural Center
Charles H. Chipman Cultural Center, photographed in 2013Photo: Preservation Maryland

Salisbury History & Culture

Charles H. Chipman Cultural Center

Explore exhibits about African American history and culture in a center dedicated to Salisbury’s Black heritage. Community programs and historical interpretation connect the preserved building with the people and neighborhoods around it.

Before You Go Contact the center to arrange a visit rather than assuming daily museum hours. Confirm exhibit access and the entrance location when scheduling.

Official Visitor Information

More to Explore4 More Places to Discover

  • Museum of Eastern Shore Culture

    Salisbury History & Culture

    Regional traditions and visual arts share a downtown museum setting.

    Explore the traditional arts and cultural heritage of Maryland’s Eastern Shore and the Delmarva Peninsula. Salisbury University’s museum presents regional stories and changing exhibitions in the downtown arts district.

    Before You Go Use the current museum at 218 West Main Street, not the former Ward Museum location at Schumaker Pond. Group tours should be requested at least two weeks ahead. Check current exhibits and downtown parking arrangements.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Nabb Research Center

    Salisbury History & Culture

    Archives and historical collections open a window onto Delmarva’s past.

    Explore local history through the Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture at Salisbury University. Its collections include regional documents, university archives and artifacts, with staff helping visitors navigate research materials.

    Before You Go The center is on the fourth floor of Guerrieri Academic Commons, not its former Power Street site. Contact staff before research visits, obtain a campus visitor parking pass and use the designated north entrance if you lack a Gull Card.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Salisbury University Art Galleries

    Salisbury History & Culture

    Changing exhibitions connect contemporary art with campus and downtown spaces.

    Explore exhibitions in the University Gallery, Gallery 128 or the downtown gallery. Each location has its own schedule and setting, so the galleries can complement a campus visit or an afternoon in downtown Salisbury.

    Before You Go Galleries close between exhibitions. Check what is on view and choose the correct location. Campus visits require a visitor parking pass, while the downtown gallery is at 212 West Main Street, Suite 201.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Barren Creek Heritage Museum

    Mardela Springs History & Culture

    Local collections tell the story of western Wicomico County.

    Visit the Westside Historical Society’s museum for exhibits about the people, industries and everyday life of the Nanticoke River area. The small museum offers a useful starting point for understanding Mardela Springs and the county’s western communities.

    Before You Go Call to schedule a visit, including for an individual or small group. Use the museum’s current address at 413 Main Street in Mardela Springs rather than relying on older directory listings.

    Official Visitor Information
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Libraries & Community

Everyday places to learn and connect

3 places

More to Explore3 More Places to Discover

  • Paul S. Sarbanes Library

    Salisbury Libraries & Learning

    Downtown reading and learning resources provide a useful everyday gathering place.

    Visit the Division Street library for books, public technology and community learning. Children’s activities and local history resources give residents reasons to return beyond a single borrowing visit.

    Before You Go Check the current location page before traveling. The library still lists 122 South Division Street, while a future move to Schumaker Pond is being developed. Confirm program registration and room availability separately.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Lewis R. Riley Library

    Parsonsburg Libraries & Learning

    Eastern county residents have a library home for reading and community learning.

    Visit the Parsonsburg Road branch for library collections and activities that bring families and neighbors together. The community room supports programs for different ages, while ordinary borrowing makes it a practical stop close to home.

    Before You Go Use 7341 Parsonsburg Road for the current Riley Library. Older references to the Pittsville branch are not the current location. Check program registration and community room availability.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Centre Library

    Salisbury Libraries & Learning

    A mall location makes books and creative learning part of an everyday trip.

    Visit the library inside the Centre at Salisbury for borrowing, reading and community activities. Its program spaces support everything from stories to creative projects, with offerings that differ from the downtown branch.

    Before You Go Use Suite L101 at 2300 North Salisbury Boulevard and check library hours separately from mall hours. Programs and meeting spaces may need advance registration or arrangements.

    Official Visitor Information
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 “Wicomico County Guide,” the link name, and what happened. Return to All Resources.