College Park offers several distinct areas of interest: aviation history at the airport, performances at the University of Maryland, a walking and cycling trail along a former streetcar route, and gardens focused on the environment and food. When choosing accommodation, it may therefore help to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay. Would you like to explore aviation history, plan to attend a performance, use trails on foot or by bike, or explore botanical and ecological topics? The attractions below offer concrete starting points for each of these interests.
Aviation History at College Park Airport
The College Park Aviation Museum is located on the grounds of College Park Airport. The airport has been in continuous operation since 1909 and is the oldest airport in the world. Its history also provides the focus for the exhibition: the museum displays historic and replica aircraft connected with the airfield’s history. This means the focus is not solely on individual aircraft, but also on the development of the place where they are displayed. The museum offers hands-on activities and interpretive areas for children of all ages. These offerings combine looking and doing. Visitors interested in aviation can therefore consider the museum as a cultural highlight alongside performances or garden attractions.
Explore on Foot or by Bike
The Trolley Trail is a good fit for a different focus: getting around on foot or by bike. It is 3.8 miles long and follows the route of the former streetcar line toward the District. The historic route connects the trail to transportation history; it is also designated as a walking and cycling trail. The Trolley Trail also connects to several other walking and cycling trails, including the Indian Creek Trail and Paint Branch Trail. The trail is especially suited to travelers who want to explore College Park via walking or cycling routes.
Performances at the University of Maryland
The Clarice is a cultural destination in its own right for a stay focused on the performing arts. Hundreds of performances by students, faculty and independent artists take place there each year. The Clarice is home to the University of Maryland’s School of Music and School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies. Music, theatre, dance and performance studies are therefore represented within the institution, and the performances come from several groups. If a performance is the reason for your visit, plan around the specific event date. The visitor information for The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center includes details on directions, parking and accessible facilities. Check these details before your visit if they are relevant to your plans.
Gardens, the Environment and Sustainable Practices
The Community Learning Garden focuses on learning about environmental protection, sustainable agriculture, physical activity and a balanced diet. Visitors can take a self-guided tour. This makes the garden a distinct learning destination if you would like to include these topics in your stay. Its subject areas range from sustainable agriculture to nutrition and exercise, giving the tour a broad, everyday focus.
The University of Maryland College Park campus covers 1,250 acres and provides the setting for the trees, shrubs and flowers of the UMD Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Educational signs help raise visitors’ awareness of environmental protection and sustainable practices. To help you choose between the two garden offerings: the Community Learning Garden combines a self-guided tour with topics such as nutrition and agriculture; the arboretum focuses on trees, shrubs and flowers, educational signs and opportunities for hands-on participation.
Discover more destinations: Laurel, Clinton, Brandywine, Oxon Hill, Riverdale Park, Cheverly, Morningside, Forestville.
For the broader travel overview: Prince George's.
