Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Bowie, MD to Fort Washington, MD
Bowie to Fort Washington, MD is a 30-mile road trip packed with exciting and remarkable experiences. This trip offers a perfect getaway for both locals and tourists who want to experience the charm of southern Maryland. The city of Suitland, MD is the halfway point of this trip, surrounded by several historic sites and worthwhile destinations.
Top 5 Things to Do
1. National Harbor
Visiting National Harbor is a must on any trip from Bowie to Fort Washington. This iconic waterfront destination boasts a diverse range of attractions, shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Adjacent to the Potomac River, National Harbor offers spectacular views of the Washington Monument and the Capitol Building. Visitors can enjoy a ride on the Capital Wheel, take a stroll on the pier, or explore the remarkable art collection at the Smithsonian Museum.
Interesting Fact: National Harbor has the largest outdoor climate-controlled Ferris wheel in North America, called the Capital Wheel.
2. Patuxent River Park
Traveling south on Route 301, visitors should make a stop at Patuxent River Park, one of the best-preserved natural landscapes in Maryland. The park covers over 7,800 acres of pristine forests, wetlands, and meadows. Visitors can explore the river by boat, hike through the park's trails, or engage in bird watching. The park offers an excellent opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of southern Maryland and its precious wildlife.
Interesting Fact: Patuxent River Park is a protected habitat for the endangered American Bald Eagle.
3. Piscataway Park
Further southeast on Route 210 lies Piscataway Park, a historic and scenic area that preserves the legacy of Native American Piscataway tribes. Visitors can take guided tours of the National Colonial Farm, which depicts life on a colonial farm during the 18th century. The Piscataway Indian Museum showcases prehistoric artifacts and narrates the story of the region's earliest inhabitants. The park is also home to several hiking trails, picnic areas, and fishing spots.
Interesting Fact: The park's wetlands are part of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, a vital environmental resource for the region.
4. Oxon Cove Park
Continuing south on Route 210, visitors can stop at Oxon Cove Park, a historical and recreational park that celebrates the region's cultural and environmental heritage. The park houses a living history farm, where visitors can experience farm life during the 18th and 19th centuries. The park also provides access to the Potomac River, where visitors can fish, boat, and kayak. The Nature Center offers environmental education programs, exhibits, and hiking trails.
Interesting Fact: Oxon Cove Park is part of a larger network of national parks, including the Arlington House, Ford's Theatre National Historical Site, and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial.
5. Fort Washington Park
The final destination on this road trip from Bowie to Fort Washington is Fort Washington Park, a historic fortification that has protected the nation's capital since 1809. Visitors can explore the fort's exhibits, videos, and artifacts that depict its role in American history. The park also offers picnic areas, hiking trails, and breathtaking views of the Potomac River.
Interesting Fact: The British captured Fort Washington in 1814 during the War of 1812, and it was never used as a fortification again.
Conclusion
The Bowie to Fort Washington road trip is a fantastic way to experience southern Maryland's rich history, natural beauty, and cultural diversity. The trip takes approximately one hour of driving time and offers a range of attractions and landscapes that are sure to satisfy any travel enthusiast. Whether it's boating on the Potomac River, hiking in a historic park, or visiting a colonial farm, this road trip has something for everyone.