2017 approaches and many of us will be making resolutions for the new year. Personally, I don’t think you can ever go wrong making your resolution to explore more. Today we’re taking a look back at some of the most epic Maryland spots we’ve featured over the last year, and combined them into a fun to-do list. Can you visit all 15 places in the next 365 days?
- Monocacy National Battlefield (Frederick)
Flickr / fred.lestina While Antietam Battlefield tends to get all the glory, this historic Frederick gem is just as scenic and educational. Spend a day exploring the old farmhouses, monuments, and picturesque trails.
- National Capitol Trolley Museum (Colesville)
Flickr / Ryan Crierie Head to Colesville for a one-of-a-kind experience. This trolley museum is so much more than just a museum, as it offers events and unique rides.
- Patapsco Valley State Park (Howard & Baltimore County)
Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program Spanning parts of Howard and Baltimore County, this massive park offers endless natural wonders. Highlights include the swinging bridge, waterfall, viaduct, ruins, and more.
- Conowingo Dam (Darlington)
Flickr / Stan Lupo Conowingo Dam may not sound like much, but it’s actually an action-packed spot to observe bald eagles fishing. You can catch the sights year-round but most activity usually happens November through January.
- George Peabody Library (Baltimore)
Flickr / Patrick Gillespie If you’ve been putting off visiting Maryland’s most majestic library, then perhaps you’ll want to make it a priority in 2017. Simply take in the views of this grand space and be sure to bring your camera.
- Frontier Town (Berlin)
Yelp / Frontier Town If you and your family love to splash around water parks, then you’ll most definitely want to check out Frontier Town. This western-themed spot is available for camping, swimming, rope climbing, and much more.
- The Enchanted Forest at Clark’s Elioak Farm (Ellicott City)
Flickr / Bill Lakenan Once upon a time, this nostalgic place was left in ruins. Now, several of the pieces have been relocated to Clark’s Elioak Farm. Check out these whimsical pieces, along with the petting zoo, hay ride, and more.
- Wizard of Oz Playground at Watkins Regional Park (Upper Marlboro)
TripAdvisor / SweetMomof2 Speaking of whimsical, both children and adults can appreciate this masterpiece of a playground that beckons to the classic tale of Oz. Follow the yellow brick road to Emerald City, hot air balloons, Toto’s doghouse, and ruby red slippers!
- St. Mary’s Parish (Annapolis)
Flickr / Tony Beverley Even if church isn’t your thing, you can still appreciate the awe-inspiring beauty of St. Mary’s Parish. The starry ceiling alone will have you feeling all sorts of magical.
- Janes Island State Park (Crisfield)
TripAdvisor / Christi S. If you’re looking for a quiet spot among nature, then head to Janes Island State Park. Rent a kayak or canoe and explore the miles of waterways, or spend a few days camping in this serene paradise.
- Catoctin Wildlife Preserve & Zoo (Thurmont)
Facebook / Catoctin Wildlife Preserve & Zoo Not many people know that you can actually go on a safari right here in Maryland. Head to this park to see exotic animals like never before.
- Ladew Topiary Gardens (Monkton)
Flickr / sneakerdog This quirky spot looks like it’s straight from a fairy tale. Your jaw will drop when you see just how intricate the details are at these stunning gardens.
- Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary (Prince Frederick)
Yelp / John B. Follow the twisting boardwalks through this hidden green sanctuary. Experience all four seasons here by visiting all throughout the year.
- Hart-Miller Island (Essex)
Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program Not too far from Baltimore, you’ll find Hart-Miller Island nestled on the Bay. Reachable only by boat, this isolated spot is worth exploring.
- Saint Clements Island (Coltons Point)
visitstmarysmd.com While we’re on the subject of islands, you can reach Maryland’s most historic island by taking a ferry from Coltons Point. This unique spot is where English settlers first landed in Maryland centuries ago.
This list of places to visit in Maryland just scratches the surface. What spots are you making a priority this year?
Flickr / fred.lestina
While Antietam Battlefield tends to get all the glory, this historic Frederick gem is just as scenic and educational. Spend a day exploring the old farmhouses, monuments, and picturesque trails.
Flickr / Ryan Crierie
Head to Colesville for a one-of-a-kind experience. This trolley museum is so much more than just a museum, as it offers events and unique rides.
Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program
Spanning parts of Howard and Baltimore County, this massive park offers endless natural wonders. Highlights include the swinging bridge, waterfall, viaduct, ruins, and more.
Flickr / Stan Lupo
Conowingo Dam may not sound like much, but it’s actually an action-packed spot to observe bald eagles fishing. You can catch the sights year-round but most activity usually happens November through January.
Flickr / Patrick Gillespie
If you’ve been putting off visiting Maryland’s most majestic library, then perhaps you’ll want to make it a priority in 2017. Simply take in the views of this grand space and be sure to bring your camera.
Yelp / Frontier Town
If you and your family love to splash around water parks, then you’ll most definitely want to check out Frontier Town. This western-themed spot is available for camping, swimming, rope climbing, and much more.
Flickr / Bill Lakenan
Once upon a time, this nostalgic place was left in ruins. Now, several of the pieces have been relocated to Clark’s Elioak Farm. Check out these whimsical pieces, along with the petting zoo, hay ride, and more.
TripAdvisor / SweetMomof2
Speaking of whimsical, both children and adults can appreciate this masterpiece of a playground that beckons to the classic tale of Oz. Follow the yellow brick road to Emerald City, hot air balloons, Toto’s doghouse, and ruby red slippers!
Flickr / Tony Beverley
Even if church isn’t your thing, you can still appreciate the awe-inspiring beauty of St. Mary’s Parish. The starry ceiling alone will have you feeling all sorts of magical.
TripAdvisor / Christi S.
If you’re looking for a quiet spot among nature, then head to Janes Island State Park. Rent a kayak or canoe and explore the miles of waterways, or spend a few days camping in this serene paradise.
Facebook / Catoctin Wildlife Preserve & Zoo
Not many people know that you can actually go on a safari right here in Maryland. Head to this park to see exotic animals like never before.
Flickr / sneakerdog
This quirky spot looks like it’s straight from a fairy tale. Your jaw will drop when you see just how intricate the details are at these stunning gardens.
Yelp / John B.
Follow the twisting boardwalks through this hidden green sanctuary. Experience all four seasons here by visiting all throughout the year.
Not too far from Baltimore, you’ll find Hart-Miller Island nestled on the Bay. Reachable only by boat, this isolated spot is worth exploring.
visitstmarysmd.com
While we’re on the subject of islands, you can reach Maryland’s most historic island by taking a ferry from Coltons Point. This unique spot is where English settlers first landed in Maryland centuries ago.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
