From Art to Battlefields to Ponies
By Nancy Parode
While Maryland is a great “home base” for visiting Washington, D.C., you’ll miss out on unique sightseeing opportunities if you stick to the District. Take a hint from military folks who’ve been stationed here and visit some of the Old Line State’s top sights. We’ve included insider tips to help you maximize your time in Maryland.
American Visionary Art Museum
Baltimore, avam.org
The American Visionary Art Museum is one of Baltimore’s most eclectic art museums and one of the most kid-friendly. Self-taught artists created all the works on display. Children love to take selfies in the bird’s nest balcony, press buttons to activate kinetic sculptures, and admire the Giant Golden Hand.
Insider tip: Arrive before the museum opens for metered street parking near the entrance.
Antietam National Battlefield
Sharpsburg, nps.gov/anti
Maryland’s best-known Civil War battlefield was the setting for the bloodiest single day in U.S. history. While the Union emerged victorious, the cost was high. However, victory at Antietam gave President Lincoln his sought-after opportunity to issue the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.
Insider tips: Active duty military members can get a free National Park Service America the Beautiful Military Annual Pass. Buy the audio CD or QR code-based battlefield driving tour — it’s worth it.
Bonus Tip: Active duty military members can get a free National Park Service America the Beautiful Military Annual Pass.
Assateague State Park and Assateague Island National Seashore
Assateague Island, dnr.maryland.gov | nps.gov/asis/
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Assateague’s iconic wild ponies will steal your heart. Marguerite Henry’s Misty of Chincoteague novels ensured the ponies’ fame, but there’s nothing like seeing them in real life. Bring bikes, fishing tackle, and, in summer, beach gear — Assateague offers plenty of outdoor fun.
Insider tips: Visit the National Park Service Visitor Center on Marsh View Lane for a National Seashore map and pony sighting information. Be sure to bring insect repellent.
B&O Railroad Museum
Baltimore, borail.org
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The B&O is a must-see for all train buffs. A restored roundhouse is filled with historic locomotives. Rolling stock, a train restoration facility, and an outstanding array of railroad artifacts round out the collection. Inviting, kid-friendly spots abound both inside and outside the museum.
Insider tips: Train rides and special events sell out early. The B&O Railroad Museum is a Blue Star Museum (arts.gov). Active duty military and their families can visit free of charge from Armed Services Day through Labor Day.
Calvert Cliffs State Park
Lusby, dnr.maryland.gov
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Calvert Cliffs features colorful sandstone cliffs, trails, a small beach, and marshlands. The park’s real draw, however, is fossil hunting. Take the Red Trail to the beach and look for sharks’ teeth and seashells. If you’re really lucky, you might find a megalodon tooth.
Insider tip: Calvert Cliffs is home to various wildlife, including snakes. Stay on the trails and boardwalks.
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Potomac, nps.gov
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You can view the Great Falls of the Potomac River from both Maryland and Virginia. Your America the Beautiful Military Annual Pass will get you into both sides of the park for free. Take a stroll or bicycle along the towpath, which begins in Georgetown and ends in Cumberland. For spectacular river views, walk to Olmsted Island via the boardwalk trail.
Insider tips: Great Falls is extremely popular. Arrive early. Watch for cyclists on the roads.
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Baltimore, nps.gov
The 30×42 foot flag flying over this historic fortress instantly tells you that Fort McHenry is a special place. When Francis Scott Key peered through the smoke to see the original Star-Spangled Banner, he was inspired to write the poem that became the national anthem. Visitor Center exhibits tell the fort’s story.
Insider tip: For an unforgettable experience, attend a Flag Change Ceremony and help raise or lower the fort’s American flag.
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park & Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park
Church Creek, dnr.maryland.gov | nps.gov
Maryland native Harriet Tubman is best known for bringing freedom-seekers to safety and for her activism and humanitarian work. The parks that bear her name tell her story and showcase the wilderness she knew so well. The Harriet Tubman Byway connects places Tubman lived and sites where she and other “conductors” helped freedom-seekers travel north.
Insider tips: The Visitor Center is a must-see. Don’t try to see all the stops on the entire Harriet Tubman Byway in one day with young children; it’s 125 miles long.
Maryland State House
Annapolis, msa.maryland.gov
Did you know that Maryland’s historic State House was once the capitol building of the United States? George Washington resigned as commander-in-chief here, returning the Continental Army to civilian control. Take a self-guided tour to learn about the nation’s oldest state house in continuous legislative use.
Insider tips: Visit when the General Assembly is in session (early January through early April). Sit in an observation gallery to watch the legislators at work. Adults must show a photo ID to enter.
National Aquarium
Baltimore, aqua.org
1.6 million people visit each year for a reason — this top-notch aquarium is fun for everyone. Wander through a rainforest, spy kookaburras in the Australian habitat, and watch dolphins interact. Don’t miss Blacktip Reef, filled with sharks, rays, and colorful fish.
Insider tips: For a less-crowded experience, visit early on a weekday. Strollers are not allowed. The Aquarium validates tickets for discounted parking at three nearby garages.
United States Naval Academy
Annapolis, navalacademytourism.com
The U.S. Naval Academy is home to over 4,400 midshipmen, who live, study, and train on the Yard. Book guided tours (military discount available) at the Visitor Center or explore on your own. Don’t miss the Chapel, which contains John Paul Jones’ crypt, or the U.S. Naval Academy Museum in Preble Hall. On spring and fall weekdays, Wednesdays excluded, you can watch Noon Meal Formation at T-Court. The entire Brigade forms up, each Battalion checks in, and then the Brigade enters Bancroft Hall to eat lunch together.
Insider tips: Military ID card holders can drive onto the Yard. Everyone 18 and older must have a U.S. government-issued photo ID or passport to enter. The gift shop and Field House is worth checking out.
USS Constellation/Historic Ships
Baltimore, historicships.org/visit
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The USS Constellation, an 1854 sloop-of-war, is Historic Ships in Baltimore’s crown jewel. Your ticket allows you to tour the Constellation, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter 37, and USS Torsk, a World War II submarine. The Lightship Chesapeake and the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse are open seasonally. View the Inner Harbor from Constellation’s main deck, then head below to learn how Civil War-era Sailors lived and worked at sea.
Insider tip: Admission is free for active duty members in uniform. Parking rates near the USS Constellation vary wildly. Research and reserve parking online to get the best rate.