Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Laurel, MD

Situated along the Patuxent River, located midway between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Laurel possesses a historical heritage rooted in the iron and cotton industries. Visitors can immerse themselves in this rich history by exploring a historical mill worker’s residence, now known as the Laurel Museum, and the grand Montpelier Mansion, which was home to the influential Snowden family for generations.

In contemporary times, Laurel features a vibrant Main Street, which hosts a festive street festival every May. Additionally, the Laurel Park Race Track, established in 1911, conducts a variety of graded thoroughbred races. To the east, the Patuxent Research Refuge emerges as one of the largest conserved natural areas in the mid-Atlantic, spanning 13,000 hectares.

Moreover, defense-related establishments contribute to Laurel’s profile, with Fort Meade nearby and the National Security Agency (NSA) headquarters located just minutes away.

1. National Wildlife Visitor Center – Patuxent Research Refuge South Tract

In the heart of this extensive urban landscape, one finds a National Wildlife Refuge dedicated to preserving over 13,000 acres of forests, meadows, and wetlands. The Patuxent Research Refuge serves as a sanctuary for a remarkable variety of wildlife, including migratory waterfowl in spring and fall, as well as essential pollinators, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.

The refuge consists of three distinct tracts: North, Central, and South, with the North and South tracts accessible to the public. At the South Tract, visitors are invited to explore the National Wildlife Visitor Center, the leading science and environmental education facility of the Department of the Interior.

This center features interactive exhibits that illuminate topics such as migratory birds, global environmental issues, life cycles of animals, and the critical work performed by conservation scientists. With a picturesque lakeside setting, the center provides access to a network of trails, including a scenic two-mile loop around Cash Lake.

2. Montpelier Mansion

Constructed in the early 1780s, this elegant Georgian mansion in Laurel is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and originally oversaw a plantation that encompassed 9,000 acres. Major Thomas Snowden (1751–1803), who played a role in the American Revolution, was the builder and descended from Richard Snowden (1688-1763), an early Maryland colonist who co-established the Patuxent Iron Works, which would later evolve into Laurel.

At Montpelier Mansion, visitors can explore a wealth of artifacts that provide insight into four generations of the Snowden family, as well as the documented lives of enslaved individuals who resided here. An engaging kitchen exhibit further illustrates 18th-century plantation existence.

Guests may embark on a self-guided tour through the house and its 70 acres of grounds, while guided tours are available on Sundays. The museum hosts a variety of year-round events and programs, ranging from historical lectures to musical presentations and holiday candlelight tours.

3. Main Street

The historic Main Street of Laurel is adorned with charming storefronts and is home to a close-knit community of retailers, restaurants, and various services. There are subtle reminders of Main Street’s industrial past, such as a collection of mill workers’ residences located at the western end, where one of them now houses the Laurel Museum.

Featuring an array of dining options, ranging from pizza to pho, the east end, particularly toward the MARC station, showcases a truly international selection of restaurants. Additionally, the proximity to the Patuxent River offers a scenic trail that runs along the riverbank just a block north.

At the western end, this trail leads to Riverfront Park and the Laurel Municipal Swimming Pool. Laurel’s flagship event occurs annually in early May, when Main Street Festival transforms the street into a lively space filled with a parade, family-friendly activities, food, arts and crafts, and a full day of live music.

4. Laurel Museum

The west end of Main Street, situated along the Patuxent River bank, is home to a cotton mill established by Nicholas Snowden (1786-1831). This mill experienced rapid growth during the early 19th century, coinciding with a building boom that provided accommodations for the expanding workforce.

Housing the Laurel Historical Society, the museum occupies one of the buildings constructed in the late 1830s under the guidance of Horace Capron (1804-1885), who would later serve as the United States Commissioner of Agriculture. It serves as an excellent venue to explore Laurel’s history, featuring a main annual exhibit updated each February.

Recent thematic exhibits have covered topics including dining history in Laurel, local healthcare, life in Laurel during WWI, significant local historical events, the experiences of mill workers, the narrative of Laurel Park Race Track, and Laurel’s role during the Civil War.

5. Patuxent Research Refuge North Tract

The North Tract of the Patuxent Research Refuge is conveniently located just a ten-minute drive from downtown Laurel. Although this area receives less foot traffic than the South Tract, it offers abundant outdoor recreational opportunities.

Comprising approximately 20 miles of trails suitable for walking, biking, and horseback riding, this tract leads to a designated wildlife observation area and an overlook on the Little Patuxent River. However, visitors should be aware that this land previously operated as an artillery training range until the 1990s, and unexploded ordnance may be unearthed, so it is essential to remain on marked trails.

A modest visitor center is available at the parking area, equipped with interpretive signage to assist in identifying the refuge’s diverse wildlife.

6. Granville Gude Park

Situated along the southern shoreline of Laurel Lake, which has played a crucial role in the city’s history, Granville Gude Park was established as part of local development initiatives in 1984. In 1900, the lake became the primary source of Laurel’s public water supply system and is now surrounded by contemporary residential areas and commercial establishments along Baltimore Avenue to the east.

The park encompasses a charming lakehouse that was unveiled in 1986, alongside a paved multi-use trail extending over a mile around the lake. In the summer months, visitors can enjoy a concession stand that offers paddleboat rentals. Granville Gude Park serves as a fitting venue for various community events, including Laurel’s Independence Day Celebration and outdoor summer movies.

7. Laurel Park Race Track

Laurel is home to Maryland’s premier race track, which has been hosting thoroughbred horse racing since 1911. Serving as the headquarters for the Maryland Jockey Club, founded in 1743, the track has welcomed many legendary horses, including Seabiscuit and various Triple Crown winners such as Affirmed, Secretariat, Sir Barton, War Admiral, and Whirlaway, all of whom have achieved victory here.

Races are held year-round at Laurel Park, with the most prestigious Grade 3 Stakes and State-bred Showcase Stakes events typically taking place in the autumn and winter months. In addition to live racing, the facility features a simulcast theater that was added during a significant multi-million dollar renovation approximately 20 years ago.

8. National Cryptologic Museum

Located just over ten minutes east of Laurel in Fort Meade, the headquarters of the National Security Agency includes the affiliated National Cryptologic Museum, housed in the former Colony Seven Motel, which opened its doors in 1993. This museum provides an opportunity to explore thousands of artifacts related to the history of cryptology.

Within its galleries, visitors can discover pivotal milestones in the profession’s history and examine various machines and techniques that illuminate significant aspects of American history. The collection features rare encryption devices from the WWII era, including a German Enigma machine, a KANA typewriter utilized at Station Hypo, and a C-36 cipher machine. It is important to note that the museum was temporarily closed for renovations at the time of this writing.

9. Jailbreak Brewing Company

Founded in 2014, Jailbreak Brewing Company has quickly gained popularity, featuring a spacious taproom and an added kitchen since 2018. The brewery offers a diverse array of flagship beers, including Doubles (Hazy DIPA), Feed the Monkey (Hefeweizen), Special Lady Friend (American IPA), The Infinite (Amber Ale), and Clearly Righteous (West Coast-style IPA).

The kitchen, named Foodworks, operates Wednesday through Saturday, serving dishes such as steak frites, flatbreads, salads, burgers, and shareable plates, along with numerous vegetarian and gluten-free options. For those interested in the brewing process, guided tours of the brewhouse are available.

10. Laurel Mill Playhouse

Concealed behind one of Main Street’s historic storefronts is an intimate theater that showcases local talent and performers. The Laurel Mill Playhouse is home to the Burtonsville Players, a community theater group that has served the region for over 50 years.

As a unique aspect of community theater, this organization operates from its own venue and presents a diverse array of productions every season intended for audiences of all ages and interests. Noteworthy performances from the recent past include The Vagina Monologues, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The War of the Worlds, and Willy Wonka, Jr.

11. The Gardens Ice House

Located within Fairland Regional Park in West Laurel, the Gardens Ice House is the largest ice skating and hockey facility in the Washington, D.C. and Maryland region. Open throughout the year, this facility has operated since 1996 and features two NHL-sized rinks, an Olympic rink, and an outdoor mini rink (operational from November to March), which was introduced more than a decade ago.

The facility serves various teams and organizations, including the Potomac Curling Club, Gardens Figure Skating Club, and the Washington Power inline hockey team. A café, pro shop, and fitness center are available, with a busy schedule that includes public skating sessions, stick & puck activities, skating lessons, and hockey training.

12. Dinosaur Park

Located southwest of Laurel near Montpelier Mansion, Dinosaur Park is a captivating site managed by the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation. This site is historically significant as it was where the first dinosaur fossils in Maryland were discovered in the mid-19th century. These fossils date back to the early Cretaceous Period, approximately 115 million years ago, and were unearthed by African-American miners extracting iron ore from clay.

Dinosaur Park features an active paleontological dig, allowing children to search for real fossils on the first and third Saturdays of each month. Additionally, the park boasts a small dinosaur-themed playground to delight young fossil enthusiasts.

13. Dutch Country Farmers’ Market

One of Maryland’s largest Dutch/Amish markets is located to the east of Laurel on Fort Meade Road. This bustling market features several vendors under one roof, offering a wide variety of produce, groceries, prepared foods, and an array of delicacies from Dutch Country.

The selection includes cuts of beef, lamb, and pork; holiday turkeys; cheeses; pickles; fresh soft pretzels; bread; artisanal candies; ice cream; cheesecakes; pastries; and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Additionally, prepared food options encompass pasta salads, barbeque, rotisserie and fried chicken, sandwiches, and much more.

14. Laurel Golf Center

Positioned along Fort Meade Road, the Laurel Golf Center can be characterized as a family entertainment hub. The primary attraction here is the 18-hole miniature golf course, which provides enjoyment for children while also serving as a suitable venue for more serious golfers wishing to refine their putting skills.

In addition, the facility includes seven batting cages offering pitches ranging from 25 mph to 75 mph. Lastly, a driving range featuring 50 covered hitting stations is available, where visitors can rent clubs and take lessons if desired.

15. Laurel MARC Station

Arriving in Laurel via commuter train, one is greeted by a quaint, Queen Anne-style station constructed in 1884. This station, recognized on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973, was designed by E. Francis Baldwin (1837-1916), renowned for his contributions to the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and local churches.

As one passes through, they may take a moment to appreciate the station’s impressive eaves, intricate bracketwork, and the terra cotta detailing atop the roof. Notably, Vice President Joe Biden delivered a speech at this station in 2009 to rally support for an economic stimulus initiative focused on infrastructure projects in Maryland.

Travel times to both Washington and Baltimore on the MARC Camden Line are approximately 40 minutes.