Patuxent Research Refuge, South Tract Destination Spotlight

The Patuxent Research Refuge, and the National Wildlife Visitor Center located within the Refuge, has something for every nature lover in your family. It is the largest science and environmental education center in the Department of the Interior. Even gamers will be mesmerized by the whooping crane exhibit in the Visitor Center which has animated cranes that mimic the moves visitors make when standing in front of the screen. Gigantic binoculars mounted on decks behind the Visitor Center provide views of seasonal birds that are using the wetlands for a temporary home.

Pollinator gardens surround the Visitor Center and if you stand still you will see plenty of butterflies and brightly colored birds. The wooded forests have easy to navigate trails that meander near the water and cross marshes at several points. The bird watching here will prove easy and with different

QUICK LOOK AT PATUXENT

SOUTH TRACT: birds than are hanging out in the pollinator garden. You may also see fishermen trying their luck. Online maps will help you decide which trails you might want to take, but none of the trails are long and all are easy to navigate.

If you don’t want to hike, there are ranger-guided tram tours through the forest and around the wetlands that surround the Visitor Center. The tours use all-electric open-air glorified wagons that give visitors the opportunity to see wildlife. Tours take about 30 minutes and tickets are free, but first-come, first-serve.

South Tract & Visitor Center Entrance

There are two sections to the refuge, north and south, both in Laurel with entrances not far apart. The south tract is where you will find the National Wildlife Visitor Center and five miles of hiking appropriate for families. Hunting and fishing is allowed with the appropriate licenses.

RESEARCH REFUGE,

10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel, (301) 497-5772

ADMISSION Free

HOURS The Visitor Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – closed on federal holidays.

PARKING free

PETS Dogs are welcome on a leash.

The Refuge is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Closed on Federal Holidays.