Attractions and Places To See around Greenbelt - Top 20

Greenbelt is rich in history, particularly as one of the first New Deal planned communities. You can visit the Greenbelt Historic District, a National Historic Landmark showcasing unique Art Deco and Streamline Moderne architecture. The College Park Airport is another significant site, recognized as the world's oldest continually operating airport, founded in 1909 as a military demonstration area for the Wright Brothers.

Yes, Greenbelt offers several family-friendly attractions. The NASA Goddard Space Flight Center has a Visitor Center where families can learn about space exploration and see the Rocket Garden. For outdoor fun, Lake Artemesia and Buddy Attick Lake Park both feature playgrounds, picnic areas, and easy trails suitable for all ages. The Patuxent Research Refuge also has a visitor center and trails that are accessible for families.

Greenbelt boasts several natural areas perfect for wildlife viewing and enjoying the outdoors. Greenbelt Park offers miles of hiking trails through an eastern woodland ecosystem, home to deer, raccoons, and opossums. Patuxent Research Refuge, one of the largest forested areas in the mid-Atlantic, is excellent for birdwatching, especially during migratory seasons. You can also spot diverse wildlife along the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail and at Lake Artemesia.

Near Greenbelt's attractions, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Hiking is popular, with easy trails available around Patuxent Research Refuge and Greenbelt Park. Cycling is also a great option, especially along the paved Anacostia Riverwalk Trail. For more specific routes, you can explore guides for easy hikes, running trails, and road cycling routes around Greenbelt.

Yes, Greenbelt offers several cultural sites. The Greenbelt Museum, located in a historic house, explores American life during the Great Depression and World War II, focusing on Greenbelt's unique planned community history. The Roosevelt Center features the Old Greenbelt Theatre, one of the last large-screen cinemas in the D.C. area, and the Greenbelt Community Center, an Art Deco landmark with public event rooms and artist studios.

For scenic walks and bike rides, the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail is an excellent choice, offering over 20 miles of paved path through diverse ecosystems with views of the Anacostia River. The section at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens provides a unique marshland experience with boardwalks. Additionally, Lake Artemesia features miles of trails around its scenic 38-acre lake.

The best time to visit Greenbelt for outdoor activities is generally during the spring and fall. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures for hiking, cycling, and exploring the parks without the extreme heat of summer or the chill of winter. Spring brings blooming flora, while fall showcases beautiful foliage, especially in areas like Greenbelt Park and Patuxent Research Refuge.

Yes, many of Greenbelt's outdoor spaces are dog-friendly. The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail is suitable for dog walking, offering plenty of space. Greenbelt Park and Buddy Attick Lake Park also welcome dogs on their trails, provided they are kept on a leash. Always remember to clean up after your pet to keep these areas enjoyable for everyone.

Beyond its parks and lakes, Greenbelt features unique natural elements. The Paint Branch River Bridge offers stunning views and photo opportunities. The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens provides a sense of wilderness with its marshland, boardwalks, and bridges. The NASA Goddard Rocket Garden also features a 'Moon Tree,' a leafy reminder of Greenbelt's cosmic ties.

Visitors particularly enjoy the blend of history and nature that Greenbelt offers. Many appreciate the well-maintained trails for walking, jogging, and biking, especially the scenic views along the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail and around Lake Artemesia. The historical significance of sites like the College Park Airport and the Greenbelt Historic District also draws considerable interest, offering a glimpse into the region's past.

While many attractions are well-known, exploring the smaller trails within Greenbelt Park can lead to quieter, less-trafficked spots. The Greenbelt Museum, though central, offers a deep dive into the town's unique history that might be overlooked by those focused solely on outdoor activities. Additionally, the specific section of the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens provides a unique marshland experience that feels like a hidden wilderness.