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In 1909 Wilbur Wright arrived at a field just outside Washington to teach Army officers how to fly, and the airstrip he used is still open today: College Park Airport is the oldest continuously operating airport in the world. The city around it grew up as a streetcar suburb and then as the home of the University of Maryland, whose brick Georgian campus and football Saturdays shape daily life.
The campus is the main attraction, with its broad McKeldin Mall, an arboretum of mature trees and gardens, the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center and Big Ten sports at SECU Stadium and the Xfinity Center. Next to the airport, the College Park Aviation Museum tells the story of early flight with vintage aircraft.
Researchers come from around the world to the National Archives at College Park, home to millions of records, films and photographs. For green space, the Trolley Trail follows an old streetcar line through historic neighborhoods, and Lake Artemesia offers a loop for walking and birding. The Metro Green Line reaches downtown Washington in about 25 minutes.
The flagship campus of the University of Maryland, with brick Georgian buildings around the long green of McKeldin Mall, the Testudo terrapin statue students rub for luck and public art across the grounds. Visitors can walk freely; park in a visitor garage and start at the Stamp Student Union for food and maps.
A Smithsonian-affiliated museum beside College Park Airport that tells the story of the field from the Wright brothers' 1909 Army training to today. The hangar-like gallery holds original and reproduction aircraft, an animatronic Wilbur Wright and hands-on exhibits for kids. Windows look out onto the active runway.
Founded in 1909 when Wilbur Wright trained Army officers here, it is the world's oldest continuously operating airport and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Small private planes still take off and land. Watch from the museum terrace or the field's edge; the Metro station garage also gives a good view.
Known as Archives II, this vast modern building holds millions of federal records, maps, films, photographs and electronic files, including the papers of many agencies and presidents. It is a research facility, not a museum: visitors need a free researcher card and must bring photo ID. Check reading room hours first.
A 38-acre lake created during Metro construction and landscaped as a natural area, with a flat loop trail, fishing piers, a gazebo and wetland gardens. Herons, turtles and migrating waterfowl are common. The trail links to the Anacostia Tributary trails, so cyclists can ride for many miles from here.
The entire university campus is a designated arboretum, with thousands of trees, a rain garden, a community learning garden and seasonal plantings around the academic buildings. Cherry and magnolia blossoms light up campus in spring, and fall color is excellent. Self-guided tree tour maps are available online.
The university's performing arts complex, with several theaters and a concert hall hosting student and professional performances in music, theater, opera and dance. Many student shows are free or inexpensive, and visiting artists perform through the academic year. Park in the adjacent garage on Stadium Drive.
The home of Maryland Terrapins football, a horseshoe-shaped stadium that holds around 50,000 fans on Big Ten game days. Tailgating fills the surrounding lots and the campus buzzes for home games in fall. Take the Metro or shuttles on game day, since parking near the stadium is limited and traffic is heavy.
The university's basketball arena, known for loud student sections at men's and women's Terrapins games, and also used for concerts and commencement events. The atmosphere peaks during Big Ten conference play in winter. Tickets for non-conference games are easier to find and cheaper.
A beloved campus ice cream shop run by the university, serving ice cream in classic and Terrapin-themed flavors, plus sandwiches and milkshakes. It has been a student tradition for generations, and prices are friendly. Lines form on warm afternoons and on game days, so visit in the morning or on a weekday if you can.
A paved trail that follows the route of the old Washington streetcar line north to south through College Park's historic Berwyn and Calvert Hills neighborhoods and into Riverdale Park. It is flat and easy for walking or biking, and passes cafes and shops along US Route 1. Combine it with Lake Artemesia for a longer ride.
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