Laurel MarylandATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Laurel, Maryland.
1. Laurel Park Race Track
HISTORIC THOROUGHBRED RACING
Laurel Park Race Track is Maryland's premiere Thoroughbred racing and entertainment facility founded in 1911. The historic track hosts the Maryland Million and offers year-round family-friendly events. Visitors can enjoy the excitement of live horse racing in a venue with over a century of tradition.
2. National Wildlife Visitor Center
NATURE EDUCATION HUB
The National Wildlife Visitor Center serves as the flagship visitor center for the National Wildlife Refuge System. It offers interactive exhibits, wildlife observation areas, and educational programs about conservation. The center provides access to hiking trails through the Patuxent Research Refuge where visitors can observe native wildlife in their natural habitat.
3. Montpelier Mansion
HISTORIC FEDERAL ESTATE
Montpelier Mansion is a Georgian historic house museum dating back to the 1780s. The elegant brick mansion offers guided tours that showcase period furnishings and the lifestyle of Maryland's elite during the Federal period. The picturesque grounds include beautiful gardens and host various community events throughout the year.
4. Patuxent Research Refuge
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AREA
Patuxent Research Refuge is the nation's only national wildlife refuge established to support wildlife research. The refuge encompasses over 12,800 acres of diverse habitats including forests, meadows, and wetlands that support a variety of wildlife species. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, wildlife observation, fishing, and photography throughout the protected lands.
5. Dutch Country Farmer's Market
AUTHENTIC AMISH MARKETPLACE
The Dutch Country Farmer's Market brings authentic Amish and Mennonite goods directly to Laurel shoppers. This vibrant indoor market features fresh produce, handmade baked goods, meats, cheeses, and crafts from Pennsylvania Dutch country. Open Thursday through Saturday, the market offers a unique shopping experience with vendors in traditional dress selling homemade specialties.
6. Montpelier Arts Center
CREATIVE ARTS VENUE
Montpelier Arts Center showcases exhibitions from local artists and hosts live music performances throughout the year. The center offers a variety of classes and workshops in various artistic disciplines for all skill levels. Located on the same grounds as the Montpelier Mansion, the arts center serves as an important cultural hub for the community.
7. Urban Air Adventure Park
INDOOR ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND
Urban Air Adventure Park offers exhilarating indoor activities for visitors of all ages. The facility features trampolines, go-karts, laser tag, climbing walls, and virtual reality experiences under one roof. It's a popular destination for family outings, birthday parties, and anyone looking to burn energy regardless of the weather outside.
8. Laurel Main Street
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN DISTRICT
Laurel's Main Street features a charming collection of local boutiques, restaurants, and historic buildings. Visitors can stroll through this vibrant downtown area while browsing unique shops and enjoying diverse dining options. The district regularly hosts community events and showcases the town's rich history through well-preserved architecture.
9. Live! Casino & Hotel
ENTERTAINMENT AND GAMING COMPLEX
Live! Casino & Hotel is a premier entertainment destination near Laurel offering gaming, dining, and live performances. The facility features a wide selection of slot machines, table games, and a poker room alongside multiple restaurants and bars. Beyond gambling, visitors can enjoy live entertainment, shopping at the adjacent Arundel Mills mall, and overnight accommodations at the luxury hotel.
10. Brighton Dam Azalea Garden
SPECTACULAR FLORAL DISPLAY
Brighton Dam Azalea Garden showcases over 20,000 azalea bushes in a stunning display of color each spring. Located at the Triadelphia Reservoir on the Patuxent River near Laurel, the garden reaches peak bloom in late April or early May. Visitors can stroll through winding paths surrounded by vibrant flowers in this peaceful natural setting.
11. Dinosaur Park
PREHISTORIC FOSSIL SITE
Dinosaur Park preserves a rare deposit of fossils from the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 115 million years ago. Visitors can participate in public programs where they might discover actual dinosaur fossils alongside paleontologists. The site offers educational displays explaining the prehistoric ecosystem that once existed in the region.
12. The Gardens Ice House
PREMIER ICE SKATING FACILITY
The Gardens Ice House features multiple ice rinks, including an Olympic-sized rink and two NHL-sized surfaces. The facility offers public skating sessions, hockey leagues, figure skating programs, and lessons for all skill levels. A seasonal outdoor mini-rink expands the skating options during colder months, making it a year-round destination for ice sports enthusiasts.
13. National Cryptologic Museum
CODEBREAKING HISTORY SHOWCASE
The National Cryptologic Museum is the National Security Agency's principal public gateway, showcasing artifacts of cryptological history. Exhibits include rare Enigma machines, codebreaking devices from various wars, and interactive displays explaining the evolution of encryption technology. The museum offers educational programs that highlight the critical role cryptology has played in American history and national security.
14. Jailbreak Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
Jailbreak Brewing Company crafts creative, high-quality beers in their production facility and taproom in Laurel. Visitors can sample a rotating selection of innovative brews while enjoying the laid-back atmosphere and food from their on-site kitchen. The brewery offers tours, special release events, and is part of the Howard on Tap craft brew trail.
15. Oriole Park at Camden Yards
ICONIC BASEBALL STADIUM
Oriole Park at Camden Yards is home to the Baltimore Orioles and widely considered one of the most beautiful baseball stadiums in America. The retro-style ballpark revolutionized stadium design when it opened in 1992, featuring an intimate atmosphere with great sightlines and classic architectural elements. Located just a short drive from Laurel, it offers fans a quintessential baseball experience with modern amenities in a historic setting.