Top Five List of the Best Places to Visit on a Trip Between Bowie, Maryland and Columbia, Maryland

If you're looking for a fun and short road trip, why not explore the area between Bowie and Columbia, Maryland? Here are the top five must-visit places:

Route Highlight

Before we get started, let's discuss the route. The distance between Bowie and Columbia is roughly 17 miles. You can take MD-197 and then merge onto MD-32 East to reach Columbia. The drive will take about 30 minutes without traffic.

1. Beltsville Agricultural Research Center

The Beltsville Agricultural Research Center is a unique and fascinating place to visit. Here, you'll find over 6,000 acres of agricultural research. They study everything from livestock to crops and even non-food agricultural products. If you enjoy learning about cutting-edge scientific research, this is a place you won't want to miss.

2. National Wildlife Visitor Center

The National Wildlife Visitor Center, located in Laurel, is an excellent place to visit if you love animals and nature. This park is part of the Patuxent Research Refuge, which covers over 12,750 acres of land. While there, you can explore various trails, bird watch, or even kayak. Don't forget your camera!

3. Patuxent Research Refuge - North Tract

The Patuxent Research Refuge - North Tract is another part of the Patuxent Research Refuge. This location is perfect for those who love hiking and enjoying nature. There's even a designated hiking trail that follows the Little Patuxent River. If you're lucky, you may spot a bald eagle!

4. Merriweather Post Pavilion

Music lovers won't want to miss a visit to the Merriweather Post Pavilion. This outdoor amphitheater has hosted many famous musicians over the years, including Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Bob Dylan. Today, it's still a popular concert venue, so be sure to check the schedule to see if any shows are happening during your visit.

5. Columbia Lakefront

Finally, we have Columbia Lakefront. This beautiful park features a scenic lake and various walking trails. During the summer months, you can catch live music performances on the lakefront stage. If you're craving something sweet, be sure to check out one of the local ice cream shops nearby.

Conclusion

There you have it – the top five places to visit on your road trip between Bowie and Columbia, Maryland. Whether you're interested in agriculture, animals, music, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, there's something for everyone on this route. So, grab your road trip playlist and hit the open road. Happy travels!