From Art to Battlefields
By Nancy Parode
While Maryland is a great “home base” for visiting Washington, D.C., you’ll miss out on unique sightseeing opportunities if you stick to the District. Take a hint from military folks who’ve been stationed here and visit some of the Old Line State’s top sights. We’ve included insider tips to help you maximize your time in Maryland.
American Visionary Art Museum | Baltimore
avam.org
The American Visionary Art Museum is one of Baltimore’s most eclectic art museums and one of the most kid-friendly. Self-taught artists created all the works on display. Children love to take selfies in the bird’s nest balcony, press buttons to activate kinetic sculptures and admire the Giant Golden Hand.
Insider tip: Arrive before the museum opens for metered street parking near the entrance.
Antietam National Battlefield | Sharpsburg
nps.gov/anti/index.htm
Maryland’s best-known Civil War battlefield was the setting for the bloodiest single day in U.S. history. While the Union emerged victorious, the cost was high. However, victory at Antietam gave President Lincoln his sought-after opportunity to issue the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.
Insider tips: Active duty military members can get a free National Park Service America the Beautiful Military Annual Pass. Buy the audio CD or QR code-based battlefield driving tour—it’s worth it.
America the Beautiful Military Pass
nps.gov/subjects/military/entrance-passes.htm
B&O Railroad Museum | Baltimore
borail.org
The B&O is a must-see for all train buffs. A restored roundhouse is filled with historic locomotives. Rolling stock, a train restoration facility and an outstanding array of railroad artifacts round out the collection. Inviting, kid-friendly spots abound both inside and outside the museum.
Insider tips: Train rides and special events sell out early. The B&O Railroad Museum is a Blue Star Museum. Active duty military and their families can visit free of charge from Armed Services Day through Labor Day.
Calvert Cliffs State Park | Lusby
dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/southern/calvertcliffs.aspx
Calvert Cliffs features colorful sandstone cliffs, trails, a small beach and marshlands. The park’s real draw, however, is fossil hunting. Take the Red Trail to the beach and look for sharks’ teeth and seashells.
Insider tip: Calvert Cliffs is home to various wildlife, including snakes. Stay on the trails and boardwalks.
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park | Potomac
nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/greatfallstavernvisitorcenter.htm
You can view the Great Falls of the Potomac River from both Maryland and Virginia. Your America the Beautiful Military Annual Pass will get you into both sides of the park for free. Take a stroll or bicycle along the towpath, which begins in Georgetown and ends in Cumberland. For spectacular river views, walk to Olmsted Island via the boardwalk trail.
Insider tips: Great Falls is extremely popular. Arrive early. Watch for cyclists on the roads.
United States Naval Academy | Annapolis
navalacademytourism.com/visitor-center
The U.S. Naval Academy is home to more than 4,400 midshipmen, who live, study and train on the Yard. Book guided tours (military discount available) at the Visitor Center or explore on your own. Don’t miss the Chapel, which contains John Paul Jones’ crypt, or the U.S. Naval Academy Museum in Preble Hall. On spring and fall weekdays, Wednesdays excluded, you can watch Noon Meal Formation at T-Court. The entire Brigade forms up, each Battalion checks in and then the Brigade enters Bancroft Hall to eat lunch together.
Insider tips: Military ID card holders can drive onto the Yard. Everyone 18 and older must have a U.S. government-issued photo ID or passport to enter. The gift shop and Field House is worth checking out.
USS Constellation | Historic Ships in Baltimore
historicships.org/visit
The USS Constellation, an 1854 sloop-of-war, is Historic Ships in Baltimore’s crown jewel. Your ticket allows you to tour the Constellation, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter 37 and USS Torsk, a World War II submarine. The Lightship Chesapeake and the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse are open seasonally. View the Inner Harbor from Constellation’s main deck. Then, head below to learn how Civil War -era sailors lived and worked at sea.
Insider tip: Admission is free for active duty members in uniform. Parking rates near the USS Constellation vary wildly. Research and reserve parking online to get the best rate.
