ATTRACTIONS

Historic Homes & Buildings

Friendship House (circa 1680)
Mitchell Road • La Plata, MD 20677
Charles County Community College
301-259-4279
Tidewater home built by William Dent in the Hall and Parlor manner. Furnished with period pieces. map
Mount Carmel Monastery
5678 Mt. Carmel Road • La Plata, MD 20646
301-934-1654
Site of the first monastery of nuns in the original 13 colonies and retains the original foundation. It was founded in 1790 by four Southern Maryland women who went abroad to learn the ways of the religious community of Carmelites. map
Thomas Stone National Historic Site (circa 1770s)
6655 Rose Hill Road • Port Tabacco, MD 20677
Located Four Miles West
301-392-1776
The youngest of the four Marylanders to sign the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Stone's home, Haberdeventure, has been restored and is a 322-acre National Historic Site. Visitors can view exhibits about the Declaration of Independence and Thomas Stone’s life. His burial site and those of his family members, slaves, and servants can also be found on the property. more... map

African-American Heritage Society
7485 Crain Highway • La Plata, MD 20646
301-843-0371
An historical and cultural collection of artifacts used during the time of slavery exhibited to depict the life and history of African Americans. The collection spans approximately 250 years. Hours by appointment. map
Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House Museum
3725 Dr. Samuel Mudd Road • La Plata, MD 20601
Located 8 Miles North-Northeast in Waldorf
301-645-6870 or 301-274-9358
This was the home of Dr. Samuel A. Mudd, who set the leg of John Wilkes Booth, assassin of President Abraham Lincoln. For this deed, Dr. Mudd was sent to Fort Jefferson Prison in the Dry Tortugas for life, but was pardoned in 1869 by President Andrew Johnson. It is open from April to November on Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday. more... map

Gilbert Run Park
208 Route 6 • La Plata, MD 20646
Seven miles east of La Plata
301-932-1083
180-acre wooded park featureing a 60-acre fresh water lake and offering a variety of activities including fishing, boating, hiking, nature trails, playground areas and picnicking. Row and paddle boats, canoes and aqua bikes are available for rent. Open March - November. map
Myrtle Grove Wildlife Management Area
102 Route 225 • La Plata, MD 20646
Seven miles west of La Plata
301-743-5161
An exceptional venue for birdwatchers and nature photographers. Enjoy 834-acres of fishing, hiking, and hunting at this park that includes on a 23-acre lake, three greentree reservoirs, and a gun range. map