Patuxent Research Refuge

Hours

North Tract Hours
Visitor Contact Center & Grounds Open Daily 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. 
Closed on Federal Holidays 

South Tract Hours:

Vistor Center
   Open Daily 9:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Closed on Thursdays; Closed on Federal Holidays 

  
Wildlife Images
Bookstore
   Open Daily 11:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Closed on Mondays - January, 2017
Closed on Thursdays
Closed on Federal Holidays 
  
Trails and
Grounds
 Open Daily Sunrise - Sunset
Closed on Federal Holidays 

Cash Lake
Fishing  April 1 – October 11, 2015 
(Sunrise - Sunset)
Closed on Federal Holidays

(Note: Many places fill to capacity on busy, nice weather days, especially holiday weekends. Please call ahead or visit the official website to get the most up-to-date information before visiting.)

Fees

There is no fee for the visitor center. Tram tickets are also free.

Activities

The National Wildlife Visitor Center and North Tract are the only areas open to visitors.

The visitor center features interactive exhibits that focus on global environmental issues, migratory bird studies, habitats, endangered species, and the tools and techniques used by scientists. The visitor center also offers hiking trails, tram tours, a seasonal fishing program, wildlife management demonstration areas, and an outdoor education site for school classes.

Cash Lake — located off of MD Route 197 — is open for fishing, and the refuge conducts a seasonal fishing program from mid-June to mid-October. This site has a fully accessible pier and dock. (Note: You must have a valid fishing license. Contact the visitor center for more details.)

Patuxent prohibits traditional park-like activities such as swimming, boating, tubing, rafting, picnicking, and sunbathing.

Patuxent prohibits traveling off roads and off trails, and in closed areas is prohibited. The refuge also forbids firearms (except for permitted hunting) and alcoholic beverages. Visitors may not disturb, introduce, or remove plants and animals (except for permitted hunting and fishing).

Facilities

The Patuxent Research Refuge’s visitor center features a large auditorium and meeting rooms, as well as a bookstore.

The National Wildlife Visitor Center is a science and environmental education center providing visitors with opportunities to explore, discover, and learn.
Attractions include:

 Environmental Exhibits
 Interactive Kiosk
 Hollingsworth Gallery
 Wildlife Images Bookstore
 Pollinator Garden
 New! Mimicking Whooper   Virtual Interaction with Cranes
 Movies

Accessibility

The visitor center is handicapped accessible, and there is a paved trail. Sign language interpreters are available if requested at least two weeks in advance of your visit.

Pets

Pets must be kept on a leash (no longer than10 feet) and under control at all times. Pets are not allowed in Refuge ponds or waterways.

History

Established in 1936 by executive order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Patuxent Research Refuge is the nation's only national wildlife refuge established to support wildlife research. Today most of the research on the refuge is conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) through the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center.