Patuxent Research Refuge

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.

With land surrounding the Patuxent and Little Patuxent rivers between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, MD, the refuge has grown from the original 2,670 acres to its present size of 12,841 acres and encompasses land formerly managed by the Departments of Agriculture and Defense. Throughout decades of change, Patuxent's mission of conserving and protecting the nation's wildlife and habitat through research and wildlife management techniques has remained virtually unchanged.

Patuxent Research Refuge is divided into three areas: 1) North Tract, which offers hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, trails, and many interpretive programs; 2) Central Tract, where the offices and study sites of the many research biologists are located at the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center; and 3) South Tract, where the National Wildlife Visitor Center and its trails are located. The National Wildlife Visitor Center and North Tract are the only areas open for visitor activities.

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Image Credit: Patuxent Research Refuge

Quick Look

Patuxent Research Refuge
10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop
Laurel, MD 20708

(301) 497-5763

Website

Download Park or Trail Map

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.