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How did Bowie originate?
- Bowie was born when the railways made their way from Baltimore to Southern Maryland in the 1850s.
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What activities and entertainment does Bowie offer?
- This picturesque community offers a range of activities, including large community parks, sporting events, and engaging and educational museums.
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What is Bowie’s connection to horse racing?
- Bowie was the birthplace of thoroughbred horse racing during the colonial days when purebreds were brought across the pond from Europe.
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What family-friendly attractions can visitors enjoy in Bowie?
- This family-friendly destination offers exciting thrill rides at Six Flags and countless dining selections at its many restaurants.
Allen Pond Park
Enjoy affordable family fun, or explore exciting playgrounds and easy walking trails.
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What is Allen Pond Park?
- Allen Pond Park is an 85-acre multipurpose park located in Bowie, offering a variety of recreational activities.
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What activities are available at Allen Pond Park?
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The park features:
- Ice skating rink
- Amphitheater for live performances
- Picnic pavilions for gatherings
- Skate park for skating enthusiasts
- Sports fields for various activities
- Basketball courts
- Hiking trails with scenic views
- Exercise stations for fitness lovers
- Playgrounds for children
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The park features:
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What is the main attraction at the park?
- The park’s centerpiece is a large man-made pond, which is stocked with bass and crappie for fishing.
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Is Allen Pond Park a good place for nature lovers?
- Yes! The park is a woodland creature haven, with nearly 40% of the area covered in trees.
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What is the history of Allen Pond Park?
- The area was originally a cattle and tobacco farm.
- In 1965, the owner, James Allen, sold it with the condition that it be developed into a family recreation destination.
3330 Northview Dr, Bowie, MD 20716, Phone: 301-809-3011
Prince George’s Stadium
Take kids to exciting baseball games and savor quick snacks from vendors.
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What is Prince George’s Stadium?
- Prince George’s Stadium opened in 1994 and serves as a sports venue for baseball, softball, lacrosse, and various community-based activities.
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Who plays at Prince George’s Stadium?
- The stadium is the home field for the Bowie Baysox, a Baltimore Maryland farm team.
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What major events have been hosted at Prince George’s Stadium?
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The stadium has hosted notable events, including:
- The AA All-Star Game
- Allen Iverson’s annual softball tournament
- Large community garage sales
- Concerts featuring live performances
- Movie nights for family entertainment
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The stadium has hosted notable events, including:
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What family-friendly attractions are available at the stadium?
- The stadium features a playland area for children.
- A carousel is also available for young visitors to enjoy.
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How does the stadium honor military personnel?
- The stadium holds special events to honor military personnel from Fort George G. Meade and Andrews Air Force Base.
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Is Prince George’s Stadium the largest minor league ballpark in Maryland?
- Yes! It is the largest minor league ballpark in the state of Maryland.
4101 Northeast Crain Highway, Bowie, MD 20715, Phone: 301-805-6000
National Capital Radio & Television Museum
Discover unusual media history and enjoy affordable interactive exhibits.
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What is the National Capital Radio & Television Museum?
- The National Capital Radio & Television Museum was established in 1993 by the Mid-Atlantic Antique Radio Club.
- It was founded by a group of antique radio enthusiasts who wanted to share their passion for vintage radios.
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What can visitors see at the museum?
- The museum features seven galleries showcasing the evolution of radio and television.
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Exhibits begin with wireless telegraphy and continue through:
- The beginnings of broadcasting
- The growing popularity of radio
- The birth and rise of television
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When did the museum move to its current location?
- In 1999, the museum relocated to a renovated old farmhouse.
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What makes the museum special?
- Visitors can see a collection of vintage radios and televisions.
- The exhibits provide an in-depth look at the history of media and its impact on society.
2608 Mitchellville Rd, Bowie, MD 20716, Phone: 301-390-1020
Six Flags America
Experience exciting roller coasters, or discover affordable attractions for family adventures.
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What is Six Flags America?
- Six Flags America is a 500-acre theme park in Maryland, offering a variety of thrill rides, family attractions, and live entertainment.
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When was Six Flags America established?
- The park originally opened in 1974 as a drive-thru safari park.
- It later evolved into a theme park and was acquired by Premier Parks in 1992, becoming the 10th Six Flags location in America.
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What types of attractions are available?
- The park features thrill rides for adrenaline seekers.
- There are also family-friendly rides and kid-specific attractions.
- A water park section helps guests stay cool with water slides and splash areas.
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Does Six Flags America offer live entertainment?
- Yes! The park hosts live shows featuring music and dance performances.
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Are there special events at Six Flags America?
- The park hosts special holiday events throughout the year.
- Senior Day is held for high school graduates.
- Camp Days take place during the summer for groups and school programs.
13710 Central Ave, Bowie, MD 20721, Phone: 301-249-1500
Belair Mansion
Visit romantic historic rooms and admire unusual colonial-era architecture.
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What is Belair Mansion?
- Belair Mansion was built around 1745 and has been home to several Maryland governors over the years.
- It later became the residence of William Woodward, a famous American horse breeder.
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What historical significance does Belair Mansion hold?
- The mansion provides insight into life from 1747-1950.
- It had a major influence on thoroughbred horse racing in America.
- Belair Stables is one of only two stables to have raised two Triple Crown winners.
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What can visitors see at Belair Mansion?
- The mansion showcases 18th-century paintings.
- Visitors can view American-crafted furnishings and family silver collections.
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Is Belair Mansion open to the public?
- Yes! Both the home and the stables are open to the public as museums.
- The property is operated by the city of Bowie.
12207 Tulip Grove Dr., Bowie, MD 20715, Phone: 301-809-3089
Bowie Railroad Museum
Explore affordable railroad history and see exciting vintage train exhibits.
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What is the Bowie Railroad Museum?
- The Bowie Railroad Museum honors the historic train depot that played a crucial role in the city's development.
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Why was Bowie originally named Huntington City?
- The city was initially called Huntington City.
- In 1880, it was renamed Bowie to honor Governor Oden Bowie for his efforts in bringing the railroad to the area.
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When was the Bowie train station built?
- The station opened in 1872 when the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad was constructed to connect Baltimore to Southern Maryland.
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Who helped develop the city around the station?
- City developer Ben M. Plumb worked to create a bustling city surrounding the train station.
- He established stores, hotels, and Victorian homes around the station.
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When did the station stop being a major stop?
- The station remained a major stop until 1989.
- It was then replaced by the station at Bowie State University.
8614 Chestnut Ave, Bowie, MD 20715, Phone: 240-216-1104
Bowie Town Center
Go shopping at affordable stores or enjoy quick dining options nearby.
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What is Bowie Town Center?
- Bowie Town Center is a Main-Street-style shopping and dining complex.
- It offers a variety of retail stores and restaurants.
- The center attracts visitors from surrounding communities.
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What additional shopping areas are connected to Bowie Town Center?
- It is linked to the Bowie Town Center Strip, which features additional shops and businesses.
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When did Bowie Town Center open?
- The shopping center opened in 2001.
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Which stores were originally at Bowie Town Center?
- The original anchor stores were Sears and Hecht’s.
- Both stores have since closed and been replaced by new retailers.
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What stores and restaurants can be found at Bowie Town Center today?
- Shoppers will find Macy’s, Barnes & Noble, and various clothing stores.
- Restaurants and dining options are also available for visitors.
- Other major stores include Best Buy and Safeway.
15606 Emerald Way, Bowie, MD 20716, Phone: 301-860-1818
Belair Stable Museum
Discover unusual racing history and explore easy-to-navigate equestrian exhibits.
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What is the Belair Stable Museum?
- The Belair Stable Museum showcases the 200-year history of thoroughbred horse breeding at Belair Stables.
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What makes the Belair Stable Museum famous?
- The stables were home to legendary racehorses from the 1920s to the 1950s.
- Two Triple Crown winners, Gallant Fox (1930) and Omaha (1935), were bred and raised here.
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Which other famous horses were bred at Belair Stables?
- Nashua – Named Horse of the Year.
- Fighting Fox – A successful racehorse.
- Vagrancy – Another renowned champion.
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What can visitors see at the museum?
- Guests can explore a fully restored 1923 Stablemaster’s living quarters.
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Where is the Belair Stable Museum located?
- It is located a block from the Belair Mansion.
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Is there an admission fee?
- No, the museum offers free admission to all guests.
2835 Belair Dr., Bowie, MD 20715, Phone: 301-809-3089
Jerry’s Seafood
Savor exciting crab specialties and enjoy quick service in easy-going surroundings.
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What is Jerry’s Seafood?
- Jerry’s Seafood has been serving high-quality seafood dishes for over 35 years.
- It is a family-owned restaurant known for its commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
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Where did Jerry’s Seafood originate?
- The restaurant was founded in Seabrook, Maryland in 1981.
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When did the Bowie location open?
- The Bowie location opened in 2008.
- It continues the tradition of a small family-run restaurant.
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How does Jerry’s Seafood support the community?
- The restaurant buys local ingredients to prepare its time-honored seafood dishes.
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What is Jerry’s Seafood most famous dish?
- They are best known for The Crab Bomb, a ten-ounce golden-fried lump crab made with flaky crab meat and Old Bay seasoning.
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What is the Firecracker version of The Crab Bomb?
- The Firecracker version adds black pepper and dry mustard for extra heat.
15211 Major Lansdale Blvd. Bowie, MD 20721, Phone: 301-805-2284
Best Time to Visit | Places to Stay | Tips for Visiting |
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Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and outdoor events. | Hampton Inn Bowie – Comfortable stay near shopping and dining options. | Visit Allen Pond Park – Enjoy scenic walking trails, fishing, and paddle boating. |
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, ideal for family activities and sports events. | Courtyard by Marriott Bowie – Modern accommodations with convenient amenities. | Catch a Bowie Baysox game – Watch Minor League Baseball at Prince George’s Stadium. |
Fall (September-November) – Cool temperatures, fall foliage, and seasonal festivals. | Comfort Inn Conference Center – Cozy stay with easy access to major attractions. | Explore the Bowie Railroad Museum – Learn about the city's railroading history. |
Winter (December-February) – Chilly weather, holiday lights, and cozy attractions. | TownePlace Suites by Marriott Bowie – Great for extended stays with full kitchens. | Visit Six Flags America’s Holiday in the Park – Enjoy festive lights, rides, and entertainment. |
Map:
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Allen Pond Park
- 2. Prince George’s Stadium
- 3. National Capital Radio & Television Museum
- 4. Six Flags America
- 5. Belair Mansion
- 6. Bowie Railroad Museum
- 7. Bowie Town Center
- 8. Belair Stable Museum
- 9. Jerry’s Seafood