Bowie, Maryland

• What is Allen Pond Park?
  • Allen Pond Park is an 85-acre multipurpose park located in Bowie, offering a variety of recreational activities.
• What activities are available at Allen Pond Park?
  • 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
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• 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.
• Who plays at Prince George’s Stadium?
  • The stadium is the home field for the Bowie Baysox, a Baltimore Maryland farm team.
• What major events have been hosted at Prince George’s Stadium?
  • 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
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

• 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.
• What can visitors see at the museum?
  • The museum features seven galleries showcasing the evolution of radio and television.
  • Exhibits begin with wireless telegraphy and continue through:
    • The beginnings of broadcasting
    • The growing popularity of radio
    • The birth and rise of television
• When did the museum move to its current location?
  • In 1999, the museum relocated to a renovated old farmhouse.
• 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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Does Six Flags America offer live entertainment?
  • Yes! The park hosts live shows featuring music and dance performances.
• 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

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

• 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.
• 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.
• What can visitors see at Belair Mansion?
  • The mansion showcases 18th-century paintings.
  • Visitors can view American-crafted furnishings and family silver collections.
• 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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• 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.
• 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.
• When did Bowie Town Center open?
  • The shopping center opened in 2001.
• 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.
• 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

• What is the Belair Stable Museum?
  • The Belair Stable Museum showcases the 200-year history of thoroughbred horse breeding at Belair Stables.
• 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.
• Which other famous horses were bred at Belair Stables?
  • Nashua – Named Horse of the Year.
  • Fighting Fox – A successful racehorse.
  • Vagrancy – Another renowned champion.
• What can visitors see at the museum?
  • Guests can explore a fully restored 1923 Stablemaster’s living quarters.
• Where is the Belair Stable Museum located?
  • It is located a block from the Belair Mansion.
• Is there an admission fee?
  • No, the museum offers free admission to all guests.

2835 Belair Dr., Bowie, MD 20715, Phone: 301-809-3089

Where to Eat:

• 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.
• Where did Jerry’s Seafood originate?
  • The restaurant was founded in Seabrook, Maryland in 1981.
• When did the Bowie location open?
  • The Bowie location opened in 2008.
  • It continues the tradition of a small family-run restaurant.
• How does Jerry’s Seafood support the community?
  • The restaurant buys local ingredients to prepare its time-honored seafood dishes.
• 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.
• 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