jefferson patterson park & museum

You go up and down Maryland Route 4 constantly, and you see the signs to the park. You decide to make a detour.You arrive at the entrance and you go through a forest. You park by the Visitor Center, and you enter inside. It is small in size, but there is much to see to include the replication of former state senator Louie Goldstein's Annapolis office. You are impressed with the office, but you have not seen anything yet. The outside is amazing as you get a great view of the Patuxent River. You realize that this was the site of a battle during the War of 1812. You take the walk to the replica Indian Village. You then have the Patterson Estate (not open for inside tours) and you have to see the beach house. There is plenty of places to walk around so give yourself time to come here. The only downside is that the Visitor Center is not open all year round.

We spent the morning hiking the Woodland Trail and the Point Trail along the Patuxent River, and checking out the exhibits in the excellent Visitor's Center. The Woodland Trail has 2-3 benches and a few informative markers; it also has a couple of steep but short climbs and while it's in need of a little clearing of fallen branches, it still provided us with a pleasurable half-mile hike through the woods. The Point Trail provided an easy 1.7 mile walk with a short portion along the water's edge. Actually, we had to wade in the water along the shore part of the trail for about 40 yards as there was an unusually high tide (and that portion of the river is tidal)! The Visitor Center staff obviously didn't realize the shore portion of the trail was under water, or I'm sure they would have told us to avoid that part of the Point Trail. No matter to us, however, as wading in the clear water over white sand at the edge of a marsh was actually fun! The Visitor's Center exhibits display evidence of human life on the property, from over 9,000 years ago to the present, and it explains the science of archeology. There are archeological exhibits not only from the park property itself but from every county in Maryland, a short introductory film, an adorable well-appointed children's discovery room, and a gift shop. We didn't have time to see everything at the Jefferson Patterson Park. We definitely will return to visit the museum and the Archeology Conservation Lab (that gives tours once a month), do more hiking, and explore the Woodland Indian Village.

My husband and I haven't been to the park in years. (Not sure why.) We went there this past weekend and renewed our love for it. The paths were great - especially the one that runs parallel with the Patuxent River. It is pet friendly - as long as your dog is leashed. (Please remember to pick up your darling's droppings - there were piles some places where rude people didn't.)

We came for the 1812 fair and reenactment and had a fine time. Everything was beautifully organized, with easy parking, things for kids, food for sale (decent, if overpriced as is usual at fairs), and the setting was wonderful. There's more to do in the park that we didn't have time for. Not sure there would have been food but for the event so prepare accordingly.

I have only been tot he park for the annual Celtic Festival wich was a good time. They had all of the traditional Celtic games such as log through, hay bail through, anvil toss, exc.The Celtic festival at Jefferson Paterson park is a good time for all.

First off you cant beat the price...free. Its very clean and the trails are nice. There are different trails. One goes right along the river. The handicap accessible trail goes past the Native American village which is so fun. My kids love it. You can actually see their archaeological dig sites and certain times during the year watch them and help them dig. We enjoy picnicking at the tables overlooking the water. Check their very informative site for the times the MAC lab, Patterson House and museum is open. Highly recommend visiting this park.

Great displays about the history of the families and displays on the digs that have been done in the area, including finds from digs in all the counties in MD. Very interesting, the hands-on part is great for kids.

A hidden gem in historic Southern Maryland (St. Leonard) that until recently, my husband and I (residents of the DC area for 28 years) had not heard of. My strongest advice is to go when the weather is good and the daylight hours sufficient enough to explore thoroughly – easily hours’ worth. Or, if you are fortunate enough to live just a 'day trip away' as do we (70 miles from the suburbs) you can return and will want to do so to take advantage of the multiple opportunities this wonderful place has to offer.The website is extensive and user friendly - www.jefpat.org - the staffers/docents friendly and excited about the offerings and the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory for which we will return, appears to be hi-tech. The grounds and views of the Patuxent River and Leonard Creek are gorgeous, the paths smooth and easily used for running, walking and biking. What a treat! What a learning experience!

This Park and Museum has alot to offer for the whole family - especially during one of their many events throughout the year. The museum and gift store are rather small, but very interesting with lots of oddities. The "out buildings" are also interesting and the staff here is very helpful in answering any questions. Last summer they had "Archeology Days" and the public could bring in any artifact they wanted to have I.D.'d - sorta like Antiques Roadshow. I've taken many items here over the years to have identified and the staff is always gracious and helpful and insightful. Highly recommend!!

Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum has so much to offer! They constantly offer various programs & activities appropriate for all ages. Plenty of room for the kids to run around, plenty of interesting things happening for Mom & Dad. Don't miss it!

We were staying in nearby Solomons and needed something else to explore one day so we tried this park. We really enjoyed our time there. There is a state museum of archeology as well as exhibits on farm equipment and the War of 1812 as this was a battle site. It is a hidden gem. There were even hands on exhibits that occupied my girls for quite some time. We were there late in the day and need to go back again to see more.

We found this place during one of their special events. We live in Calvert County, but hadn't really heard of it. They do a lot of programming for kids, especially young. Our sons loved the Indian Village that they had there. They are right on the river, perfect for our kids to run around!