Maryland state parks are rolling out a full slate of activities this week to honor America’s 250th anniversary, with events including a historic tree planting, a Fourth of July bike parade, historical reenactments, and hands-on crafts for children.
Parks will remain open on Independence Day, giving families the chance to start a new holiday tradition — whether that’s hitting the trails, exploring park exhibits about American history, or enjoying a patriotic picnic in the great outdoors.
Visitors should be aware that reservations are required on July 4th at several parks to prevent overcrowding and traffic delays. Those parks include: Gunpowder Falls State Park (Hammerman Area), Greenbrier State Park, Point Lookout State Park, Newtowne Neck State Park, North Point State Park, Rocks State Park’s Kilgore Falls area, Rocky Gap State Park, Sandy Point Park, and Swallow Falls State Park. Reservations can be made at parkdayuse.maryland.gov.
Liberty Tree Planting — Janes Island State Park, Crisfield
July 1 at 11 a.m.
As part of the statewide Maryland Liberty Tree Project, a tulip poplar tree descended from Maryland’s original 1775 Liberty Tree will be planted at the park to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Foraging 101: Eating Maryland State Parks — Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park, Cambridge
July 3 at 6 p.m.
This beginner-friendly program offers an introduction to wild foods found in Maryland state parks. Attendees can learn how Indigenous peoples and freedom-seekers gathered food from the land, and discover what edible plants may already be growing in their own backyards.
Fourth of July Festival — Assateague Island State Park, Berlin
July 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Campers and beachgoers are invited to join the annual Independence Day bike parade through the state campground. Registration runs from 10 to 10:30 a.m. in the ranger station parking lot, with the parade heading to the Nature Center. Prizes will be given out, and all participants must wear helmets. The Nature Center will also host raffles, games, food, drinks, crafts, and tie-dye activities.
A Miller’s Life for Me — Freedman’s State Park, Brookeville
July 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visitors can try their hand at thrashing, winnowing, and hand-grinding wheat. The program explores the history of mills in the Patuxent River Valley and their importance to local farmers, including the Howard family.
Traditional Children’s Games and Crafts — Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park, Church Creek
July 4 and July 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Families can stop by the visitor’s center to play classic games like jacks, mancala, and marbles, and learn how to make traditional crafts including yarn dolls.
… And Zeal for Liberty… — Fort Frederick State Park, Big Pool
July 4 and 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Through historical interpretation, visitors can learn about the men and women who lived at Fort Frederick during the American Revolution. The fort served as a holding site for British prisoners of war. Scheduled activities include musket-firing demonstrations, military drills, and children’s drills.
Exhibit Hall Tour — Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park, Church Creek
July 5 at 2 p.m.
A park ranger will lead a guided tour through the exhibit hall at Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park.
Miles for Maryland — All State Parks, Year-Round
There’s still time to join the Maryland Park Service’s Miles for Maryland challenge. The goal is to hike 250 miles within Maryland state parks over the course of the year — one mile for each year since the United States was founded. Participants can submit photos from their hikes for a chance to win prizes.
America in Miniature — All State Parks, Through November 15
A photographic scavenger hunt organized by the Maryland Park Service is also underway through November 15. More details are available on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website.
Celebrate All Year Long
The America 250 celebration continues through the end of 2026. Upcoming highlights include a U.S. trivia trail walk at Assateague State Park in August and a program at Fort Frederick exploring American military gear from 1753 to 1953. A full calendar of events is available on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website.
