Patuxent Research Refuge (National Wildlife Visitor Center), Laurel: Photos, Reviews & Location

Biologists study the wildlife protected at this national refuge on 12,800+ acres, founded by FDR.

At a glance

#3 of 10 Tourist attractions in Laurel

LocalGuideWorld score: 4.60

8.1 km from the center of Laurel

Rating breakdown

5 ★72%
4 ★20%
3 ★5%
2 ★1%
1 ★2%

National Wildlife Visitor Center, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel, MD 20708, United States

fws.gov

+1 301-497-5772

Photos of Patuxent Research Refuge (159)

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Patuxent Research Refuge, Laurel – photo 1

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Quick facts

What is the rating of Patuxent Research Refuge?: Patuxent Research Refuge is rated 4.6 out of 5 based on 2,866 reviews.
How does Patuxent Research Refuge rank in Laurel?: Patuxent Research Refuge is #3 of 10 Tourist attractions in Laurel by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
Where is Patuxent Research Refuge located?: National Wildlife Visitor Center, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel, MD 20708, United States — 8.1 km from the center of Laurel.
How can I contact Patuxent Research Refuge?: Phone: +1 301-497-5772 · Website: fws.gov

Reviews (14)

Emma Brownstein 2024 Jul 25

Nice walking trails — one is stroller friendly — and a sweet visitors center. Lots of space for kiddos to run around indoors. Very welcoming and knowledgeable volunteers!! They had prepared some little arts and crafts for the 5ish and under crowd.

Glad we drove over here with our little ones and escaped the heat!

Also there’s a solid outdoor area to bring a picnic that’s right outside the nature center.

Lakeisha Davis 2024 Jun 20

Free local nature center in our backyard! They have monthly activities for children ages 3-10 and topics for this summer include salamanders, monarch butterflies, ospreys and more! There is also the option of a scavenger hunt; we opted for the indoor hunt due to the weather.

Kim Pop (kimpopusa) 2024 May 12

What a nice refuge with a serene lake and soft underfoot wood chip forest paths. Can see a stuffed fully upright polar bear and pet a stuffed beaver whose been petted so much it’s got thinned out fur inside the center. Nice to go on days they are hosting events and activities.

M West 2024 Apr 12

A respite amidst the chaos of DC. My toddler and I chose to spend three days here while accompanying my husband on a business trip. Great visitor center, friendly staff, and beautiful scenery. There is also a pollinator garden out front and kid’s activities inside. We saw a wild turkey on our way in, a loon swimming on the lake, and some trees that had been cut by a beaver. Dogs are allowed on all trails. Highly recommend.

T B 2024 Jan 27

Patuxent Wildlife Refuge exceeded my expectations! The hiking trails offered a perfect blend of scenic beauty and tranquility. The well-maintained paths made exploring nature a joy. The visitor center was informative and engaging, providing valuable insights into the local ecosystem. The children's exhibits were a hit, striking an excellent balance between education and entertainment. Overall, a fantastic destination for nature enthusiasts of all ages.

Laisla Elsenbach 2023 Nov 05

I love the nature center and the place itself, although they removed a small bridge that used to be on the water and I miss it!

Tina Sakers 2023 Oct 19

Great trails, nice visitors center, good for walking, hiking, biking, birding, etc

Rebecca Davis 2023 Jul 13

Our favorite pit stop off of 95! Great for kids with activities, crafts, etc. Lots of room to run around and play!

Anicca :-: 2023 May 21

What a wonderful place for all beings! 💕
Beautiful eco system with less artificial interference and more selfless love.

Thanks for all the volunteers and donations for keeping a place like this.🙏🙏🙏

May all beings be happy, peaceful, and liberated.

Samuel Lum 2023 Mar 17

Absolute gem of a find to walk your dog or just get away for a few miles. We were one of a few cars parked that afternoon so there was hardly anyone. The museum exhibit was amazing and free (better than ones Ive paid for honestly). The trails are beautiful and surround two lakes. There are a number of downed trees on the dirt trail, so while that is natural, it may not be great if you have a disabled person. Great place to reflect and get exercise too.

Tarang S 2023 Feb 08

A must visit place if you like to hike along with a water body. This is very beautiful and not crowded at all. The hike can be tailor to your preference, you could do a one mile hike or a two mile hike or even longer.

Eugenia Ziegler 2022 May 11

Beautiful day to see the National Wildlife Center. It’s between Baltimore & Washington D.C.
Nice parking area, charging stations, picnic tables. It has benches inside & outside along the trails. The trails are dirt & fine gravel. Bring your food. Small bookstore and gift shop. FREE!,!
Donations accepted Handicap bathroom inside. All on one floor you could bring a wheelchair.
Things for kids to do.

Irina Whitmer 2022 Mar 15

I love this place! It is so beautiful, big and full of a variety of scenery you can enjoy while taking a walk around. It also makes for great family, senior, maternity, and engagement photo sessions! There are two gorgeous lakes with a bridge between them (Lake Redington and Lake Cash) and a lovely Goose Pond nearby - the views from the trails around them are truly breathtaking!

Stephen Barron 2020 Nov 21

Overall this is a decent place for a hike and viewing. Very kid and family friendly, bunch of dogs too. Big parking area, visitor center was closed, and there was a single outside bathroom from what I saw. Very flat and easy trails either looping through the forests or along the “lakes.” Honestly nothing special, saw very little wildlife, and there weren’t many places to sit and just soak it in. Relatively crowded on the weekends as well. Don’t forget it’s hunting season so many of the trails are closed and for those you opt not follow the rules and stay on the trails - think again. Overall nothing special hence the 4. Recommend heading up to the less traversed north tract side.