Eagle Harbor MarylandATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Eagle Harbor, Maryland.
1. Eagle Harbor Lighthouse and Museums
HISTORIC MARITIME BEACON
Eagle Harbor Lighthouse stands as one of the top attractions in the Eagle Harbor area, offering visitors a glimpse into the maritime history of the region. The lighthouse complex includes several museums that showcase artifacts and exhibits related to local history and lighthouse operations. Visitors can explore the grounds and enjoy spectacular views of Lake Superior from this historic landmark.
2. The Jampot
MONKS' ARTISANAL TREATS
The Jampot is a beloved local establishment in Eagle Harbor known for its handmade jams, jellies, and baked goods. Run by Byzantine Catholic monks, this unique shop offers delectable treats made with local ingredients including wild berries from the surrounding forests. Visitors often make this a must-stop destination when exploring the Eagle Harbor area.
3. Eagle Harbor General Store Museum
HISTORICAL TRADING POST
Eagle Harbor General Store Museum preserves the history of commerce and daily life in this historic waterfront community. The museum showcases original fixtures, merchandise, and artifacts from the area's past when the general store served as the commercial and social hub of the community. Visitors can step back in time and experience what shopping and community gatherings were like in early Eagle Harbor.
4. Silver River Falls
NATURAL CASCADING WATERS
Silver River Falls offers nature enthusiasts a picturesque waterfall setting nestled in the forests near Eagle Harbor. The falls feature crystal clear water cascading over ancient rock formations, creating a peaceful retreat for hikers and photographers. Accessible via moderate hiking trails, this natural attraction provides a serene experience away from the busier tourist areas.
5. Trueman Point Landing
HISTORIC TOBACCO PORT
Trueman Point Landing served as an important 18th century tobacco shipping port for the Aquasco area in southern Maryland. This historic site offers visitors a connection to the region's agricultural and commercial past when tobacco was a primary export. Today, the area serves as a reminder of Eagle Harbor's historical significance in early American commerce and transportation networks.
6. Eagle Harbor Public Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION AREA
Eagle Harbor Public Park offers picnic grounds, a wooden pier, and access to the natural marshlands along the Patuxent River. The park serves as a community gathering space and recreational area for both residents and visitors to enjoy the waterfront setting. Despite erosion and rising sea levels affecting the beach area in recent decades, the park remains a vital public space for outdoor enjoyment in this historic African American resort community.
7. Eagle Harbor Artesian Well
HISTORIC WATER SOURCE
The Eagle Harbor Artesian Well, located at the end of Elm Trail adjacent to the Patuxent River, served as an essential water source for the community since the 1920s. This historic infrastructure provided drinking water for residents and vacationers throughout much of the town's development as an African American resort destination. The well remained functional into the twenty-first century and stands as a testament to the community's historical self-sufficiency and resourcefulness.
8. The Capital Wheel
POTOMAC RIVER OBSERVATION
The Capital Wheel offers visitors a chance to soar 180 feet in the air on the area's only observation wheel, providing stunning views of Alexandria, DC's monuments, and the Potomac River. The attraction features 42 climate-controlled gondola cars that seat up to eight people each and operates year-round. Sunset rides are particularly scenic, making this a popular activity for visitors to the National Harbor area, which is relatively close to Eagle Harbor.
9. The Awakening Sculpture
INTERACTIVE GIANT ARTWORK
The Awakening is a dramatic metal sculpture by J. Seward Johnson depicting a giant emerging from the ground at National Harbor. This notable public artwork serves not only as an artistic landmark but also as a popular interactive play area for children who can climb on various parts of the sculpture. The installation represents one of the most photographed and visited attractions in the National Harbor area, which is accessible from Eagle Harbor.
10. Carousel at National Harbor
AMERICANA-THEMED RIDE
The Carousel at National Harbor features a 36-foot, Americana-themed design with a herd of whimsical creatures for visitors to ride. This family-friendly attraction offers a nostalgic experience for visitors of all ages in the heart of the waterfront development. The carousel complements other entertainment options at National Harbor, making it a popular stop for families visiting the area near Eagle Harbor.
11. American Way Art Walk
OUTDOOR GALLERY EXPERIENCE
The American Way Art Walk at National Harbor showcases murals, statues, and other works from renowned local and national artists throughout the development. Notable pieces include Albert Paley's pair of 4,500-pound steel eagle statues which perch over the main plaza and the wall mural entitled 'Maryland's Bounty.' This outdoor gallery experience allows visitors to enjoy artistic expressions while strolling through the waterfront resort area not far from Eagle Harbor.
12. Underground Railroad Site
FREEDOM SEEKERS' PASSAGE
The Underground Railroad site northeast of Aquasco's main street served as a crucial stop for those escaping slavery in the region. According to local oral history, freedom seekers had to wait for the tide to be just right before navigating down a creek and then downstream on the Patuxent River toward liberty. This historical site represents an important piece of the area's connection to the broader movement for freedom and resistance to slavery in the American South.
13. Cedar Haven Community
HISTORIC AFRICAN AMERICAN RESORT
Cedar Haven was established in the 1920s as one of the historic African American resort communities in Prince George's County, Maryland. This community, like nearby Eagle Harbor, provided a peaceful, safe, relaxing location for African Americans during the Jim Crow era when segregation limited access to recreational facilities. Generations of families have returned season after season to Cedar Haven, maintaining a strong sense of place and community connection over nearly a century.
14. Southern Maryland Heritage Trail
REGIONAL HISTORICAL JOURNEY
The Southern Maryland Heritage Trail, created with input from UMD's Historic Preservation Program, captures the places and moments that shaped the region's rich history. The trail connects various historical sites including Eagle Harbor and other communities with significant cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the trail to gain insights into the diverse stories and experiences that have contributed to Southern Maryland's unique identity.
15. Patuxent River Waterfront
SCENIC NATURAL SETTING
The Patuxent River Waterfront in Eagle Harbor offers visitors scenic views and recreational opportunities along one of Maryland's major waterways. Despite challenges from erosion and rising sea levels in recent decades, the waterfront remains a defining feature of this historic African American resort community. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, wildlife observation, and peaceful contemplation along this natural border of the town.