Upper Marlboro Attractions

Bilingsley is an early brick plantation home, built around 1740 for the Weems family. The house is named for Maj. John Billingsley, who obtained the original 430 acre land grant in 1662. Billingsley House has been altered and modernized while still remaining one of the oldest structures in the area. Billingsley features rooms furnished in period decor.

Darnall's Chance, built circa 1704, is the oldest house in Upper Marlboro. It was the home of notable Marylanders Colonel Henry Darnall and his great-grandsons, Archbishop John Carroll and Daniel Carroll II. The exhibits have a special emphasis on the lives of mid-18th century women expecially the widow Lettice Wardrop Thomson Sim, who lived at Darnall's Chance prior to the American Revolution. An 18th century burial vault is located on the grounds, which contains the remains of nine individuals.

The Duvall Tool Museum is named after W. Henry Duvall who owned the items housed in the museum collection. Exhibits include farm implements, household items, and trade tools from the 19th century.

Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary is the wintering ground for several thousand Canada geese who arrive in mid-October and stay until late February or early March.. The sanctuary was named after Edgar Merkle, an active conservationist who devoted much of his life to protecting and providing for wildlife. Birdwatching, hiking, biking and fishing are available at various times of the year.

The natural habitat of Patuxent River Park provides for abundant wildlife as well as opportunity for boating, fishing, hiking and horseback riding. The grounds are also home to the Patuxent Rural Life Museums, a collection of late 19th century and early 20th century buildings and historic structures.

Watkins Regional Park includes more than 850 acres of land with opportunity for nature, sports, picnics, hiking, camping, or outdoor family activities.