Arctic Park

Rate this place

Parks

Maryland

Nearby: Wheaton Woods Park Tweed Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Arctic Park is a wildlife refuge and park located in the state of Maryland.

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including polar bears, arctic foxes, and seals. It is a popular destination for families and nature lovers who enjoy hiking, picnicking, and observing wildlife.

One of the main attractions of Arctic Park is the Arctic Circle exhibit, which features polar bears, arctic foxes, and other animals from the region. Visitors can watch the animals play and interact in a naturalistic setting. Other popular exhibits include the Marine Mammal Pavilion, which houses seals and sea lions, and the North American River Otter exhibit.

Arctic Park is also known for its conservation and research efforts. The park is home to the Polar Bear Conservation Center, which seeks to protect and preserve polar bear populations in the wild. Visitors can learn about the center's work and the threats facing polar bears in the wild.

The best time of year to visit Arctic Park is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the park is open for longer hours. However, visitors should be aware that the park can be crowded during peak season, so it is best to plan ahead and arrive early.

Overall, Arctic Park is a unique and exciting destination for anyone interested in wildlife and conservation. Its impressive exhibits, scenic hiking trails, and commitment to protecting endangered species make it a must-visit for nature lovers of all ages.

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

Related References