Bladensburg Balloon History Park

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Parks

Maryland

Nearby: Cotton City Neighborhood Park Bladensburg South Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bladensburg Balloon History Park is a historical park located in Bladensburg, Maryland.

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Summary

It is dedicated to the history of the first manned balloon flight in America. The park is home to a 51-foot-tall replica of the original balloon, which was launched by Jean-Pierre Blanchard and John Jeffries in 1784.

Visitors to the park can learn about the history of ballooning and the role that the first flight played in American history. They can see the replica balloon up close, as well as view exhibits and interactive displays that provide more information about the flight and its significance.

In addition to the balloon replica, the park features a number of other points of interest. There is a historical marker that commemorates the flight, as well as a statue of Blanchard and Jeffries. Visitors can also explore the nearby Anacostia River Trail, which offers scenic views of the river and surrounding area.

One interesting fact about the park is that it was created in 1976 to celebrate the bicentennial of the United States. Since then, it has become a popular destination for history buffs and anyone interested in the early days of flight.

The best time of year to visit Bladensburg Balloon History Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the park is open year-round and can be visited at any time of year. Admission is free, making it an affordable and educational day trip for families and individuals alike.

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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.

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