Dolley Madison Estates

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Parks

Maryland

Nearby: Potomac Hills Park Langley Fork Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dolley Madison Estates is a historic area located in Prince George's County, Maryland.

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Summary

It is named after the former First Lady of the United States, Dolley Madison, who lived in the area during the early 19th century.

One of the most compelling reasons to visit the Dolley Madison Estates is its rich history. Visitors can explore the various historic sites and learn about the area's role in the American Revolution and the War of 1812. Some of the most popular points of interest include the Montpelier Mansion, the Laurel Museum, and the Patuxent Research Refuge.

In addition to its historical significance, the Dolley Madison Estates also offer a variety of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. The area is home to several parks and nature preserves, including the Patuxent River State Park and the Greenbelt Park. Visitors can hike, bike, or kayak through these beautiful natural areas.

One interesting fact about the Dolley Madison Estates is that the area was once a significant tobacco-producing region. In fact, the Montpelier Mansion was once home to a tobacco plantation.

The best time of year to visit the Dolley Madison Estates is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild and comfortable. However, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities and events throughout the year, including holiday celebrations and outdoor concerts.

Overall, the Dolley Madison Estates offer a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that is sure to appeal to a wide range of visitors.

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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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