Fort Slocum Park

Rate this place

Parks

Maryland

Nearby: Coolidge Recreation Center Takoma Recreation Center

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fort Slocum Park is a historic site located in the state of Maryland.

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park is a popular destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and families. Visitors can explore the park's rich history, which dates back to the American Civil War. The park is home to several historical monuments, including the Fort Slocum Memorial and the Civil War Battery site.

In addition to its historical significance, Fort Slocum Park is also a great place to enjoy nature. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and birds. Visitors can stroll through the park's wooded trails, take a picnic, or enjoy a game of frisbee on the expansive lawns.

One of the most interesting features of Fort Slocum Park is its underground tunnels. These tunnels were used for storage during the Civil War and were later used as a bomb shelter during World War II. Today, visitors can explore the tunnels and learn about their history.

The best time to visit Fort Slocum Park is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild and the park's foliage is at its most beautiful. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can visit during any season.

Overall, Fort Slocum Park is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in history or nature. With its beautiful scenery, interesting historical sites, and abundant wildlife, it's a great place to spend a day or an afternoon.

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