Francis Silver Park
Rate this placeNearby: Emma Rockey Park Dublin Bell Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Francis Silver Park is a picturesque public park located in the state of Maryland.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The park covers 46 acres and is situated in the heart of the city of Greenbelt, offering visitors a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
One of the most popular attractions in the park is the lake, which is perfect for fishing, boating, and picnicking. Visitors can rent boats and canoes to explore the serene waters of the lake or take a leisurely stroll along the paved trails that surround it. The park also features several playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, and a large open field for playing sports.
For nature lovers, Francis Silver Park offers a diverse array of flora and fauna, including several species of birds, turtles, and fish. Visitors can take a walk through the park's wooded areas and observe the local wildlife or visit the butterfly garden and learn about the local ecology.
The park is also home to several interesting historical sites, including the Greenbelt Museum and the Greenbelt Historic District. The museum offers visitors a glimpse into the history of the community, while the historic district features several notable examples of modernist architecture.
The best time to visit Francis Silver Park is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is mild and the park is in full bloom. However, visitors can enjoy the park year-round, as it offers a variety of activities and events throughout the year.
Overall, Francis Silver Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to escape the city and immerse themselves in nature and history.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
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
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Ramblewood
|
||
Camp Conowingo
|
||
Camp Shadowbrook
|
||
North Hemlocks Outpost
|
||
Old Road Outpost
|
||
Quarry Outpost
|
Emma Rockey Park
Dublin Bell Park
Palmer State Park
Gravel Hill Park
Churchville County Park