Heritage Resource

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Maryland is a state rich in heritage resources that attract both locals and visitors alike.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The state has a diverse range of attractions that showcase its history, culture, art, and architecture. Maryland's heritage resources are not limited to museums and historical sites, but also include parks, natural reserves, and other cultural venues.

Some of the top reasons to visit Maryland's heritage resources are its colonial history, African American heritage, and maritime history. Visitors can explore the cities of Annapolis, Baltimore, and Frederick, which are home to many museums and historical sites. The Antietam National Battlefield, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, and Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument are some of the specific points of interest to see.

Maryland is also home to many interesting facts, such as the fact that it was one of the original 13 colonies and that it played a critical role in the Civil War. Additionally, Maryland was home to some of the most influential figures in American history, including Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and Thurgood Marshall.

The best time of year to visit Maryland's heritage resources is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. However, some attractions, such as the beach and outdoor parks, are best visited during the summer months.

In conclusion, Maryland's heritage resources offer a unique and diverse range of attractions that are sure to appeal to visitors of all ages and interests. From historic sites and museums to parks and natural reserves, Maryland has something for everyone.

       

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