Lake Montebello

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Montebello is a man-made lake located in the city of Baltimore, Maryland.


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Summary

The lake was created in 1880 and is now a popular recreational spot for residents and visitors alike. There are a number of good reasons to visit Lake Montebello, including its beautiful scenery and numerous recreational opportunities.

Some of the specific points of interest to see at Lake Montebello include the lake itself, which is surrounded by walking trails and picnic areas. The lake is also home to a variety of fish species, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. Other attractions in the area include the Montebello Filtration Plant, which was built in 1915 and is now a National Historic Landmark.

Interesting facts about the Lake Montebello area include the fact that it was originally created as a reservoir to supply water to the city of Baltimore. The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including ducks, geese, and turtles. Additionally, the area around the lake has been designated as a bird sanctuary, making it a popular spot for bird watching.

The best time of year to visit Lake Montebello is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is warm and the lake is full of activity. During this time, visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and bird watching. However, the area is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake and surrounding area during any season.

       

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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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