Merritt Point Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Merritt Point Park is a popular public park in the state of Maryland.


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Summary

Located in Dundalk, it offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors of all ages. Some good reasons to visit the park include its scenic waterfront views, multiple picnic areas, and walking trails. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, boating, and crabbing in the park's waters.

One of the main points of interest in Merritt Point Park is the historic Chesapeake Bay Ferry. The ferry once operated between Baltimore and Norfolk, Virginia and now serves as a museum. Visitors can explore the ferry's decks and cabins, learning about the history of the Chesapeake Bay and its importance to the local area.

Other notable features of the park include a playground, basketball and tennis courts, and a dog park. The park is also home to several species of wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons.

The best time of year to visit Merritt Point Park is during the summer months, when temperatures are warm and the park's waters are ideal for swimming and boating. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy the scenic views and walking trails during any season.

Overall, Merritt Point Park is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. With its stunning views, diverse recreational activities, and rich history, it offers something for everyone.

       

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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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