St. Mary's River State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St. Mary's River State Park |
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 St. Mary's River State Park
Location in Maryland
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| Location | Saint Mary's County, Maryland, United States |
| Nearest town | Lexington Park, Maryland |
| Area | 2,643 acres (10.70 km2) |
| Elevation | 98 ft (30 m) |
| Designation | Maryland state park |
| Established | 1968 |
| Administrator | Maryland Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | St. Mary's River State Park |
St. Mary's River State Park is a cool place in St. Mary's County, Maryland, where you can have fun outdoors! It's a big park with two main parts. One part has a lake called St. Mary's Lake, which is about 250 acres big. The other part is much larger, about 2200 acres, and it's mostly wild and natural. The park is looked after by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, which helps keep it a great place for everyone to enjoy.
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Park History: How It Started
Have you ever wondered how parks are made? St. Mary's River State Park started growing in 1968. This is when the state of Maryland began buying land for the park.
The first part of the park, which includes St. Mary's Lake, was put together between 1968 and 1974. The lake itself was built in 1975.
The second, larger part of the park also started in 1968 with the purchase of 450 acres. More land was added to this section over time, with the last purchases happening in 1983.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
St. Mary's River State Park offers lots of exciting activities for visitors. Whether you love being on the water or exploring trails, there's something for you!
Water Activities at St. Mary's Lake
The park is a great spot for water fun. You can go fishing in St. Mary's Lake, trying to catch some fish. If you like being on the water, you can also enjoy non-motorized boating, which means boats without engines. Canoeing is another popular activity on the lake.
Exploring Trails for Adventure
Around St. Mary's Lake, there's a long trail that's about 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) long. This trail is perfect for different kinds of adventures:
- Hiking: You can walk or run along the trail and enjoy nature.
- Horseback Riding: If you have a horse, you can ride it on the trail.
- Mountain Biking: It's also a fantastic place for mountain biking, offering a fun challenge.
Other Park Activities
Besides water sports and trails, the park is also a good place for picnicking. You can bring your lunch and enjoy a meal outdoors with family and friends. In certain areas and seasons, hunting is also allowed, following specific rules.
