Information
Landmark: Lake ArtemesiaCity: Prince Georges County
Country: USA Maryland
Continent: North America
Lake Artemesia, Prince Georges County, USA Maryland, North America
Overview
In College Park, Maryland, Lake Artemesia stretches quietly across 38 man-made acres, tucked inside the broader Lake Artemesia Natural Area, an 85-acre expanse where the water sometimes ripples under a passing breeze, as well as this park belongs to the Anacostia Tributary Trail System and is run by the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M‑NCPPC), which keeps its gravel paths and shady benches in good shape, sort of Tucked away in a quiet stretch of land, this spot blends lush scenery, rich wildlife, inviting trails, and a deep sense of local history, drawing both neighbors and travelers from all over the region, in turn lake Artemesia took shape in the late 1980s, built alongside the rumble and dust of the Washington Metro Green Line construction.Digging out soil for the metro railbed opened the chance to create a man-made lake, later framed by winding trails, native plants, and the rustle of wildlife, meanwhile they named the park after Artemesia N, whose name now greets visitors on a weathered bronze plaque by the gate.Drefs, a local resident whose family once gave a grassy stretch of land for everyone to enjoy, alternatively building the lake brought back and protected wetland habitats, and today it helps manage stormwater and safeguard wildlife along the Indian Creek floodplain, where reeds sway in the breeze.Believe it or not, Lake Artemesia sits ringed by quiet woodlands, open meadows, and shimmering pockets of water, each teeming with a remarkable array of native life, after that birding: This spot ranks among the best in Prince George’s County-you might even catch a flash of red as a cardinal darts through the trees.Over 225 bird species have been spotted here, from the stately great blue heron standing in the shallows to green herons, belted kingfishers, warblers, wood ducks, cormorants, and ospreys, also the Luther Goldman Birding Trail is a 1.35-mile paved loop, named for the celebrated wildlife photographer who once served with the U, slightly S, also fish and Wildlife Service and carried a camera everywhere he went.The trail curves around the lake, where compact signs share bits of history and stories as you pass, furthermore the park’s pollinator gardens, tall reeds, and wild shorelines draw butterflies, shimmering dragonflies, croaking frogs, and sunbathing turtles.As you can see, Lake Artemesia draws visitors looking for quiet ways to unwind-think strolling its shaded trails, spotting herons along the shore, or simply breathing in the fresh air-activities that skip heavy gear and vast facilities in favor of relaxation, discovery, and well-being, as a result the paved trail loops around the park, smooth enough for wheelchairs and ideal for walking, jogging, or cycling past the tall oak trees.As it happens, It connects to the Anacostia Tributary Trail System, so you can wander for miles or bike to nearby parks where the scent of fresh grass drifts on the breeze, along with along the trail, you’ll find benches for a quick break and gazebos where you can linger and take in the view, maybe watch the breeze ripple through the trees.The lake’s stocked with fish and carefully managed so anglers can enjoy catch‑and‑release-picture a trout flashing silver just before it slips back into the water, simultaneously the fishing pier, designed for wheelchair access, stretches out over the lake, where you can hear the gentle slap of water against its posts.You’ll often reel in bluegill, largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish-and every so often, a northern snakehead with its slick, mottled scales, in turn adults need a valid Maryland fishing license-bring one before you cast a line into the bay.You can take a kayak or canoe out on the water, as long as it’s not motorized, then from April through October, you can usually rent a kayak or paddleboat on your own-just unlock the gear and push off into the warm, sunlit water.Interestingly, You can only use watercraft during daylight, and you’ve got to follow the park’s safety rules-no exceptions, even when the lake’s glassy and calm, as a result on Saturday mornings in spring and summer, Lake Artemesia comes alive with free outdoor yoga-sunlight on the water, mats spread across the grass.I think, Anyone can join-kids, retirees, complete beginners, subsequently each session blends mindful breathing with gentle movement beneath the trees.Lake Artemesia makes visiting easy and comfortable, with restrooms tucked away on the park’s north side, meanwhile picnic spots offer several tables and breezy, shaded gazebos-perfect for a relaxed get‑together or a quiet lunch under the rustle of leaves.You’ll find water fountains by the entrances and tucked along the trail, their cool trickle easy to spot on a sweltering day, then motor vehicles aren’t allowed in the park, so you’ll have to saunter or ride a bike-maybe past the scent of pine and gravel underfoot.You can park just outside the park, usually on Berwyn Road or at the Paint Branch Parkway trailheads, where you might catch the scent of fresh pine drifting in from the trails, then the land surrounding the lake once formed part of Lakeland, a proud African-American community in College Park, where neighbors gathered under the shade of tall oak trees.Interestingly, Along the trails, interpretive signs tell the story of the community-its fight against displacement, the hardships endured, and the legacy it left behind, like the weathered footprints still pressed into the aged dirt path, also the signs weave bits of cultural history into the landscape, helping visitors picture the people and stories that shaped the land-like the echo of an ancient trail beneath their feet, relatively Safety and visitor guidelines: we’re open from dawn until dusk, every day of the year, rain or shine, in addition the park’s lighting is dim, so it’s best to head there before the sun slips below the trees if you want to stay harmless.Dogs are welcome, as long as they’re on a leash-think of the soft leather strap in your hand as you stroll in, after that you can’t swim, skate on the ice, or fly drones here, not entirely As it happens, Please avoid feeding wild animals, picking plants, or bothering creatures-it helps keep the habitat healthy and untouched, like a trail lined with unbroken moss, while lake Artemesia is a quiet, well-kept escape from the city, only minutes from the University of Maryland and the D, roughly C, and metro, where the water ripples gently against the shore.To be honest, Whether you’re strolling along the shore, casting a line, watching herons lift off, breaking a sweat, or just soaking in the quiet ripples, the lake offers a rich blend of natural beauty, hands-on learning about the environment, and gentle, low-impact ways to enjoy it, along with designed with accessibility and inclusivity at its core, it’s become a favorite gathering spot for families, seniors, fitness buffs, and nature lovers, where kids race along the path and the air smells faintly of fresh pine.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-10-06
