Situated on the Upper Chesapeake Bay along Dundee and Saltpeter Creeks, Marshy Point offers stands of old and young forest, open meadows, freshwater wetlands, and a web of tidal creeks and marshes for visitors to enjoy and explore. In combination with adjacent state and federal land, Marshy Point is part of a natural preserve encompassing more than 3,000 acres.
Today, Marshy Point Park features over eight miles of hiking trails, two self-guided nature trails, a canoe launch and pier, a wildlife observation platform, and a butterfly garden.
The Nature Center is open from 9 am to 5 pm every day (except holidays), and the park is open from 9am to sunset every day. There are a variety of exhibits and activities to check out around the Nature Center, and staff members are happy to answer questions and show wildlife.
Native Wildlife
Marshy Point Nature Center is home to more than 50 different species of native wildlife. Most of these animals have been donated or are in captivity because they would not survive in the wild. Our collection includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Visitor favorites include diamondback terrapins, several species of snakes, and our barred owl. The best way to learn more about our local wildlife is to stop by the Center, ask a naturalist, and have an up-close encounter with one of our animal residents.
Chesapeake Nature Discovery Play Space
The young and young at heart are encouraged to discover the Chesapeake by playing on some of its most iconic features. Our 3/4 scale skipjack (the Z.H. Barnickel) allows visitors to take the helm of an old time oyster boat. You can also climb a replica bald eagle nest to gain a birds-eye view and appreciate the engineering abilities of our national bird.
Bird Corner and Osprey Nest Cam
Learn about the birds that visit and/or live along the Chesapeake, and watch the happenings on Dundee Creek year-round—from osprey nest season to the Winter time when waterfowl arrive.
Chesapeake Connections
We all have a connection to the Bay. Almost everyone in Maryland lives in the watershed of our nation’s largest estuary. Check out an interactive Chesapeake map, a kids’ touch tank, and our Maryland state turtle—the diamondback terrapin.
Insect Corner
Get a bug’s eye view by exploring the adaptations of insects and watching the busy bees of our observation hive at work.
Kid’s Corner
Kids can hunker down in this duck blind-shaped structure to enjoy games, activities, and nature storybooks.
Habitat Exploration
From woodlands and wetlands to the shallow waters of Dundee Creek, animals are adapted to life in different habitats. This interactive wall reveals who lives where throughout Marshy Point.
Reefs of the Chesapeake
Showcases the oyster reef ecology of the Chesapeake Bay—from abundance during the early days of English colonization, to depletion and restoration at present, to a hopeful future.
Sounds of the Marsh
Push a button on this ‘talking tree’ for an exciting surprise, and match the call/sound with the animal that made it.
Matching Bones and Talking Bones
Visitors can learn how animals are built by matching them with their bones.
Ducking on Dundee Creek
The relationship between humans and natural resources have changed over time. The tools that people used to hunt waterfowl have changed through time along with our attitudes about the importance of conservation.
Mounted Specimens
Taxidermy specimens of animals that are rarely seen in the wild can be looked at up close throughout the Nature Center.
Nature Library
Read or research in our large collection of environmental and natural history books.