Greenwell State Park

Introduction of Greenwell State Park

In St. Mary’s County, Maryland, on the Patuxent River, there is a 596-acre state park called Greenwell. John Phillip Greenwell, Jr. and Mary Wallace Greenwell gave their 166.6-acre farm to the State of Maryland in 1971 so that it might be used as a park by all. Later, the state acquired the 430-acre Bond property that was nearby and combined the two to create the current park. The Greenwell Foundation, a nonprofit devoted to provide outdoor accessible activities, manages the park in collaboration with it.

Greenwell State Park welcomes leashed pets.

On the Patuxent River’s waterfront, Rosedale Manor, built around 1880, is a prominent feature of the land. The Manor has a family chapel, a rose garden designed in the Victorian era, and a breathtaking view of the river. For occasions like weddings, reunions, meetings, and conferences, the Manor may be hired. For gatherings with 50 or less attendees, event planning and assistance are offered.

Greenwell State Park Activities

Boating

You may stroll in and launch non-motorized craft from the beach area. Additionally, there is a wheelchair-accessible floating kayak and canoe launch that is available to the public during regular park hours (sunrise to sunset).

Fishing

All year long, guests may fish from the pier or from the coastal revetment. For those who are 16 years of age or older, a sportfishing licence is necessary.

Hiking

The public may use 10 miles of clearly defined trails all year round.

Bicycling

Public access to 10 miles of clearly defined trails is available all year.

Picnicking

On-site picnicking is welcome for visitors. Please keep in mind to bag whatever you carry out.

Historic Sites

On the Patuxent River’s waterfront, Rosedale Manor, built around 1880, is a prominent feature of the land. The Manor has a family chapel, a rose garden designed in the Victorian era, and a breathtaking view of the river. For occasions like weddings, reunions, meetings, and conferences, the Manor may be hired. For gatherings with 50 or less attendees, event planning and assistance are offered.

Hunting

During certain seasons, hunting is legal. For further information, call Point Lookout State Park at (301-872-5688).

Horseback Riding

Public access to 10 miles of clearly defined trails is available all year.

Water Sports

Only in the designated beach area is swimming allowed. Please be aware that there is no lifeguard present. You swim at your own peril.

The History of Greenwell State Park

One of the most popular recreational locations in Southern Maryland, particularly around Hollywood, is Greenwell State Park. The historic Rosedale Manor House and the Bond Sims tobacco barns complex may be seen in this public leisure area, which is situated on the Patuxent River in Saint Mary’s County.

Since John Philip Greenwell Junior and Mary Wallace Greenwell gave the state 167 acres of farmland to use as a public park in 1971, the park has existed. Then, the state bought the adjoining Bond property’s additional 430 acres and included them in the park’s grounds. The two parcels of land were combined to create a 596-acre state park that is open to both Marylanders and tourists. The Greenwell Foundation, a nonprofit organisation devoted to providing outdoor accessible enjoyment for everyone, manages the park in collaboration with them.

The centrepiece of the grounds at Greenwell State Park is Rosedale Manor House. The mansion, which was constructed sometime in the 1880s, is still standing today on the Patuxent River’s coast. The house offers a breathtaking view of the river, a family chapel, and a rose garden designed in the Victorian style. Today, visitors to the Greenwell State Park may take tours of the enormous historic residence, take in its grandeur, and learn about how well it has been conserved. The house is suitable for gatherings and weddings.

The Bond Sims tobacco barns complex is made up of three 19th-century structures that are connected to one another. Two tobacco barns, a stable, a corn crib, and vegetation are among the agricultural buildings. John F. Sims’ 1838-built log tobacco barn is the complex’s oldest structure. It is really astonishing because it is built of hand-hewn logs that were fitted together before sawmills were invented. The barn, also known as the Simms Bond barn, is a well-known historical landmark in South Maryland. Dr. Walter Hanson Briscoe later converted it from its initial purpose as a tobacco barn to one that serves as a stable. The barn was included to the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s list of the country’s most endangered historic resources in 2000. The park’s major draw continues to be horses, who have a long history on the land. Currently, it has been recognised as a Maryland horse industry board-designated official horse discovery centre. It draws riders of all ages and skill levels and provides distinctive therapeutic horseback riding programmes. One of the horse programmes in the area that has been around the longest.

One way this park honours John Philip Greenwell’s dream of a place where people with disabilities could come and experience the wonder of nature and the joy of outdoor recreation—and the main reason he and his sister donated their farmland in the first place—is through the horse programme at the tobacco barns complex.

For veterans, active military members, and first responders suffering from post-traumatic stress, the unique equestrian programme offers horse therapy with the support of the Greenwell foundation, a nonprofit organisation devoted to providing outside accessible entertainment. With the aid of operation warrior refuge, the initiative strives to assist both veterans and serving service members. Through horseback riding instruction, kid’s camps, individual rides, group rides, and bucket list accomplishments, the horse programme at Greenwell Park also benefits children and people with and without disabilities.

A three dollar parking fee for Maryland residents and a five dollar parking fee for out-of-state visitors apply to parking in Greenwell Park, which is also available for general park use from sunrise to sunset. The Greenwell Foundation’s initiatives are supported by these fees. Every Saturday morning, the barn is open for visitors to come by, learn more, ask questions, and get up close to the horses.

Transportation

Driving

St. Mary’s County is home to Greenwell State Park. The direction of Hollywood is Route 235. After 2.5 miles, turn onto Sotterley Road, which is Route 245 East. Onto Steerhorn Neck Road, turn right. The second drive on the left (about 8/10 of a mile) leads to the park entrance.

Parking

Parking is available.

Public Transport

Public Transport is available.