At Oxon Cove Park, visitors can experience farm life and how it has changed over time through hands-on programs and other activities. Oxon Hill Farm complements this theme with hands-on outdoor experiences and information about food production and the history of American agriculture. For planning your trip, you can choose among distinct areas of focus: practical farming, historical developments, and nature.
Farm History and Traces of the Past
The history of Oxon Cove Park spans a plantation house during the War of 1812, a hospital farm, and today’s park. This sequence highlights several phases in the site’s use. White Farm House, formerly known as Mount Welby, is the oldest structure in the park and dates to 1805. Its date provides a specific architectural reference point within the park’s broader history.
The Farm Museum Building houses historic farm equipment, a spinning wheel, an 1890 corn husker, and a historic John Deere tractor. These objects add individual examples of agricultural work to the park’s history, from equipment and a spinning wheel to a machine and a tractor. Alongside the sequence of historical uses, they offer a look at specific objects.
At the Sorghum Syrup Shed, the sorghum plant is processed into syrup in the fall. This tradition adds a seasonal dimension to the farm’s history. While the park’s history encompasses several phases of use, this processing is specifically tied to fall. Those who want to place the agricultural themes in a seasonal context will find a clear connection to the calendar here.
Trails and Nature in Oxon Hill
The Oxon Cove Trail takes hikers and cyclists through forest and meadow ecosystems and along Oxon Cove. Alongside the park’s buildings and history, it offers a specific route through different landscapes. Oxon Hill Farm also has two access points to the Potomac Heritage Scenic Trail or the Oxon Hill Hiker/Biker Trail. For planning, two details are important: the route of the Oxon Cove Trail and the farm’s access points to the named trails.
In the natural areas of Oxon Cove Park, visitors can spot bald eagles flying directly over the park. This nature feature complements the forest and meadow ecosystems described above with a specific wildlife-watching opportunity.
Architecture and Current Visitor Status
Oxon Hill Manor is a 49-room estate in the Neo-Georgian style. It includes formal English gardens and a reflecting pool. Unlike the farm and agriculture themes, the focus here is on architecture and formal garden design. For current planning, however, the status is key: Oxon Hill Manor is currently closed for renovations. Check again before planning a visit to see whether it is still closed.
Oxon Cove Park and Oxon Hill Farm have a parking lot on Bald Eagle Road. Check current parking and accessibility information before you travel. You can factor this arrival point into your trip planning without confusing Oxon Hill Manor’s visitor status with information about the park and farm.
Discover more destinations: Lanham-Seabrook, Largo, Temple Hills, Morningside, Forestville, Greenbelt, Bladensburg, Upper Marlboro
For the broader travel overview: Prince George's.
