Aviation has a long history in Prince George’s. The county was the site of the first U.S. Postal Air Mail Service, home to the nation’s first African-American-owned and operated airport, and the location of the first Army Aviation School. This impressive lineage of flying is still open for exploration today at the College Park Aviation Museum — and a trip to the site is a joyful, stimulating experience for any plane aficionado.
Follow this itinerary to give your aviation lover the best day ever:
Visit the College Park Aviation Museum, which is dedicated to preserving and promoting aviation innovation. Founded in 1909 when Wilbur Wright came to give flight instruction to military aviators, the airport is the world’s oldest continuously operating airport.
Fuel your experience by stopping at Vigilante Coffee College Park. The shop opens daily at 7 a.m. and serves up house drips, cappuccinos, and Chai lattes alongside bagel sandwiches and acai bowls.
Listen to storytime on the third Saturday of every month. Children can let their imaginations fly wild with stories of perseverance, engineering spirit, and dream following. After the book, kids can create a craft related to the story.
Tour the museum with a theme that fits your interest, from the Black Aviators Tour to the Women in Aviation Tour to the Airmail Tour, each on a different Saturday of the month.
Picnic at the umbrella tables of the museum, overlooking the airport runway. Watch the planes take flight as you enjoy a packed meal under blue skies.
Learn aviation history from one of the many exhibitions at the museum. The open 1.5-story space showcases 10 aircrafts and objects, along with traveling exhibits and displays. Find out how many types of animals have flown, check out the “Field of Firsts,” see the part airplanes have played in the mail, and more.
Stay at one of the many nearby hotels to extend your experience. Holiday Inn Washington-College Park boasts an indoor pool and 24-hour fitness center, while the dog-friendly Cambria Hotel College Park offers sophisticated rooms and full-service dining.
Add a historic farm experience to your Prince George’s itinerary.