Spooky St. Mary's County Day Trip

NPS/Aidan Walker

Trip Snapshot

St. Mary’s County is an excellent place for a fall Chesapeake day trip for ghost-seekers and history buffs alike. Here is an example of a day you can spend that combines it all.

Morning: Point Lookout State Park

Point Lookout State Park in Scotland, Maryland is the perfect place to start your fall trip, combining both nature and haunted history. Tucked along the confluence of the Potomac River into the Chesapeake Bay, Point Lookout was initially used as an American lookout point during the American Revolution and the War of 1812. However, it later became known for being the largest Union prisoner of war camp during the Civil War. The park is open from 8 am to sunset, and the lighthouse is open to visitors to tour depending on staff seasonal availability. There are no reservations required in the fall or winter to visit the park, but there are day-use fees; learn more on their website. November marks the beginning of the off-season, so visits later in the fall boast quieter trails and a crowd-free shoreline.

NPS

To start off the day, go fishing from one of several fishing areas, including a 710-foot fishing pier, which is in operation mid-April until mid-December. A valid Coastal Sport Fishing license and appropriate stamps are required for those 16 years of age and older. Fishing licenses are not sold in the park. To purchase a fishing license, click here.

Alternatively, Point Lookout State Park is a great place for birdwatching, especially in the fall when birds migrate along the Atlantic Flyway. Try to spot sparrows, thrushes, raptors, and waterfowl.

After experiencing the wildlife that Point Lookout has to offer, you can go for a hike along one of many trails and do some exploring around the lighthouse. Point Lookout is the oldest integral lighthouse, one where the lighthouse keeper’s living quarters and light tower are combined, in the United States. The lighthouse’s hours of operation depend on seasonal staffing; however, even if the inside is closed, there are plenty of signs and exhibits you can explore outside the lighthouse. Enjoy the spooky season by learning about the lighthouse’s haunted history. Then, you can make your way to the shoreline, a perfect place to enjoy a packed picnic lunch.

Afternoon/Evening: Haunting History

Once you have finished your picnic, you can drive 22 minutes away to Historic St. Mary’s City, Maryland’s first colonial capital and a National Historic Landmark. Visit their website to learn about current operating hours and ticket prices. It is an outdoor museum focused on archaeology, living history, and early colonial life. During the fall, they have several events worth checking out, including their Hearth Cooking Workshop on November 14th for an additional cost.

A fully-functioning press is available for demonstrations at St. Mary's Historic City. NPS/Monica Larcom

To finish your day with some more spooky sightseeing, take another 25-minute drive to Leonardtown, MD. Here, you can see the famous Moll Dyer Rock. Moll Dyer was believed to have been a witch. In the winter of 1697-98, the townspeople accused her of causing an influenza outbreak and set fire to her house. She escaped, but was later found frozen to a rock, which you can still see today. After this, you can find a spot for dinner in town. Be prepared to be brave and ready to learn on this haunted historical day trip!

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