Holiday Inn College Park

University of Maryland Campus

by AlbuqRay

One of the main entrances to the University of Maryland campus is where Paint Branch Parkway intersects Baltimore Avenue (US Hwy-1). The campus is quite large and is a nice mix of old and modern, rural and urban. Parking is definitely an issue. I saw only metered or paid parking for visitors (marked with a big green and white "P"). All other parking lots require a sticker. Here is an interactive parking map. The pedestrian crosswalks are strictly enforced, so be ready to stop often.

Watch out for cross walks!

by nikkidish

When driving on the University campus, it is important to note that the yellow stripey crossings for the students are kind of like zebra crossings in the UK...you have to stop for the pedestrian, not the other way around, otherwise with all the traffic around here none of the students would make it to class on time if they had to stop for the cars!

University of Maryland Football

by AlbuqRay

When I was walking around campus on Wednesday evening, I saw the football team practicing. They must have come up with a good plan, because they defeated No. 8 Boston College on Saturday, 42-35. They play in Byrd Stadium, which is a beautiful facility. It was originally built in 1950 and has been home to national championship football and men’s and women’s lacrosse teams, and to more than 50 ACC track and field champions. The stadium was renovated in 1994 and the seating capacity increased to 48,055 by adding an upper deck to the north side. The cost for the renovation exceeded $45 million. With the addition of temporary seating in 2001 and 2002, the stadium’s capacity was expanded to 51,500.

Aviation Museum Deck and Grounds

by AlbuqRay

The Aviation Museum has an outdoor deck upstairs with a view of the College Park Airport and the museum's childrens' playground. No food or drink is allowed inside the museum but you can have picnic lunch/dinner on the deck.

First Class University and Aviation History

by AlbuqRay

"Home of Many Aviation Firsts"

I recently spent four days in College Park, Maryland, while attending a symposium. I knew the University of Maryland was located there but I had no idea that College Park played such an important role in aviation history. Most of my Things to Do tips will be about the College Park Aviation Museum. The museum had special meaning to me personally because it connected me to the history of the Ercoupe, a small plane that my mom and dad owned when I was a boy. It turns out that the Ercoupe was manufactured in College Park.

"Talking Wilbur Wright"

As you enter the main gallery of the Aviation Museum, you will be greeted by an animatronic Wilbur Wright (no doubt started by a motion detector). He will tell you how he ended up at the College Park Airport and some aviation history. If Wilbur is not working, you may need to ask the museum staff to activate him.

"Testudo's Home"

In ancient Roman warfare, the testudo or tortoise formation was a formation used commonly by the Roman legions during battles, particularly sieges. Testudo is the Latin word for "tortoise". However, Testudo is also the 1000-pound official mascot of the University of Maryland. For over sixty years, he has been the symbol of the campus. In addition, Testudo is the name of the interactive web services internet site for the University. See the Sports Travel, Local Customs and General Tips below for University of Maryland information.