Looking for a different kind of holiday attraction? The following spot surely isn't like any other place in the Old Line State. You may feel like you're in the Land of Oz when visiting this spot, but you're actually at the DC Temple in Kensington, Maryland. If you haven't been to this place during the holiday season, you're in for a treat. Just wait until you see the colorful trees!
You may have not seen the DC Temple up close, but you've likely spotted it from afar.
Sadly, it's not Disney World but it is a marvel. This Latter-day Saints temple is known for its golden spires that reach to the sky and its holiday display every December.
One thing I love about Maryland is that the state is brimming with abandoned places. Over the years, we have introduced you to many of these dilapidated locations including spooky mansions, creepy state parks, terrifying hospitals, and ghost towns, just to name a few. But did you know that there's an abandoned fort in Maryland that can be found in the middle of the Patapsco River?
advertisement
You may have spotted Fort Carroll from the Francis Scott Key Bridge, and many passersby wonder what this hexagonal structure is, including me. After some research, I discovered that it was originally a fort, built in 1847. Once the fort was no longer deemed necessary as a defense spot for Baltimore, it was left abandoned. Today, Fort Carroll Baltimore only inhabitants are migratory birds and overgrown plant life.
YouTube user Pat Gavin took a kayak trip to the abandoned fort near Baltimore, Maryland, and captured some amazing Fort Carroll photos. Check out the video at the end for the spectacular images and eerie footage.
There's only one way to reach Fort Carroll these days, and that's by kayak or canoe. Use caution, as this area is the main route for large ships. It's also considered trespassing, but that didn't thwart our adventurous videographer as you will see when you watch the footage below. The sight as you paddle up to the fort is surreal, as it's completely surrounded by water and offers a great view of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. If you don’t know, a portion of this bridge collapsed after a cargo ship collided with it.
While most of Fort Carroll crumbles away, many of the walls and archways are in surprisingly good shape. If you can get close enough to the fort, you'll see that trees and vines have overtaken this structure, claiming it as their own. I find it quite beautiful when nature reclaims abandoned places. This neglected and historic place is a far cry from what it once was, yet somehow, there's something eerily peaceful in it all.
Fun fact: The fort was named after Charles Carroll who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
For more views and footage of Fort Carroll, an abandoned fort in Maryland, check out the below video.
Abandoned places can be fascinating because they show us a slice of history. What are your thoughts on this abandoned fort in Maryland? Have you visited before? If so, be sure to share your experiences with us — we’d love to hear from you!
advertisement
Are you fascinated by abandoned places like Fort Carroll Baltimore? Then, check out these abandoned places in Maryland.
You may have heard of markers around the US where you can stand in two or more states at once, but did you know that there's one in Maryland? Few people do. Check out this hidden marker known as the Tri-State Point. The Delaware-Maryland-Pennsylvania tri-state point is a bit of a treasure hunt, but it's so rewarding when you find it. It requires a hike to reach, but in the end, you'll be able to see exactly where Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania meet! Cool, eh? Read on for the details and consider seeking out this little-known gem also known as Tri-State Area Maryland:
advertisement
Ready to find this hidden and exciting Tri-State Point? It's located in Maryland's Northeastern region, where the state meets Delaware and Pennsylvania.
Believe it or not, there are 62 points in the United States where three states meet each other in a tri-state point. And 35 are on land while 27 are underwater, but you know, it still counts.
The easiest way to get here is from White Clay Creek Preserve, which sprawls parts of Delaware and Pennsylvania, and a teeny part of Maryland.
Clay Creek Preserve spans 30,050 acres through the three states and offers an extensive network of hiking trails as well as fishing, camping, disc golf, and summer camp programs for kids. Your journey will begin in Delaware at 1475 Creek Rd, Newark, DE 19711. We know it seems counter-intuitive to start in Delaware to get to a Maryland hotspot, but we promise you'll end up in the right place.
The hike to Tri-State Point is about four miles from the Nature Center. The trek is relatively easy and marked well.
Be sure to bring good hiking shoes due to bumpy terrain. The walk may feel long while you're on the journey but it's going to be worth it for the downright crazy feeling of being in three different states at the same time. After about an hour of hiking, you'll find this teeny stone marker. Keep your eyes peeled, it's easy to miss.
Originally placed in the 1700s, the OG marker had gone missing at one point and a new one was even replaced in the wrong location. Who knew so much drama could occur at the tri-state point in the middle of the forest?
As of 1892, according to a re-survey, the Tri-State Point is said to be at the exact point where the three states meet. It's pretty interesting that even then, nearly 150 years ago, people were interested in experiencing the sensation of being in multiple places at once.
advertisement
It's not much to look at, but for lovers of history and those fascinated by borders, it's an interesting find.
While you're visiting the market you can take in the natural wonders of White Clay Creek Preserve. Birding is especially popular in this state park. On a good day you might hear more than 20 different species of warbler crooning away. Plus, you can cross three states off your bucket list in one go.
Come stand in three states at once and enjoy the woodland scenery while doing so.
Keep the Tri-State Point in mind the next time you're in the mood for a treasure hunt of sorts.
Have you ever been to the Maryland-Delaware-Pennsylvania Tri-State Point or another one? How did it feel to be walking in three different states at the same time? We'd love to hear about your experiences, leave a comment. Craving more adventures around the tri-state area of Maryland and beyond? Then check out these unforgettable Maryland day trips, one for each month of the year.
If you plan on visiting the Maryland tri-state area on a road trip, make sure to check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for everything you need in the car!
