Attractions and Places To See around Laurel - Top 20

Laurel is rich in natural beauty, offering a mix of forests, lakes, and creeks. A prominent natural attraction is Patuxent Research Refuge, a vast forested area covering 12,800 acres with diverse wildlife and trails around Lake Cash and Lake Redington. You can also visit Lake Elkhorn, a 37-acre reservoir with a paved path. Beyond these, the nearby DeSoto National Forest provides extensive opportunities for outdoor activities, and the city is situated between Tallahala Creek and Tallahoma Creek, which eventually join the Leaf River.

Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. Patuxent Research Refuge features trails around its lakes and through its extensive forests. For more structured hiking, the nearby DeSoto National Forest offers over 60 miles of trails for various skill levels. You can find easy hikes like the Laurel Patuxent River Trail or the Savage Mill Trail, which are part of the Easy hikes around Laurel guide.

Laurel offers excellent cycling opportunities. The Beltsville Agricultural Research Center provides roads winding through sprawling farmland, ideal for observation and cycling. For dedicated routes, explore the Road Cycling Routes around Laurel, which include options like the Savage Park – Little Patuxent River loop. If you prefer touring, the Cycling around Laurel guide features routes such as the Little Patuxent River – Lake Elkhorn loop.

Laurel boasts a rich history. The **Laurel Historic District** is a significant draw, recognized for its early 20th-century architecture and featured on HGTV's "Home Town." You can take walking tours to admire Victorian homes and old churches. Other notable sites include **Landrum's Homestead & Village**, a 30-acre living history museum showcasing late 1800s life, and the **Amos-Deason Home**, built in 1845 with Civil War-era tales. You can also find the remains of an Old bridge footing, a man-made monument with trails leading to the river.

Absolutely. Many attractions are suitable for families. The Patuxent Research Refuge is family-friendly, offering a visitor center and easy trails for wildlife observation. Lake Elkhorn has a paved two-mile path perfect for strolls with children. The Beltsville Agricultural Research Center is also family-friendly, providing open spaces for cycling and learning about agriculture. Additionally, **Landrum's Homestead & Village** offers an engaging living history experience for all ages.

The Patuxent Research Refuge is home to over 1,100 species of plants and diverse wildlife. Visitors often spot huge flocks of migratory bird species during fall and spring, as well as various animals in its forests, meadows, and wetlands. Keep your eyes peeled for birds along the trails, especially around Lake Cash and Lake Redington.

Yes, Laurel has a vibrant cultural scene. The **Lauren Rogers Museum of Art**, established in 1923, is Mississippi's oldest art museum, featuring American and European art, Native American artifacts, and Japanese woodblock prints. Downtown Laurel also showcases numerous **Downtown Murals**, celebrating the city's artistic roots. For live performances, the **Laurel Little Theatre** offers opportunities to catch a show.

Downtown Laurel is a hub for unique shopping. The **Scotsman General Store and Woodshop**, co-owned by Ben and Erin Napier of "Home Town," offers nostalgic goods and American-made items. The **Laurel Mercantile Co.**, another Napier establishment, sells home goods, furniture, and local crafts. Beyond these, the **Downtown Laurel Shopping District** is filled with diverse shops, including antique stores like Southern Antiques, boutiques, and gift shops.

Yes, several attractions in Laurel are wheelchair-accessible. The Patuxent Research Refuge offers accessible facilities and trails. Similarly, Lake Elkhorn features a completely paved two-mile loop around the lake, making it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

Visitors particularly appreciate the natural beauty and tranquility of the area. Many enjoy the extensive trails and wildlife viewing at Patuxent Research Refuge, noting the visitor center and the peaceful atmosphere around the lakes. The paved path around Lake Elkhorn is popular for leisurely walks and enjoying the scenery. Cyclists enjoy the rural feel of the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center's winding roads.

Laurel's attractions can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and fall are particularly pleasant. During these seasons, the weather is mild, making outdoor activities like hiking and cycling comfortable. Fall also brings beautiful foliage, and both spring and fall are excellent for observing migratory bird species at places like the Patuxent Research Refuge. Summer offers warm weather for lake activities, while winter can provide a quieter experience in the natural areas.

Yes, Laurel is home to several parks that offer green spaces for relaxation and picnics. These include **Pinehurst Park**, **Gardiner Park**, and **Mason Memorial Park**. These local parks provide pleasant environments for a break or an outdoor meal amidst the city's natural surroundings.

For mountain biking enthusiasts, **Fairland Skills Park** offers more than nine miles of natural trails, known for being fast and flowy. It also features several technical elements and a dedicated skills park with challenges for various skill levels. This is a great spot for those looking for an engaging off-road cycling experience.