A great museum for the kids, and it is very well done. There have been several Calvert County museums that are much nicer than I expected, and this one is awesome! The Drum Point Lighthouse is so cool and a lot of fun to explore. But honestly, the stars of the show... the otters!!! read more

I love this place and all it has to offer. I loved digging in the sand pit and looking for shark teeth! read more

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Cute little museum! The best part are the otters, you can see them swimming around and they are pretty active. They also have some other aquatic life like turtles and fish that are cool. You can spend a hour or two in here if you wanted to read more

Calvert Marine Museum - Eel - Museums Near Me - Solomons, Maryland

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Location Just off the highway. Parking Large lot Tour Children's area, frog and fish area, the history of the area-boats, wildlife, and MORE! Lighthouse in the back- refurbished and furnished. Guides provide additional information. Summary Informative introduction to the area. Loved it!! read more

Calvert Marine Museum - Historic lighthouse - Museums Near Me - Solomons, Maryland

Really well thought out and interactive, this place is equal parts Museum, Aquarium, and Preservation site. The lighthouse is lovely, the Otters are really adorable, and the exhibits are top notch. read more

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This museum graces Solomons with a relocated lighthouse, of distinctively Maryland design. I also found it to have quite a large amount of aquarium wildlife, including things that I wouldn't have thought about in the Chesapeake Bay area like moray eels, lionfish, and otters. The main building is a pretty decent size and covers a wide range of history of the area. One can walk up into the lighthouse or take a small boarwalk through the marsh. I suspect the museum's best audience is people who haven't been to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum on the other side of the bay, or people who aren't generally seasoned veterans of the region (i.e. me). However, it was still a pleasant experience. They do offer tours by boat once a day, and there are a variety of events they put on, including educational groups and concerts on a stage outside. If I were living here, it would definitely be a place I stopped at regularly. For the tourist, I think it is worth checking out. read more

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Beautiful facility with well maintained exhibits, reasonable entry fees and friendly staff. Parking is adequate, enough entertainment for kids to be happy and adults to be informed. read more

Absolutely wonderful museum showcasing the maritime history of southern Maryland however, the real draw this weekend was a triple-bill outdoor concert featuring a Jurassic line-up of Sixties stalwarts including the Beach Boys... actually the Beach Boy... as 81 y/o lead singer Mike Love is the only original still touring. Motown legends The Four Tops and The Temptations completed the trifecta with extremely energetic renditions of their classics. I'm a Beach Boys freak so I was up to the threat of sunstroke to catch the late-career remnants of their surfing, hot rodding and California Girls gospel. The venue is on the water so any complaints would have to be invented. Security had a very light touch as the walker, cane and motorized scooter crowd failed to pose any real potential for sex, drugs, rock and roll inspired mayhem. Too bad, as they said in the 60's... never trust anyone over 80. Calvert is a first-rate venue with terrific acoustics and as comfortable as a folding chair can be tucked amidst 6,000 of your closest friends. A good time for sure. This concert also answered the question of what long regretted barbed wire tattoos might look like on your biceps at 75. Don't ask. Hey wait a minute... don't bogart that joint grandma. Five very breezy stars. read more

The Calvert Marine Museum is located just as one enters Solomon's Island proper. Watch for the entrance drive to the parking lot, it is narrow and you might miss it. The museum's entrance fees are quite reasonable. Inside exhibits cover marine life and seafaring around the Solomon's Island region. The standout exterior exhibit is Drum Point Lighthouse, moved to the museum property in 1978. It is a Chesapeake Bay screw-pile lighthouse built in 1882. The museum has the keep's logbooks in its collections. Also outside are exhibits of small craft from the Chesapeake Bay region. Leading this collection is a preserved Chesapeake Bay Bugeye, a unique two masted sailing vessel traditionally used to harvest oysters. I was intrigued by the Wood Carving Shop where model boats are made. It was not open during our visit. The museum is in a new building while the adjacent former schoolhouse has the archives and library. An enjoyable museum to visit and one that puts Solomon's Island in contact. read more

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We loved this little museum. We went for the Coprolite celebration which was a lot of fun. Many experts on hand to discuss all things poop. I also wanted to check out the exhibit on Calvert Cliffs, which is a world renowned fossil site. They had excellent specimens from the site and so much more. It was really impressive for a small museum. They also had a touch tank with rays and skates, and otters which were a nice surprise. If you have Littles they have a kid friendly room with keepers on hand and a friendly turtle among other creatures. There was a display as well on nautical pursuits including military and racing if that's your thing. Definitely worth a stop if you are in the region or a fossil enthusiast like me. read more

I stopped here on a random day trip to Solomans Island. It is a surprisingly sizable museum with lots of different exhibits ranging from actual Chesapeake Bay marine life (I forgot how cool seahorses are) to historical exhibits and relatively new displays featuring prominent women from the area over the past 100 years. There's also an interactive play area for kids, and the lighthouse is open from 1-4 PM. With adult entrance at only $9, I really enjoyed this museum visit. read more

SOLOMONS, Md. - A much much better and bigger museum and experience than it should be, being out in rural southern Maryland where the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake Bay. It's got an authentic 18th century lighthouse you can go into, which is cool; very elaborate displays about the fossil finds of the Calvert Cliffs areas and marine life there today; and a lot of artifacts about the sailing and boating and fishing and oyster canning history of the region. Far bigger and nicer and more elaborate than you'd expect to come across. Good gift shop. Tons of parking. Friendly staff. The otter tank is cool. Hourish from the Beltway, it's a decent one-tank trip. Admission: $11 per adult. Worthwhile. read more

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This museum really made our day! Barbara brought history to life with an awesome tour of the light house. From the screw piles to the fresnel lens, she really knows her onions. My 9 year old enjoyed many of the exhibits especially the shark and megalodon teeth. I truly recommend this museum. read more

Bottom Line: This museum perfectly covers the unique subculture of the Chesapeake Bay region. The Chesapeake Bay region has a unique, interesting and rich subculture that I didn't understand until moving to the West Coast for 12 years and then moving back to Maryland. What I like about this museum most is that it covers the many interesting aspects of life on and near the Bay such as the following: - crabbing, oystering and fishing for recreational and commercial purposes - boat building and wood carving - transportation routes and important port cities and their roles - the role of the iconic screwpile lighthouses like the onsite Drum Point Lighthouse - the fragile ecosystem of the Bay and the many animals that live there - military installations and activities in the region The museum starts with fossils in the Bay with an emphasis on those found by the nearby Calvert Cliffs and takes guests on a tour through time all the way to present day Bay activities. In between the museum covers Native Americans indigenous to the area, the horrors of slave trade and bondage and the evolution from sailing vessels to steam ships. My favorite exhibits at the museum are the cute river otters and the fully restored Drum Point Lighthouse. It was neat to see this iconic Lighthouse in person and I am glad it was saved after its technology was obsolete. read more

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We just love this museum, the variety of topics covered, the excellent displays, and the local history captured in a concentrated space, makes this a wonderful museum in a wonderful area, Solomons. read more

When there are concerts with multiple entrances, 21+ wristbands need to be handed out at all entrances. They didn't hand them out at my entrance the security told me to go to, and the beer stands wouldn't serve me. I asked security and staff about wristbands, and I was refused one since I had already entered. Ridiculous. read more

A cozy museum where you get your $ worth. Entrance is $7 for adults and with AAA card you get $1 off. A must if you are visiting the island. The staff members are uber helpful and informative. Catch the film showing the lighthouse. read more

Calvert Marine Museum - Museums Near Me - Solomons, Maryland

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It's small but extremely well curated , with knowledgeable staff and an excellent collection of fossils snd historical objects. I learned a lot by visiting. read more

It's a very nice museum! It's not ginormous but there are a lot of interesting things to see. They have a little pool that string rays swim in, a big thing of sand filled with teeth and other fossils and if you find something, you're allowed to take one home. They also allow you to go into the lighthouse outside, which is really cool! I didn't know it was an actual house with kitchen and bedrooms. There's a bunch of very old small boats, and a couple of cute Otters. We went on the one hour "cruise" which is an additional $7. It takes you through to the Patuxent River, under the huge bridge, while also giving you facts and information about the island. It was very relaxing and enjoyable. We'd like to come back again with family. read more

Calvert Marine Museum - The lighthouse - Museums Near Me - Solomons, Maryland

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I really enjoyed this place. It is definitely worth a visit. From dinosaurs to live sting Ray's that you can pet. They even have clear baby Ray's in a tank and you can see the internal organs. There is a restored light house in the property that you can go in also. We will be going back with more friends next time. read more

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I was very disappointed in some of the staff at this facility. I have adopted children that are of a different race than me. While purchasing cruise tickets, I informed the cashier that I was military for the military priced tickets. She then looked at my adopted child and asked if he was my dependent. (Basically, is he my child?) I was appalled and offended as no one has ever asked me this when purchasing items for my family. While on the cruise, the Captain had no patience for young children. He yelled several times at young kids. It made it very uncomfortable for the guest on the boat. The museum is very nice, but I think it's employees could use a little more customer service education. read more

Fun little museum with friendly and helpful staff. The location is great to make it a day on the rest of the Solomon Islands boardwalk.

Visited here for the second time. Best things to do at Solomon Island. It's totally worth the admission ticket for 9 bucks. You can experience the touch of the sea life, and gain knowledge about sailing, fishing, crabbing and so on. Very educated, and clean places to go. read more

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Yesterday was our second trip to the Calvert Marine Museum and we really enjoyed ourselves. This trip was even better than the first one. The inside of the museum is smallish and has a lot of information about boating, the War of 1812, and sea creatures. My husband loves the War of 1812 exhibits. I enjoy the animals. There are live skates and rays that you can touch. (We don't have kids, but there are great areas for kids to touch and play/discover. There are whole rooms set up for this.) Our favorite exhibits were: -Live otters (they love to follow your hands and play) -Drum Point Lighthouse -Backlit jellyfish And our FAVORITE: 1 hour boat rides! We discovered the boat rides this time. We had such a great time on the boat tour. We got a discount on the boat tour and the tickets with our AAA membership. We had a great time! read more

Been coming here since I was a kid, and I think this was the first time I ever took just one sharks tooth. It has changed a bit from what I remember as a kid, bt still in some way, shape, or form still had all the things I remembered. the kids really like seeing all the exhibits, and the marine animals that they have on site. My daughter however was only slightly amused with the otters, and thats as long as I kept her away from the glass. The day we went they had a live band, and a few other events including a 30 minute cruise which we skipped because of rain. I would say that its not a place you can make a day out of, but t will definitely hold your kids attention for a couple of hours. read more

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We had never ventured to Southern Maryland before and decided to take a day trip from Baltimore. We have three boys (ages 6-11). They loved it! From the ray & skate pool, to the many fossils and dinosaur bones, to the otters they loved every minute of it. I see us going back again in the future. They liked the Drum Point Lighthouse as well (included in the price of admission). It was easy on the wallet too. For our family of five it cost $20 to get in ($7/adult, $2/child 2-12). read more

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The Calvert Marine Museum really is a fun little diversion when you visit Solomon's. Highlights include the 37.5-foot megalodon skeleton, the Cove Point Light House and a cruise on the William B Tennison, a 110 year old schooner. The CMM recently renovated the paleontology hall with a vast collection of fossil specimens, informative movies, and interactive touch computers. This permanent exhibit tells the story of human activity along the Patuxent River from the seventeenth-century colonial period to present. A "hands-on" Discovery Room for children of all ages (preschool to adult) is located on the lower level of the Exhibition Building. Check out the The Southern Maryland Shipcarvers' Guild and the Solomons Island Model Boat Club headquartered in the woodworking shop on the CMM property. All that, and they've got otters now, too! It's a very enjoyable and educational, worthwhile and interesting way to spend an entire afternoon or morning. Great for all ages. read more

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As a former history teacher, I usually dread local museums. My wife convinced me that the Calvert Marine Museum was worth a visit. Was she ever right! (As usual, she would say.) The Drum Point Lighthouse alone was worth the price of admission. But the exhibits in the museum itself were also interesting: Displays about the watermen and their lives. A collection of outboard motors going back to 1912. An explanation of caulking boats, Early photos of buildings and paired with the cxurrent buildings on the same site -- both superimposed on a map of Solomon's. American privateers in the War of 1812. The museum even focused (a bit) on African Americans in the history of the area including an photo and background on the first African American to own his own boat for hauling freight in the Chesapeake. Note: you get a discount on admission with a AAA card. read more

If you live in the area - join the museum - it's a bargain and never fails to entertain. I learn something everyone I visit. This is cornerstone of the area. Excellent for children and adults alike. I feel closer to my new hometown and the community after visiting. A "must see" if you are visiting. read more

A wonderful time on a hot summer day. Interesting exhibits, a great historical lighthouse, and OTTERS. 'nuff said. read more

Calvert Marine Museum - View of the lighthouse from our boat tour on the USS I forgot its name. A great day. - Museums Near Me - Solomons, Maryland

Family memories here. Wonderful children section. Very kind staff and very hands on with the animals. Wish they had more people staffed to explain some history. Only negative is that the gift store is super overpriced and leaves me disappointed at the end. read more

This was an amazing day for my grandchildren....and me! When they come to visit each summer, I try and find someplace new to visit. Due to timed admission, we arrived just in time. Each exhibit was so different and each person, at the exhibit , was a wealth of knowledge about their area. When we got to the area where the fossils were, the children (aged 8, 11,11,11) asked lots of questions and the gentleman answered them with simplicity ...so they asked more questions! He said he was very impressed with their questions. Several areas were not open , and they wished they could have walked through the lighthouse, but the otters were so much fun! We could have stayed there longer. We took lunch, ate outside then went back in before our time slot expired. My granddaughter commented..." this was SO worth the long drive ( 1:45) to get here. I'm so glad we came!"I completely agree! read more

While on our journey up the East Coast to see as many lighthouses as possible we ran across this little lighthouse. It's attached to a sea museum which charges you a fee of $9.00 per person to look at at bunch of stuff that I really don't care about seeing. The only way you can see the lighthouse is to pay the fee just to walk a wooden dock. We travel by RV with our two six pound dogs. When we enter a building they are in a enclosed dog stroller where they can't get out. All they do is lay down and sleep or just look around. They don't bark, pee or poop while in their stroller. Many of the children running loose inside the museum could have done far greater damage than our two dogs. After I had paid, a blonde headed woman that works in the gift shop came running out screaming like she had just seen two huge aggressive dogs foaming at the mouth waiting to devour her. She wouldn't stop yelling "they have dogs in the stroller". I saw no signs stating no pets allowed on their door or brochure. The nice gentleman behind the desk I'm sure felt the only way to calm her down was to not let our pets past his counter. I told him if my two little dogs weren't welcome then then I wasn't either, therefore I ask for my money back. My wife was going to buy something in the gift store but we both agreed after the way we were treated they didn't deserve our business. What I don't understand is how can small children not pose a danger to her gift shop and the museum but two little dogs zipped up in a stroller can. I managed to take a peep at the lighthouse and what a huge disappointment. Please keep in mind this was my experience, others may not experience the same treatment if the blonde is not on duty. read more

Calvert Marine Museum - Museums Near Me - Solomons, Maryland

I've been here a few times in the past but recently my wife and I took our 5 month old to see the otters. From the second we stepped into the front entrance, we felt at home. All of the staff had smiles and were very friendly. The displays are thoughtfully put together and very informative. The flow through the museum is natural and we got to see everything without having to double back or start over. Parking is plentiful and the payment / checkin process was a breeze. The facilities are clean and well kept. It's amazing how much history there is in our local area. I've lived here all my life (36 years now) and I learn something new and informative every time I visit. The gift shop is well stocked with nicknacks and cool little gift ideas as well as books and other items you might not be able to find somewhere else. My favorite display is the megalodon shark display. This is a must visit if your in town from out of the area and even if you live close by its definitely worth a visit or two! read more

It has been at least 15 years since I've visited Southern Maryland. First, my older sister moved to Maryland from SoCal...then one of my brothers moved to Lusby from NoCal...another sister followed...older sister moved back to SoCal...and my younger brother moved here 3 years ago. I am the only sibling who hasn't lived in Maryland...go figure. We aren't even from Maryland! After that trip down memory lane...let's talk about the Calvert Marine Museum. My younger brother has volunteered here for a while, so he knew what a great place it would be to take his sister. We strolled around the museum...saw the sting rays and other marine life...and then took the 1 hour boat cruise on the Patuxent River. Despite the heat and humidity -- 100 degrees with a heat index of over 110 degrees -- we enjoyed walking around Solomons and taking a break from the heat by touring the museum. The boat tour was great because the cooling breezes off the bay was a welcome relief from the heat. Inexpensive place to visit and learn some of the local history. read more

Worth the drive on a nice day to Solomon's Island. It can confusing to enter the museum because the building says "gift shop". Renovations give the place a fresh look. Layout was easy to navigate. There isn't a ton of large marine animals but our 3&11 yo had a good time exploring. We also enjoyed the light house self guided tour. read more

This place is definitely worth a visit. We were trying to find things to do on a 100 degree day with out of town guests and decided to head for Solomons Island for lunch and a visit to the maritime museum. I had been to the one in St. Micheals, so I thought it would be more of the same but boy was I wrong. The Calvert Cliffs exhibit was unbelievable. For those unfamiliar with this area, the 30 foot cliffs are situated on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay North of Solomons. The layers of sediment that were exposed by the forces of mother nature, were found to be from a prehistoric ocean that was once part of the present landscape. The age (millions of years) and variety of fossils (whales, dinosaurs) they have found during their archaeological digs there is just amazing. For a small museum, they also have done a wonderful job displaying and sharing the details of this magical bone yard. The ray exhibit was very interesting too. It was a little rudimentary, but it was fun to see these creatures up close and also see them in the various development stages in the birth cycle. These weren't drawings but actual baby rays growing in their little sacs. (don't know the appropriate scientific term here). There were many other "cool" side displays showing the evolution of an outboard motor with numerous ones on display. My oh my have we come a long way baby. I bet there were a few skippers without fingers back in the day., Of course, they also have the full size lighthouse, a variety of Chesapeake Bay vessels in various conditions, and a couple outside water exhibits that feature our local wildlife including otters. All in all, one of my better museum experiences. I wouldn't hesitate to go back AND to bring out of town guests too. read more

Despite living in SOMD, and even on Solomons for a short time, for a few years, I never visited the Marine Museum. Funny how proximity to people or places lessens the sense of importance, sometimes. Anywho, while visiting family up in La Plata this fall, I drove down to the museum to take the girls to the kids story time and activity hour. I'm SO glad we went. The girls and I had a great time. They had a blast with the staff, loved learning about turtles, and really had a good time exploring the museum afterwards, especially the kids area. I had packed a lunch so we ate that outside at the picnic tables and played on the replica boat and watched the cars going over the bridge. I think novelty is the key, though. I'm not sure the kids would go back more than a couple of times. read more

We were camping down at Solomon's Island this weekend and stumbled on this while we were heading out to see the Drum Point Lighthouse. We lucked out since it was a Festival Weekend and everything was free. We thought the museum was awesome. Lots of hands on stuff and live fish and skates and rays and crabs and jellyfish and more. The otters were sooooo cute. All three kids aged 9, 11, and 12 really enjoyed it. read more

I love all things nautical so this was a fun stop while here for a fishing trip. There are indoor and outdoor exhibits, the historic lighthouse was the highlight for me. Be very careful on the steps up to the first level, more like a ladder and passing through a small hole. That freaked me out a little at first glance but not really a problem. When inside it's like a circular old house. The museum has aquariums, a river otter house, a big fossil display, and of course a lot of boating history on the Chesapeake. Just me and my husband visiting but I'm sure kids would love it. read more

Calvert Marine Museum - 200 lbs of gear to scuba dive - Museums Near Me - Solomons, Maryland

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