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Visiting
Bowie enjoys a rich and diverse historic and cultural heritage. This historic City traces its roots to 1870, when land developers subdivided the area into more than 500 residential building lots, creating a large town at a major junction of the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad. Since incorporation in 1874 as Huntington, the city has changed its name (in honor of local resident Governor Oden Bowie) and has become a dynamic community, rivaling the most prosperous cities in the region.
Historically, the area is associated with thoroughbred horse breeding and railroading. It is said that Belair Stud Farm blood flows through the veins of every American racehorse of distinction. In 1958, the firm of Levitt and Sons acquired the Belair Estate and two years later the City of Bowie chose to annex the Levitt properties. Bowie incorporated as a town in 1916, and became a city in 1963 when its charter was rewritten.
Today Bowie is a diverse city of almost 60,000 residents, offering a variety of special attractions to both young and young at heart, including:
- Over 24 miles of hiker/biker trails
- Baseball
- Golf
- Bowie Playhouse Theater
- Bowie Center for Performing Arts
- Summer outdoor concerts at Allen Pond Park
- Bowie Railroad Station and Huntington Museum
- Belair Mansion & Stable Museums
- Indoor year-round ice rink
The city also offers a parade on Memorial Day weekend and festivals with great entertainment and outstanding food.
Bowiefest is the first Saturday in June.
Bowie International Festival is the first Saturday in October.
At the Ballpark
Enjoy AA minor league baseball at Prince George's Stadium. The Bowie Baysox provide a great night's entertainment!
Visit the Bowie Baysox's Website.
Links to other local attractions
- The Bowie Golf Course
- The Bowie Heritage Trail – Old Town Bowie to Bowie State University
- Allen Pond Park
- Bowie Playhouse Theater
- Bowie Center for Performing Arts
- Summer Sunset Concerts at Allen Pond Park
- Indoor year-round ice rink
Experience Prince George’s is our County’s visitor and destination marketing organization. They have great information about the many additional attractions around Bowie.
Experience Prince George's County
Contact Us
-
John Henry King
Director, Economic Development
301-809-3042
email
Stay
Enjoy a great stay at one of these hotels:
Comfort Inn Hotel and Conference Center
301-464-0089
Courtyard by Marriot
240-544-1400
Hampton Inn
301-809-1800
Townplace Suites
301-262-8045