Charles County Maryland
Charles County is located in southern Maryland. La Plata city is it's county seat. It's population according to the 2000 census is 120,546 people. It was created in 1658, there was another Charles county in early history, but it was in a different location and is usually referred to as Old Charles County. The county has 3 cities - Indian Head, La Plata and Port Tobacco Village - and it has 6 unincorporated cities - Bennsville, Bryans Road, Hughesville, Potomac Heights, Saint Charles, and Waldorf.
Charles County has a lot to offer the outdoors person. There are four bike routes totaling 192 miles. There are five local bicycling clubs: the Potamac Peddlers Touring Club, the Patuxent Area Cycling Enthusiasts or P.A.C.E. , the Patuxent Velo, the Oxon Hill Bicycle & Trail Club, and the Snow Valley Cycling club.
For bird and nature lovers there are plenty of areas to go. The Chicamuzen Wildlife Management Area located on 30 acres off of Stump Neck Road and Route 244 in Indian Head. This park has about 20 acres of wetlands and has some rare and endangered species in its midst. There is a mile long trail to view the park. Cobb Island harbors lots of birds and fishermen love to visit. The Friendship Landing located in Nanjemoy is a boat launching area open year-round and is open to small boaters at no charge. Gilbert Run Park located east of La Plata on 180 acres with a 60 acre fresh water lake is available for fishing and paddle boats, hiking and picnicking. Myrtle Grove Wildlife Management Area is west of La Plata on 834 acres and allows fishing, hiking, hunting and a gun range. Many bird watchers enjoy this area. Purse State Park located off of route 244 and Liverpool Point on 90 acres continues to be explored fruitfully by fossil hunters.
If the outdoors isn't what you are looking for check out one of the many art centers or theater productions available. The Charles County Arts Alliance located in White Plains has numerous cultural events. The College of Southern Maryland also located White Plains has a Fine Art Center that has musical and theatrical productions along with a few art galleries. The Mattawoman Creek Art Center located in Marbury offers monthly exhibits . The Port Tobacco Players provide quality theater plays to everyone in southern Maryland. Their main stage is located in La Plata, but they take their shows on the road to bring them all over southern Maryland
The Chesapeake Bay Floating Theater located in Indian Head seats 100 on a real floating boat. The productions change every other month to keep people coming back again and again.
Charles County Maryland has a lot to offer anyone who calls it their home or anyone who is visiting.