Exhibits Open Aug. 27–Aug. 30; Sept. 3-Sept. 7 (Labor Day); and Sept. 10-Sept. 13
Visitors talk with Maryland Department of Natural Resources staff at the 2025 Maryland State Fair. Photo by Rachael Pacella, Maryland DNR
Visitors to the Maryland State Fair can join the Maryland Department of Natural Resources as it celebrates the nation’s 250th birthday.
Fairgoers are invited to visit the exhibits located inside the Mosner Miller Building at the Timonium state fairgrounds to engage with field experts and learn more about fishing, hunting, wildlife, and recreational opportunities in Maryland’s state forests, parks, and other public lands.
Exhibits explore the history of the Maryland Forest Service, as well as “Red, White, Blue and YOU!” activities and displays from the Maryland Park Service. The Wildlife and Heritage Service will share information about how Maryland flora and fauna have changed during the past 250 years.
Natural Resources Police will be onsite to share information about safe hunting and boating, as well as recruitment. Wildlife Crimestoppers will share information about poaching prevention.
The building is air-conditioned, and with tons of activities for kids of all ages, it is a great place to get away from the heat or the rain.
“There is always something new to learn about inside the Mosner Miller building – come inside and learn more about Maryland’s history through the lenses of our foresters, rangers and biologists,” Secretary Josh Kurtz said.
Visitors can:
- Stop by the kids coloring corner to take an art break.
- Check out the Maryland Coastal Flood Explorer app to see how a storm might affect your neighborhood.
- Try your hand at matching trees with their leaves at the Maryland Forest Service table.
- Spin a prize wheel and answer trivia questions for a chance to take home swag.
- Visit the mini cabin and campsite so your little ones can practice for the real thing!
Looking for native wildflower seeds? Follow a “seed trail” inside the Mosner building, with different varieties featured at various tables, including black-eyed susans, wild bergamot and more.
Human Resource Services will be onsite to share information about different career paths in the natural resources field.
The Wildlife and Heritage Service will have herpetology posters for sale – informative designs feature every frog, snake, salamander, lizard and turtle species in the state. Visitors can also purchase their Maryland Park Service annual pass and Golden Age pass in person at the fair.
Maryland DNR photo
The Maryland State Fair takes place for three long weekends this year: Thursday, Aug. 27 through Sunday, Aug. 30; Thursday, Sept. 3 through Labor Day Monday, Sept. 7; and Thursday, Sept. 10 through Sunday, Sept. 13.
DNR exhibits are open from 5-8 p.m. on Thursdays and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. all other days.
More information about the Maryland State Fair is available at marylandstatefair.com, and about the Department of Natural Resources at dnr.maryland.gov.
