Patuxent River Naval Air Museum & Visitor Center

The Navy's aircraft and flight systems have been tested and evaluated at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station since WWII. The Museum is the only naval museum dedicated to aviation research, development, testing, and evaluation. Interior exhibits include a propulsion display, unmanned aerial vehicles (including a full-scale mock-up of the X-47A Pegasus unmanned combat air vehicle), crew system artifacts, ejection seats, radars, and test instrumentation. An outdoor aircraft park displays 21 naval aircraft, and features both the X-32B and X-35C Joint Strike Fighter concept demonstrators tested at Pax River. Fly Mach Combat‚Ñ¢ flight simulators, and stop in the Museum's Flightline Gift Shop, which has the largest collection of aviation-themed merchandise in the area. Guided tours and children's educational activities available by advance arrangement. Features a St. Mary's County Visitor Center area for County, regional, and state travel information.

War of 1812

The first naval skirmish in Maryland between the British Navy and the Chesapeake Flotilla took place off of Cedar Point on June 1, 1814. Cedar Point is now part of the Patuxent River Naval Air Station and is not accessible to the general public, but you can learn about the battle at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum where you'll find a wayside marker and an indoor exhibit.

Venue Details

Maximum Seating Capacity: 100

  • Museum Shop

War of 1812 Sites

Patuxent River Naval Air Museum & Visitor Center

22156 Three Notch Road
Lexington Park, Maryland 20653

(301) 863-1900

  • Hours:
    Call or visit website for season and hours of operation.
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