Patuxent Research Refuge National Wildlife Visitor Center Tram Tours

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Patuxent Research Refuge

Last Update

National Wildlife Visitor Center
Tram Tours

Tram

Click here for details on the tram vehicle

(Tram Tour information revised January 2013)

Enjoy a half-hour guided tour through forest, meadows, and wetlands around the National Wildlife Visitor Center. The tram is a 40 passenger, all-electric, open-air vehicle which provides a unique type of access to the wildlife and their habitats at the Patuxent Research Refuge.

Tram Tours are seasonal and are weather -dependent. The schedules below are subject to change. Call 301 497-5772 to confirm schedule.

Public Tram Tours:
Public tours are available:
   weekends (mid-March through mid-November)
   weekdays (summer).
Tickets: $3 per person.
There is no charge for children age 2 and under who do not require a seat.

Schedule - Public Tram Tours - 2013

Season
Early
(March 9 -
June 23)
Summer
(June 24-
Labor Day) Late
( Labor Day -
Mid-November)

Week Days Reserved
Tours Only 11:30 AM
1:00 PM
2:00 PM
Reserved
Tours Only

Week Ends
11:30 AM
1:00 PM
2:00 PM
3:00 PM
11:30 AM
1:00 PM
2:00 PM 11:30 AM
1:00 PM
2:00 PM
3:00 PM

Reserved Tram Tours:
The tram may be reserved by schools and other groups for a typical daytime tour for a fee of $60 per tour as follows:
Weekdays (during the school year):
Preferred reservation times are: 10:15AM, 11:00AM and 12:00PM. Other times may also be accommodated.
Weekdays (during the summer):
Preferred reservation time is 10:30 AM. The tram may also be reserved at public times (11:30 AM, 1:00PM, and 2:00PM) with the understanding that any empty seats can be sold to others who are interested.

Specialty Tram Tours
Specialty Tram tours are tours conducted at non-traditional times (such as evening tours after normal operating hours) or tours that are specifically tailored for a special audience. These tours may require special expertise from the guide and may be longer than a typical tour with possible stops along the way to provide extra opportunities for birding, photography, or similar interests. Such tours may be especially attractive to motor coach tour groups and could be combined with shopping at the Wildlife Images Bookstore and exhibit exploration in the National Wildlife Visitor Center. Specialty Tours may be arranged by calling 301-497-5898. The fee for a specialty tour is $200 for up to 40 people.

Reservation Information:
The tram may be reserved by calling 301-497-5898. The reservation fee is $60 per tour (up to 40 passangers). The tram can accomodate 2 wheelchairs (each wheelchair will take up 2 seats). Reservation checks should be made payable to the "Friends of Patuxent"*, c/o National Wildlife Visitor Center, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel, MD 20708-4027. Payment must be received at least two weeks prior to the reserved date. Cancellations may be made one week before the reservation date. If, for any reason (such as weather), the tram is canceled by the Refuge, a full refund will be given.

*The Friends of Patuxent, a tax-exempt public charity, operates the tram to support programs of the Patuxent Research Refuge and USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center.