The Atlas Obscura Guide To Silver Spring

13 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Silver Spring, Maryland

Updated March 9, 2022

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Unusual Attractions in Silver Spring

National Museum of Health and Medicine

Silver Spring, Maryland

National Museum of Health and Medicine

An astounding collection of medical specimens, including bits of President Lincoln.

The pagoda, now a private residence

Silver Spring, Maryland

National Park Seminary

A girls' boarding school inspired by the Chicago World's Fair, once abandoned, now restored to strange and scenic glory.

Wheaton Station Escalator

Silver Spring, Maryland

Wheaton Station Escalator

The longest escalator in the Western Hemisphere takes over three minutes to ride down.

Silver Spring, Maryland

'Coastline' Wave Pool

Live data is transmitted from the Atlantic coast to instantly recreate the ocean waves in this fountain at the NOAA headquarters.

Silver Spring, Maryland

Mammalian Brain Collection

Brain collection and database that narrows the gap between man and animal.

Some of the more than 50,000 beloved pets buried at Aspin Hill.

Silver Spring, Maryland

Aspin Hill Pet Cemetery

Dogs, cats, horses, monkeys, frogs, and fish are laid to rest at the second-oldest pet cemetery in the U.S.

Silver Spring, Maryland's Acorn Park. Photograph Copyright 2005 by Jerry A. McCoy.

Silver Spring, Maryland

Acorn Park

Giant acorn-shaped 19th century gazebo from which suburban Washingtonians gazed upon the original "silver" spring.

Historic trolley car.

Silver Spring, Maryland

National Capital Trolley Museum

A suburban museum tells the story of a historic transportation network and even provides rides in antique trolley cars.

See All 13 Things To Do in Silver Spring

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Stories About Silver Spring

Podcast: National Museum of Health and Medicine

Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.

by The Podcast Team

The Dutch Windmill, which was purchased by Paula Doulaveris and Richard Birdsong in 2010.

How a Maryland Finishing School Became an International Architectural Wonderland

National Park Seminary had an unconventional approach to education.

by Matthew Blitz

Lists Featuring Silver Spring

Cushing Brain Collection

Brain of Helen Hamilton Gardener

The World's Most Fascinating Displays of Preserved Brains

The mind is a terrible thing to waste.

Including Cushing Brain Collection, Mammalian Brain Collection, and Brain Museum

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