The Atlas Obscura Guide To Silver Spring

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

Updated March 9, 2022

Unusual Attractions in Silver Spring

Silver Spring, Maryland

National Museum of Health and Medicine

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

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.

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

Wheaton Station Escalator

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

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

Acorn Park

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

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.

Silver Spring, Maryland

Bust of the 'Homeless Mayor'

A tribute to the beloved, kind-hearted "homeless mayor" of Silver Spring.

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Architecture 4

Science 2

Museums 2

Sculptures 2

Transportation 2

Architectural Oddities 2

Medical Museums 2

History & Culture 2

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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

May 12, 2021

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

May 29, 2019

Lists Featuring Silver Spring

A view of the Cushing Center from the entrance

The World's Most Fascinating Displays of Preserved Brains

The mind is a terrible thing to waste.

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

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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Silver Spring

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

Updated March 9, 2022

Unusual Attractions in Silver Spring

Silver Spring, Maryland

National Museum of Health and Medicine

Silver Spring, Maryland

National Park Seminary

Silver Spring, Maryland

'Coastline' Wave Pool

Silver Spring, Maryland

Wheaton Station Escalator

Silver Spring, Maryland

Aspin Hill Pet Cemetery

Silver Spring, Maryland

Acorn Park

Silver Spring, Maryland

National Capital Trolley Museum

Silver Spring, Maryland

Bust of the 'Homeless Mayor'

Plan Your Trip

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Silver Spring, Maryland

Silver Spring Leaderboard

Places Added

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent Silver Spring Activity

Stories About Silver Spring

Podcast: National Museum of Health and Medicine

How a Maryland Finishing School Became an International Architectural Wonderland

Lists Featuring Silver Spring

The World's Most Fascinating Displays of Preserved Brains

See Fewer Ads

Become an Atlas Obscura member and experience far fewer ads and no pop-ups.