Place around here to see a real beaver dam?

[Anonymous]

The kids were watching Wild Kratts and now they'd like to go and see a real beaver pond, and hopefully a wild beaver. I told them Daddy knows a lake like that where we could go canoeing (but it's in New Hampshire...) and they got all excited. Is there a place like that around here? I remember when they had to relocate a beaver that was gnawing on the cherry trees down by the tidal basin, so I figure they can't be too far away. Otters would be a definite plus!

[Anonymous]

I remember seeing beavers/beaver dams at Huntley Meadows Park (FFX county) when I was a kid.

[Anonymous]

I've seen one at lake Needwood in Rockville a couple of years ago. Do't know if there now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I remember seeing beavers/beaver dams at Huntley Meadows Park (FFX county) when I was a kid.

Yes, I was going to suggest Huntley Meadows. Last time I was there, I saw a muskrat.

I grew up in NH and used to walk by what we called "The Beaver Pond" every day after school from the bus stop.

[Anonymous]

I've seen beavers in Prince William forest National park (down I-95 near Marine Corps Base Quantico). It's been a few years since I've been down the trails there, but I remember specifically parking in lots A, B or C (they are all close together and taking the trails North and seeing the beavers there. One even chased me once! It was kind of scary.

[Anonymous]

I know that you want the real deal, but if you need a Plan B, the display at the National Zoo is good. Go to the North American trail - the beaver dam is near the otters.

[Anonymous]

There are a few in Alexandria near where they are building the new Wegmans.

[Anonymous]

There was one in Sligo Creek Park awhile back, don't know if it's still there. It was just across the street from the golf course.

[Anonymous]

Saw one at Lake Accotink awhile back.

[Anonymous]

Huntley meadows. there's a new one visible on the gw parkway right next to belleview condos

[Anonymous]

I saw one at Mason Neck Park and a ton of beaver activity. I am sure they can tell you at the nature center where to go to see it.

[Anonymous]

The pond in Ballston had beavers, but the pond is being renovated and was drained. The beavers are gone.

[Anonymous]

At Black Hill Visitor Center in Boyds, one of their pontoon boat rides goes out to find beaver dams. I'm not sure if its on the schedule now, but come spring they can let you know when they have the ride scheduled.
The programs we've been to at Meadowside and Black Hill are great for kids who love things like Wild Kratts. We've done fishing, flying squirrel feedings/viewings at night, campfires, and many more.

[Anonymous]

Lake Artemesia? And Mason Neck.

[Anonymous]

Huntley meadows or Riverbend Park. We saw a beaver on the Potomac heritage trail a few weeks ago, just chilling in a sunbeam.