Annapolis, MD, April 26, 2025 — The Maryland Park Service launched the 25 in 2025 Adventure Challenge, inviting visitors to explore state parks by completing 25 tasks for a chance to win prizes, including a year-long admission pass and camping experiences. Participants are encouraged to photograph scenic and historic features across Maryland’s vast park system, submitting entries online to join the prize drawing.
The challenge, open to all ages, requires no registration for participation, but those seeking prizes must register at www.shopdnr.com. “Our ‘25 in 2025’ challenge is great for park explorers of all ages,” said Melissa Boyle Acuti, Chief of Interpretation for the Maryland Park Service. “Grab some friends, bring your whole family, or complete it solo – everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate. This challenge may even help you find one of our hidden gems!” Visitors must pay entrance fees at parks, with annual passes available at www.shopdnr.com.
Designed to showcase Maryland’s 75 state parks, the challenge offers over 30 tasks, allowing participants to tailor their adventures. Tasks include history-based activities like photographing a historic mill, name-related quests such as visiting a park with a tree in its name, and nature-focused challenges like capturing one of Maryland’s three iconic waterfalls. Many tasks can be completed at multiple parks, offering flexibility. A detailed list and printable checklist are available on the challenge’s webpage at dnr.maryland.gov.
Participants can complete the challenge in a few trips or spread visits across the year, exploring new parks each time. The Maryland Park Service recommends visiting on weekdays or during spring and fall to avoid crowds, enhancing the experience at popular sites like Assateague State Park or Swallow Falls. To enter the prize drawing, adventurers must submit photos via the 25 in 2025 Adventure Tracking form on dnr.maryland.gov.
The challenge aims to deepen Marylanders’ connection to their state’s natural and cultural treasures. Parks like Point Lookout, with its Civil War history, or Deep Creek Lake, known for its scenic beauty, offer diverse settings for tasks. The initiative also highlights lesser-known sites, encouraging exploration of hidden gems like Janes Island State Park. With over 227,000 acres of public lands, Maryland’s park system provides ample opportunities for adventure.
Prizes, including annual passes and camping packages, incentivize participation while promoting outdoor recreation. The challenge aligns with the Maryland Park Service’s mission to foster environmental stewardship and public access to natural resources. Since its founding in 1907, the agency has managed parks that draw millions annually, contributing to tourism and local economies.
Acuti emphasized the challenge’s accessibility, noting that tasks are broad enough to accommodate varying interests and mobility levels. Whether photographing a historic lighthouse or a forested trail, participants can craft personalized journeys. The Park Service also encourages safe exploration, advising visitors to check park hours and trail conditions online.
As Marylanders embark on the 25 in 2025 Adventure Challenge, the Park Service hopes to inspire lifelong appreciation for the state’s landscapes and heritage. With a year to complete the tasks, adventurers have until December 2025 to submit entries and vie for rewards while discovering the beauty of Maryland’s state parks.
