Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum

10515 Mackall Rd, St Leonard, MD 20685

560-acre archaeological park on the Patuxent River with a sandy beach, museum of Maryland archaeology, and 3+ miles of trails. The beach is quiet, dog-friendly, and one of the better spots to wade and look for Native American artifacts (which must be left in place if found).

Skip the beach today.

64% rain · Thunderstorms · High nettle risk

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 101. Southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Tonight

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11pm and midnight, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between midnight and 1am. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Weather

  • 92°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
  • 64% rain — rain likely at some point

Water

  • 84°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
  • High nettle risk — 80% probability — reconsider swimming

Safety

  • Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
  • NWS alert active — severe thunderstorm watch issued july 18 at 4:33pm edt until july 18 at 9:00pm edt by nws baltimore md/washington dc
skip
0 Swim
20 Sunbathe
0 Walk
0 Fish
19 Photo

Best for sunbathing today

Weather alert in effect

Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 4:33PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC

Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 7:50AM EDT until July 18 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC

Air Temp
92°F
Partly Cloudy
Wind
15 mph
SW
Rain
64%
This Afternoon
Tomorrow
86°F
Mostly Sunny
Water Temp
84°F
Swimming weather
Sea Nettles
High nettle risk
80% probability · Gooses Reef buoy
Water Quality
Clean
10 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sunrise
5:56 AM
Sunset
8:27 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Today Jul 18
92°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

64%
11
Sun Jul 19
86°

Mostly Sunny

10%
83
Mon Jul 20
84°

Sunny

14%
82
Tue Jul 21
88°

Showers And Thunderstorms

79%
12
Wed Jul 22
85°

Rain Showers Likely

73%
43
Thu Jul 23
79°

Slight Chance Rain Showers

19%
76
Fri Jul 24
82°

Sunny

13%
84
  • optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 84°F
  • critical Extra water / electrolytes 92°F - heat risk

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.

Minor
10:20 PM - 11:20 PM
Major
3:40 AM - 5:40 AM
Minor
10:10 AM - 11:10 AM
Major
3:50 PM - 5:50 PM

Parking

Free park lot.

Dogs

Dogs permitted on leash.

Entry Fee

Free

Address

10515 Mackall Rd, St Leonard, MD 20685

museumtrailsrestroomspicnic areasfishing pier
Is it safe to swim at Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum today?

Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

Is Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum dog-friendly?

Dogs permitted on leash.

Is there an entry fee at Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum?

Entry to Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum is free.

Are there lifeguards at Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum?

No lifeguards are stationed at Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.

What amenities are at Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum?

Amenities at Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum include museum, trails, restrooms, picnic areas, fishing pier.

When is the water warmest at Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum?

The Patuxent warms through July to highs around 78-82°F. Best swimming window is late June through early September.

Where is Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum located?

Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum is in Calvert County, MD, at 10515 Mackall Rd, St Leonard, MD 20685.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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