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Plan Your Visit

Here are some pointers for planning your visit to The Button Farm. Please look through these frequently asked questions and answers and we’ll SEE YOU AT THE FARM:
 
 Q: How Do I Get There? (see directions and map)
 
A: As the farm is located in a 6,000 acre State Park system, and not so easy to find, we suggest that when coming to the farm that you use only the directions below. If using a system such as Mapquest please supplement with our printed directions below. Some car GPS systems may prove inaccurate as well. If lost you may try to reach us at 301.916.7090.
 
BUS WARNING!: If arriving by bus you MUST CONTACT US IN ADVANCE so that special arrangements can be made. Buses cannot be parked on our property and will be directed to off-site parking location after dropping passengers at our front gate. At the designated time of departure they may return to pick up passengers at the front entrance to the farm. Buses must also follow ONLY the printed directions below. Buses that come via Route 28 WILL BE UNABLE TO UNLOAD OR TURN AROUND. Please arrive no more than 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time. Thank you!
 
THE BUTTON FARM, 16820 BLACK ROCK ROAD, GERMANTOWN, MD 20874
Click here for Mapquest Directions: http://mapq.st/fITwKF 
 
From The Capital Beltway/DC/VA ( Car & Van)
  • Take I-495 to I-270 North (towards Frederick)
  • Follow I – 270 North to Exit 15B (Rt.118 south – Germantown)
  • Continue on Rt.118/Germantown Road, south for approx. 3.5 miles
  • Make a RIGHT onto BLACK ROCK ROAD (Black Rock Road is the first street on your right AFTER the entrance to the South Germantown SoccerPlex. The sign for Black Rock Rd is frequently missing. Sign may be on telephone pole on left side of road. Look for a house on the corner that looks like a castle)
  • Continue on Black Rock Road for 1.5 miles
  • The driveway entrance to the farm is on the RIGHT side of the road
  • Proceed down driveway SLOWLY. Look for cyclists on bike path crossing the driveway
  • Follow signs for Visitor Parking sign at the end of the driveway
From Frederick, MD: (Car/Van)
  • Follow I – 270 South to Exit 15-B follow ramp right. Merge on to Rt.118 south – Germantown
  • Continue by directions above
    •  
    From Poolesville, MD: (Car & Van)
         
  • From the junction of Route 107 & Route 28:
  • head south on Rte 28 for 1.6 miles to Black Rock Rd. Turn left. [*see landmarks & warning below]
  • Continue on Black Rock Rd. 1.5 miles to our address. Driveway is on left side of road.    
  • Proceed down driveway SLOWLY. Look for cyclists on bike path crossing the driveway
  • Follow signs for Visitor Parking sign at the end of the driveway
    •  
        *Landmarks- you will pass the Black Rock Mill on your left; cross Seneca Creek bridge; go up hill. Our
         drive is on the left when you reach top of hill.
        
        *WARNING: The Black Rock Rd street sign is often missing. If you miss Black Rock Rd continue
        south to junction of Rt. 28 & Rt 118. Turn around and come back. Black Rock Rd is exactly 1 mile north of Rt 118.

    Q: What Should I Expect?
    A: You will be visiting a 40-acre farm in a 6,000 acre park. Expect to see wildlife, historical landscapes and to have an out of doors experience. All of our exhibits and programs encourage hands-on participation. Be prepared to get involved, try something new and challenge yourself.

    Q: What Should I Bring?
    A: Dress comfortably and casually. Wear attire appropriate for the weather conditions as all of our public facilities are open to the elements. Wear comfortable shoes (no heels) as you will be walking on bare ground and grass. If you have allergies or medical concerns remember to bring all necessary medications. Those with potentially life threatening health conditions should apprise our staff of your needs prior to arriving at our site. Many visitors like bringing their cameras to capture the day’s events.

    Q: What Shouldn’t I Bring?
    A: Do not bring any loose-fitting jewelry, expensive accessories, items of great value that might get lost. Valuables should be left at home or locked inside of your vehicle. Pets (with the exception of seeing eye dogs) are prohibited. As we are located inside Seneca Creek State Park, we are a “Leave No Trace” facility and we do not have trash receptacles of any kind. All disposable products (trash etc.) you bring in must be carried out with you when you leave. Please bring the necessary garbage bags, etc. you will need to carry your trash.