Press Releases - Department of Transportation

The weather is warm, and the flowers are blooming. May is a great time to visit Montgomery County’s public gardens and outdoor museums. Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s Ride On bus routes offer residents easy transportation to some of the area’s most popular outdoor attractions for just $1 a trip without the hassle of parking. County bus riders with disabilities, older adults 65+, or youth can ride for free with specialized SmarTrip cards.

These free or low-cost outdoor venues are family-friendly way to immerse yourself and nature and get some exercise:

• BROOKSIDE GARDENS: 
  
  Brookside Gardens is Montgomery County’s incomparable, award-winning 50-acre public display garden within Wheaton Regional Park. Included in the gardens are several distinct areas, including the Aquatic Garden, Azalea Garden, Butterfly Garden, and Children’s Garden, among others. Brookside Gardens also features two conservatories for year-round enjoyment. Admission to the gardens is free.
  
  Ride On Routes 9, 10, or 31 can take you close to this beautiful outdoor oasis.
  
  
• GLENSTONE MUSEUM: 
  
  Glenstone Museum Glenstone offers nearly 300 acres of landscape fully integrated with the architecture and art. The landscape includes paths, trails, streams, meadows, forests and outdoor sculptures throughout the grounds.
  
  To get to Glenstone, take Ride On Route 301 for free guaranteed entry.
  
  
• MCCRILLIS HOUSE & GARDENS: 
  
  McCrillis Gardens is a public garden offering shady woodland walks and splashes of color, especially in spring.  Tucked into a residential neighborhood in Bethesda, the gardens feature paths that wind through the remarkable collection of ornamental trees and shrubs, along with bulbs, groundcovers and shade-loving perennials that add year-round color.
  
  To get to McCrillis House & Gardens, take Ride On Route 36 or 47.
  

• SCHWARTZ PEONY GARDEN AT SENECA CREEK STATE PARK: 
  
  Within the expansive 6,300-acre Seneca Creek State Park is the Schwartz Peony Garden and wild peony field. The peonies in both the garden and field (located adjacent to one another) bloom early to mid-May. Signs directing visitors to the peonies can be found within the park. Entrance fee is $3 per person on weekends and free on weekdays.
  
  To get to Schwartz Peony Garden, take Ride On routes 61, 71, 74, or 78 to Seneca Creek State Park. 
  
  
• WOODEND NATURE SANCTUARY:
  
  Woodend Nature Sanctuary is a peaceful 40-acre oasis for experienced nature lovers and new explorers of all ages and abilities. Their new wheelchair-accessible nature trail traverses meadow, forest, stream, and pond habitats. The sanctuary is free and open to the public every day of the year from dawn to dusk.
  
  To get to Woodend Nature Sanctuary, take Ride On Route 33.

The Ride On Trip Planner app is a free regional public transportation planner that will find your fastest route.

For the most up-to-date service information, riders should follow @RideOnMCT on X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. In addition, information is available at rideonbus.com, by subscribing to receive email alerts, or by texting MONTGOMERY RIDEON to 468311 to receive text alerts. 

For information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on X, Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.  

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