Discover the impact of war and the innovation of industries in Washington County, Maryland with a three day tour of the region.
Day 1
Begin your journey with a tour of the Miller House in Hagerstown’s City Center, home to the Washington County Historical Society. The Miller House has two floors of exhibits, which highlight the industrial lifestyle of our region.
During the late 19th and early 20th century, mule, battery and steam powered launch boats traveled the nearby Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. Go to the Discovery Station to learn about the advancements that led to the construction of the C&O Canal. After touring the Discovery Station, have lunch downtown at Bulls and Bears or 28 South. Both are great for groups!
Take an afternoon stroll on the C&O Canal at the Cushwa Basin in Williamsport, Maryland. This stretch of the canal even features replica canal launch boat rides on the weekends memorial day through labor day. For more information on boat ride hours of operation go to http://www.nps.gov/choh/index.htm
Unwind with dinner at Old South Mountain Inn, which has been a fixture in the region for over 250 years. Today Old South Mountain Inn is offers visitors American fine dining in elegant and hospitable atmosphere.
Day 2
Mobilize the troops and head west to Fort Frederick. Built in 1758, Fort Frederick was constructed to protect Maryland’s frontier during the French and Indian War. The Fort was also utilized during the American Revolution as a prison for British soldiers and then again during the Civil War as an encampment for Union troops guarding a portion of the C&O Canal that borders the fort. Today you can visit the Fort and step back into 1758.
Head back to Hagerstown on Route 40, the Old National Pike. This historic road was the first federally funded National Highway, which led to the innovation of the interstate transportation system as we know it today. Along the way stop at Wilsons Village in Clear Spring for some old fashioned goods, antiques and décor. Break for lunch at Thunder Road Bar and Grille, enjoy indoor or outdoor seating and great eats!
Arrange for a tour of the Washington County Rural Heritage Museum* in Boonsboro, Maryland. The Museum shows the progression from human powered farming to the motorized era of farming throughout the history of the region. Highlights include a Rural Heritage Village and Farmstead and an early Conestoga wagon that would have traveled the Old National Pike!
Visit the Hager House and adjacent Hager Museum. Get to know more about Jonathan Hager, a German pioneer who settled at the cross roads of the Eastern Native American North and South Trading Routes, founding Hagerstown in 1762.
After learning about our City’s Founder and German traditions he brought to the area, experience them for yourself with a Bavarian style meal at the Schmankerl Stube.
Looking to experience more of our of German traditions?Join us every year in late August for Augustoberfest, an annual weekend long festival featuring Bavarian foods, music, dancing and bier!
Day 3
Hagerstown welcomed the arrival of the railroad to the area in 1834, which spurred the growth of the city. The nickname “Hub City” comes from the way all of the railroad lines running into to Hagerstown resembled the spokes of a wagon wheel on the map. Discover the stories of those who provided the manpower to create “Hub City” at Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum*, a museum dedicated to the preservation of the city's railroad heritage.
Next, explore a different side of City Park with a visit to the Hagerstown Railroad Museum*. The Museum’s collection includes a 1912 locomotive, Steam Engine 202, whichtransported passengers between Baltimore and Hagerstown. In addition to the Steam Engine 202, there is an 1885 Pump Car, a coal tender and eight cabooses on display.
Wrap up your visit with a short drive out to Hagerstown's Regional Airport for lunch at Runways Restaurant at the Ryder Jet Center. Then spend a portion of your afternoon at the Hagerstown Aviation Museum*! The museum owns twenty historic aircraft, twelve of which were built in Hagerstown.
*Visiting hours are limited, please visit website for hours of operations or call the site to arrange a group tour.