Deep Creek Lake
In the 1920's a tributary of the Youghiogheny River was dammed by the Youghiogheny Hydroelectric Company to create a hydroelectric plant. Deep Creek Lake was the beautiful by-product of this effort. The plant became operational in 1925, and Deep Creek Lake became a recreational destination for land- and water- based recreation. In 2000, the State of Maryland purchased the lake from Pennsylvania Electric, allowing for public access at Deep Creek Lake State Park for boat launch, camping and picnicking.
Deep Creek Discovery Center
The Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center's hands-on interpretive exhibits showcase the natural resources of Western Maryland that have made it a premium destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The flora, fauna, wildlife, cultural and historical heritage of this former logging and coal mining region are explored in displays and activities that engage visitors of all ages.Location: 898 State Park Road, Swanton, MD 21561Directions: From 219 South, turn left onto Glendale Rd (approximately 4.5 miles from Deep Creek Lake Overlook)Turn left onto State Park RdSlight left to stay on State Park RdThe Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center will be on the right.Hours: Open daily 10 am – 5 pm May – October; and Friday – Sunday 10 am – 4 pm October – May.Admission: Free, although donations are appreciated.Phone: 301-387-7067http//www.discoverycenterdcl.com/
Swallow Falls State Park
Swallow Falls State Park is home to Muddy Creek Falls. At 53 feet, it is the tallest single drop waterfall in Maryland. The oldest grove of white pine and eastern hemlock in Maryland is here, as well--some of the trees are over 360 years old! Within the park, waters originating at Cranesville Swamp in West Virginia merge with the Youghiogheny, an officially designated Wild and Scenic River. Swallow Falls State Park is named for the rock pillar below the upper falls where cliff swallows once nested by the hundreds. Legendary entrepreneurs John Burroughs, Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone and Thomas Edison were among the famous people to enjoy the natural beauty of the park and camp by its shores.Location: 2470 Maple Glade Road, Oakland MD 21550Directions: From the Discovery Center, start out going southeast on State Park Rd toward Brant Rd. (0.2 mi)Turn slight right to stay on State Park Rd. ( 0.8 mi)Turn right onto Glendale Rd. (1.1 mi)Turn left onto Garrett Hwy/US-219 S. (1.1 mi)Turn right onto Mayhew Inn Rd. (1.4 mi)Turn left onto Bray School Rd. (1.7 mi)Turn slight right onto Oakland Sang Run Rd. (0.9 mi)Turn left onto Swallow Falls Rd. (0.4 mi)Turn slight left to stay on Swallow Falls Rd. (0.4 mi)Turn right to stay on Swallow Falls Rd. (0.5 mi)Take the 2nd right onto Maple Glade Rd (Portions unpaved)Hours: 8 a.m. to Sunset, March-October 10 a.m. to Sunset, November-FebruaryAdmission: The Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, as well as weekends in May, September and October $3/person for Maryland residents, $5 for out of state residents. All other times $3/car for Maryland residents, $5/car for out of state residents.Phone: (301) 387-6938https://www.dnr2.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/swallowfalls.aspx
Herrington Manor State Park
Herrington Manor State Park was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, an emergency program established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933 to provide employment to young men in conservation work. Camp S-54 Company 307 was stationed at Swallow Falls State Park from 1935-38. During this time FDR's "tree army" built Herrington Manor’s 53-acre lake, its first ten cabins and concession building. They also planted thousands of trees and constructed forest roads between the two parks. Location: 222 Herrington Lane, Oakland, MD 21550Directions: From Swallow Falls, start out going east on Maple Glade Rd toward Tolliver Camp Rd (Portions unpaved). (1.0 mi)Turn right onto Swallow Falls Rd. (1.3 mi)Swallow Falls Rd becomes Herrington Manor Rd. (2.0 mi)Turn right onto Herrington Manor Lake Rd. (0.06 mi)Turn slight left onto Herrington Ln.Hours: 8 a.m. to Sunset, March-October10 a.m. to Sunset, November-FebruaryAdmission: The Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, as well as weekends in May, September and October $3/person for Maryland residents, $5 for out of state residents. All other times $3/car for Maryland residents, $5/car for out of state residents.Phone: (301) 334-9180http://dnr2.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/herrington.aspx
Garrett County Historical Society and Museum - Hotels Room
The Hotels Room of the Garrett County Historical Society and Museum captures the early days of the luxury hotels that were constructed as the success of the B&O Railroad promised to bring new and affluent visitors to the area. The Deer Park Hotel, built in 1873 offered the recreational visitor a bowling alley, an 18-course golf course, a tennis court, a riding stable and two swimming pools (one for men, another for women). The Oakland Hotel, with it's convenient location near the railroad, was built to serve visitors from the numerous trains that passed through Oakland each day. One of the Oakland Hotel's most famous visitors, Alexander Graham Bell, stayed for several weeks to hook up the first functional phone line in Garrett County between the Oakland and Deer Park Hotels.Location: 107 South Second StreetOakland, MD 21550Directions: From Herrington Manor, start out going northeast on Herrington Ln toward Herrington Manor Lake Rd. (0.04 mi)Turn slight right onto Herrington Manor Lake Rd. (0.06 mi)Turn right onto Herrington Manor Rd. (3.2 mi)Herrington Manor Rd becomes W Liberty St. (1.0 mi)Turn right onto S 2nd St. ( 0.03 mi)107 S 2ND ST is on the right.Hours:Museum Summer Hours: May 1st. Monday through Saturday 10:00 am - 3:00 pm.Museum Winter Hours: January through May 1st. Open Thursday Friday & Saturday 10 am - 3 pm.Closed Major Holidays. Please call first - 301-334-3226.Admission: Free, donations acceptedPhone: 301-334-3226
Garrett County Museum of Transportation - Deep Creek Gallery
The Deep Creek Gallery, on the second floor of the Garrett County Museum of Transportation, has a variety of interpretive exhibits that document the history of Deep Creek Lake and nearby Maryland State Parks of Herrington Manor, Swallow Falls, New Germany, and Deep Creek Lake.Location: 107 South Second Street, Oakland, MDHours: Summer Hours: May through November, Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Winter Hours: December through April, Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Closed major holidays. Please call first: 301-533-1044.Admission: Free, although donations are appreciated.Phone: 301-533-1044
