25 Best Things to Do in Hagerstown, Maryland

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Based at the junction of Virginia Avenue and Memorial Boulevard near the central business district of the city, Hagerstown City Park is a public urban park that features many open green spaces and cultural attractions. Considered to be a gem in the park system, the park is home to the Jonathan Hager House and Museum, the Hagerstown Railroad Museum, the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, and the Mansion House Art Center. The park also has several playing fields, playgrounds, lighted tennis courts, softball fields, renting pavilions, a bandshell, and dog-friendly nature and walking trails.

501 Virginia Ave, Hagerstown, MD 21740, Phone: 301-739-8577

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The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park was established to preserve the neglected remains of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, which once operated as a lifeline for communities along the Potomac Rivera for more than 100 years. Founded as a National Monument by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1961, the park offers over 185 miles of adventure as it follows the canal, which is now a pathway for discovering natural, historical, and recreational treasures. Set along the banks of the channel, which operated as a transportation route for hauling coal in the mid-1800s, are many historic structures, including aqueducts, lock houses, locks, and residences. Visitors can tour the canal, taking in the structures and learn more about the importance of the canal's role as a transportation system during the Canal Era.

205 W Potomac St, Williamsport, MD 21795

© Washington County Museum of Fine Arts

Located in the Hagerstown City Park, the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts is an art museum that showcases the works of local and international artists. The museum was donated to the community by Mr. and Mrs. William Singer in 1929 and has stood as a centerpiece in Hagerstown City Park ever since. The museum houses a permanent collection of over 6,500 objects, including paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, and decorative arts with a particular focus on American art, 19th century European, and world cultures. The museum hosts several family-friendly events throughout the year, including a scavenger hunt in the park and educational programs for all ages.

401 Museum Dr, Hagerstown, MD 21740, Phone: 301-739-5727

© Hagerstown Premium Outlets®

Hagerstown Premium Outlets® is a village-style open-air shopping outlet mall that features name-brand outlet stores selling apparel and merchandise at discounted prices of up to 65%. Conveniently located along Interstate 70, three miles east of Hagerstown, the major shopping outlet is home to premium brand stores such as Banana Republic, Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, Kate Spade New York, Guess, Under Armour and more and serves the surrounding communities of Chambersburg, Frederick, and Martinsburg. The center also has a food court with several dining options and offers an array of guest services, including modern restrooms, cash machines, and 24-hour security.

495 Premium Outlet Blvd, Hagerstown, MD 21740

© The Maryland Theatre

The Maryland Theatre is a performing arts center in the Arts and Entertainment District of downtown Hagerstown that presents an array of entertainment throughout the year. Built in 1915 as a 1,400-seat vaudeville and silent film house, the center was converted into a full performing arts complex in 2019 and now has a seating capacity of 1,279 and has a fully restored Wurlitzer theatre organ. The theater hosts a variety of shows, including music shows and recitals, orchestra concerts, stage shows, comedy nights, country artists, children's shows, and others.

21 S Potomac St, Hagerstown, MD 21740, Phone: 301-790-2000

© Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum

Dedicated to promoting and showcasing the railroad activities and history of the town is the Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum. While the original Hagerstown Roundhouse was sadly taken down in 1999, the current museum preserves the legacy of the original roundhouse through various exciting exhibits. Exhibits include the outdoor train yard, a model railroad layout, interesting artifacts, photographs, lanterns, whistles, and other items used on trains, as well as a railroad library and research room. Explore locomotives, beautifully restored passenger cars, cabooses, and the stunning Hagerstown and Frederick Railway Trolley #168. Guests can also drop by a gift shop to purchase great souvenirs like books, railroad items, apparel, and toys.

296 S. Burhans Boulevard, Hagerstown, MD 21741, Phone: 301-739-4665

© The City of Hagerstown - Municipal

The Jonathan Hager House is a historic two-story stone house dating back to 1740. Built by the founder of Hagerstown, German immigrant Jonathan Hager, the house stands as an excellent example of life in the 1700s with unique features such as two spring-fed pools of water in the basement that provided fresh water. The house is built in the German tradition and features 22-inch thick walls, a large central chimney, and a large cellar and is filled with beautifully restored antique and period furniture. Visitors can explore the house on guided tours led by docents and historians.

110 Key St, Hagerstown, MD 21740, Phone: 301-739-8393

© Miller House Museum

The Miller House Museum, also known as the Price-Miller House, is a historic home and house museum and the headquarters of the Washington County Historical Society. Built in 1824, the elegant brick mansion on West Washington Street has served as a historic house and local history museum since 1966, documenting the growth of Hagerstown and life in the mid-1800s. The Neoclassical-style townhouse is typical of the late Federal period with an original hanging stairway that curves to the third floor, several bedrooms with High Victorian decoration, gas-powered chandeliers, and a fascinating collection of clocks from local clockmakers of yesteryear.

135 W Washington St, Hagerstown, MD 21740, Phone: 301-797-8782

© Valley Mall

Conveniently located at the busiest intersection in Washington County, Valley Mall is an indoor, super-regional shopping mall in the Hagerstown Metropolitan Area that offers retail shopping, entertainment, and dining. The vast mall features premium brand stores such as American Eagle Outfitters, Belk, Bath & Body Works, Claire’s, Foot Locker, Victoria’s Secret, and more, as well as a massive Regal Cinemas with stadium seating cinemas and a 40,000 square foot Tilt Studio arcade. A food court is home to BJ's Brewhouse, Auntie Anne’s, Tacos Carlitos, Primanti Brothers, and Noodles & Company, among others, and an 80,000 square foot OneLife Fitness premier sports club features swimming pools, cardio equipment, personal training, and a kid’s club.

17301 Valley Mall Rd, Hagerstown, MD 21740

© Discovery Station At Hagerstown Inc.

One look at the Discovery Station from the street is enough to tell anyone passing by that it would be an exciting and fun place to visit. The hand-on museum provides incredible and memorable learning experiences to thousands of visiting children and adults alike per year. The Discovery Station at Hagerstown Inc is expertly designed and put together to stimulate the curiosity and imagination of young minds, particularly when it comes to STEAM principles. There are twelve different exhibits to discover at the museum like the Exploration Rainforest, the Coral Reefs Banners, Space and Beyond, Dinosaurs, Robotics and Coding, the Titanic Exhibit, and more.

101 W. Washington Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740, Phone: 301-790-0076

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Fairgrounds Park is a large active recreation park that offers a wealth of sports-related activities. The family-friendly park features a wide variety of sports fields and recreational facilities, including basketball courts, an inline-skating hockey rink, volleyball courts, softball fields, a youth baseball field, soccer fields, and a dedicated dog park. There are also pavilions that can be used for gatherings, several walking trails, and playgrounds for children, and the park hosts several community events throughout the year, including the annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration and the Harvest Hoedown.

351 N Cleveland Ave, Hagerstown, MD 21740, Phone: 301-739-8577 ext. 169

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The Just Lookin' Gallery is a multi-media art and framing gallery that showcases works by more than 50 black American, African and West Indian artists. Located on Summit Avenue, the gallery specializes in original paintings, drawings, hand-pulled prints and sculptures and exhibits a unique collection of these works from both renowned and unknown artists. Just Lookin' educates and nurtures artists and exposes the public to the diversity of fine original art and the rewards of fine art collecting with an impressive collection for both new art lovers and experienced collectors.

40 Summit Ave, Hagerstown, MD 21740, Phone: 301-714-2278

© Mansion House Art Gallery, Valley Art Association

Located in the Hagerstown City Park, the Mansion House Art Gallery, Valley Art Association is a beautiful Georgian-style mansion house with a large wrap-around porch made from bricks and native limestone that serves as the headquarters for the Valley Art Association. Built by John Heyser in 1846, the mansion overlooks a lovely lake inhabited by swans and houses an art gallery showcasing the works of over 20 local artists. The Mansion House Art Gallery is also used as a meeting place for the Valley Art Association and a location for art classes and workshops. The Mansion House Art Center is open year-round, and the gardens are perfect for picnicking.

500 Highland Way, Hagerstown, MD 21740, Phone: 301-797-2867

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Turner's Skate Palace is a roller-skating rink in Hagerstown that offers a variety of fun for the whole family. The family-owned and operated business provides a safe and fun environment for children, teenagers, and adults to have good old-fashioned fun with an array of activities such as skating, dancing, special events, and more. The rink can be rented for private events such as birthday parties and celebrations and is open year-round.

17333 Virginia Ave, Hagerstown, MD 21740, Phone: 240-527-8411

© Rik's Café

Rik’s Café is a contemporary American restaurant that serves eclectic, creative American cuisine in a casual, California-inspired space. Located in an off-the-beaten-track strip mall, Rik’s Café is helmed by Chef Arik who uses locally sourced ingredients to create innovative dishes like spinach and goat cheese on ciabatta, blackened unicorn tacos, ground lamb burgers with roasted red peppers, puttanesca meatballs pasta, and honey-smoked salmon cakes with cusabi sauce. The cuisine is accompanied by a bar list featuring craft and draft beers, local wines from around the world, signature cocktails made with high-end spirits, and dessert wines. Rik’s Café is open for lunch and dinner daily.

1065 Maryland Avenue, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21740, Phone: 301-302-7541

© Schmankerl Stube Bavarian Restaurant

Schmankerl Stube Bavarian Restaurant brings the tastes and flavors of Germany to the heart of Hagerstown. The Bavarian German restaurant has a cozy, homey interior decorated with Bavarian memorabilia and beer steins hanging from the ceiling, and serves a menu of traditional fare such as sauerkraut, bread dumplings, and apple-flavored red cabbage, pork shank with Rahm sauce, Bavarian bratwurst with spätzle, and decadent desserts like Black Forest cake and apple strudel. The food is paired with a selection of German wines, imported draft beers, including five draft beers from Munich, and patrons are served by waitrons wearing traditional dirndls, and the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Sunday.

58 South Potomac Street, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21740, Phone: 301-797-3354

© Nick's Airport Inn

Located in the Hagerstown Regional Airport, Nick’s Airport Inn is a unique restaurant that features ten elegantly appointed dining rooms that offer guests a variety of spaces in which to enjoy an array of American cuisine and casual beverages. The restaurant has several dining rooms, including a beautiful, atrium-enclosed piano bar, which is ideal for pre-dinner cocktails and serves a menu that features dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients such as fresh seafood, prime meats, farm-fresh vegetables, freshly baked bread, and delectable desserts. The cuisine is accompanied by a bar list featuring craft and draft beers, local wines from around the world, signature cocktails made with high-end spirits, and dessert wines. Nick’s Airport Inn offering catering services and in-house facilities for up to 100 people and is open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Friday and dinner only on Saturdays.

14548 Pennsylvania Ave, Hagerstown, MD 21742, Phone: 301-733-8560

© Bulls and Bears

Bulls and Bears is an elegant clubby restaurant that serves casual American pub-style fare and libations in a warm and welcoming atmosphere with a stock-market theme. Established in 2008 by Jone and Don Bowman, Bulls and Bears features stylish décor with dark wood and leather accents, elegantly dressed tables, and soft lighting, and serves the finest cuts of aged steak, prime rib, and beef, free-range chicken and pork, fresh seafood and a range of vegetarian options. The full-service bar has an extensive menu of fine wines from around the world, which can be enjoyed by the glass or bottle, craft beers on tap or by the bottle, and handcrafted cocktails. Bulls and Bears is open for lunch and dinner, daily.

38 S Potomac St #1, Hagerstown, MD 21740, Phone: 301-791-0370

© Pretzel and Pizza Creations

Pretzel and Pizza Creations is a family-friendly restaurant that combines the best of pretzels and pizzas in a family-friendly environment. The eatery serves both classic and contemporary Italian cuisine in a warm and welcoming setting, including hand-tossed, wood-fired pizzas made with pretzel dough, fresh salads, pretzel calzones, pretzel sandwiches, pretzel hotdogs, and signature stuffed pretzels. The bar menu features craft and draft beers, casual wines from around the world, and non-alcoholic drinks, and the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily.

20 W Washington St, Hagerstown, MD 21740, Phone: 301-733-7795

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Who says construction isn’t fun? At the Heavy Metal Playground, guests can come to experience just how much fun it is to play around with the heavy machinery frequently found at construction sites. There are three different adventures to try out at the Heavy Metal Playground, each of which includes four different and exciting activities. Upon arrival, guests will receive safety training, be equipped with a headset, and then settle into their machinery before firing it up. Participate in a Heavy Metal Basketball Game, navigate a heavy metal obstacle course, and take great photos with your heavy rig before calling it a day at the Playground.

14515 Pennsylvania Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21742, Phone: 240-415-8088

© Hagerstown Aviation Museum

Whether you’re a fan of history or a fan of aviation in general, a trip to the Hagerstown Aviation Museum is bound to be an enjoyable experience when traveling through Maryland. The museum is home to historic aircraft, each of which is lovingly preserved and cared for to educate visitors about the illustrious aviation history of the state and country. See aircrafts dating back to as early as 1919 up to more recent aircraft from 1959 with models like the Bellanca CE, Kreider Reisner, Fairchild, and more available on display. Be sure to drop by the gift shop to take home a token for memory’s sake.

18450 Showalter Road, Building 9, Hagerstown, Maryland 21742, Phone: 301-733-8717

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Tucked away behind the Hagerstown City Hall is the Washing County Playhouse, a historic theater that first opened its doors to the public in 1985. Since its opening, it has been continuously staging plays and live productions alongside fantastic meals for the benefit of the community and has even established a children’s theater. At this playhouse, locals and visitors alike can mingle and get to know one another over excellently put-together productions on the theater’s main stage. For visitors who plan to drop by often, season passes are available at the box office as well as subscription tickets, and young audience tickets.

44 North Potomac Street, Rear Hagerstown, Maryland 21740, Phone: 301-739-7469

© Hagerstown Culture Trail

A popular outdoor attraction to visit in Hagerstown is none other than the Hagerstown Cultural Trail. Bridging the distance between the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts and the downtown art district, the Hagerstown Cultural Trail allows guests the opportunity to discover fabulous public art pieces, lounge around relaxing gathering spaces and enjoy several amenities throughout the trail. While there are many pieces to behold, like the Railroad Switch, the Fantastical Garden, and Faces of Hagerstown, the greatest draw is undeniably the Mural of Unusual Size. Created by Alex Brewer from Atlanta, Georgia, The Mural of Unusual Size spans across the sides of several industrial buildings and brings a vibrant and youthful atmosphere to the downtown area.

160 Hoot Street, Hagerstown, Maryland 21740, Phone: 301-739-8577

© Schula’s Grill and Crab House

Looking for the best crab cake, best seafood, and overall just the best restaurant in town? Look no further than Schula’s Grill and Crab House. Topping the charts of the Trip Advisor Traveler’s Choice Awards in 2020 and again in the Hagerstown Magazine 2022 Hot List, Schula’s Grill is known for excellent dining at reasonable prices, with some of the juiciest and most succulent seafood dishes you’ll ever sink your teeth into. For first-time visitors to Schula’s, the specials menu is the way to go with items like the Steamed Seafood Platter or the Fried Seafood Platter guaranteed to hit the spot. Other items to try include the Crab Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms and the Wahoo which is marinated in butter, and chives, and cooked with a soy ginger lime sauce.

11205 John F. Kennedy Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21742, Phone: 301-714-1397