Looking for history, trails, and scenic charm in Western Maryland? Head to Hagerstown! Nestled in the heart of the Cumberland Valley, Hagerstown offers Civil War heritage, cultural attractions, and easy access to parks and byways. Whether you're strolling the arts district, exploring battlefields, or hiking along the C&O Canal, Hagerstown is a rewarding and welcoming destination.
Hagerstown, MD Highlights:
- For History Buffs: Tour Antietam National Battlefield – Just 15 minutes from Hagerstown, this landmark site tells the story of one of the Civil War’s most pivotal battles.
- For Art Lovers: Visit the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts – A free museum in beautiful City Park featuring American and European works.
- For Families: Explore the Discovery Station – A fun, interactive science and technology museum with exhibits on space, trains, and health.
- For Hikers & Cyclists: Access the C&O Canal Towpath – Bike, walk, or paddle along this historic trail and waterway just outside town.
- For Downtown Explorers: Stroll the Hagerstown Cultural Trail – Public art, murals, and sculptures link the Arts & Entertainment District to City Park.
Best Time to Visit Hagerstown, MD
The best time to visit Hagerstown is during spring (April–June) and fall (September–October). These seasons bring pleasant temperatures and stunning natural scenery. Fall is especially beautiful for leaf-peeping along the Appalachian foothills and trails.
How to Get to Hagerstown, MD
- If you are traveling by car: Hagerstown sits at the crossroads of I-70 and I-81, about 75 miles northwest of Washington, D.C. and Baltimore.
- By Air: Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) offers regional flights; nearby airports include Dulles (IAD) and Baltimore/Washington (BWI).
- By Train/Bus: While no direct train serves Hagerstown, Amtrak and Greyhound stations are nearby in Martinsburg and Frederick.
Where to Stay in Hagerstown, MD
- Recommended for Families: Hampton Inn Hagerstown – Convenient and comfortable with complimentary breakfast and a pool.
- For Couples: Baymont by Wyndham Hagerstown – A historic downtown stay with charming decor and walkability to dining and arts venues.
- For Budget Travelers: Quality Inn & Suites Hagerstown – Clean, budget-friendly option with easy highway access and free breakfast.
Best Things to Do in Hagerstown, MD
1. Relax in Hagerstown City Park
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
2. Tour the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
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
3. Admire the collection at the 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
4. Find great deals at 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
5. Enjoy a live show at 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
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
6. Learn about railroad history at the 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
7. Step back in time at the Jonathan Hager House
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
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
8. Spend a rainy morning at the 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
9. Go shopping at 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
10. Explore interactive exhibits at Discovery Station At Hagerstown Inc.
One look at the Discovery Station At Hagerstown Inc. n 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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