6 Best Things to Do in Oakland, MD

By VI Staff on January 2, 2020

Oakland is a small town in the west-central part of Garrett County, Maryland. It is part of the Pittsburg metropolitan area. Oakland is located near Deep Creek Lake and only few miles from the source of the Potomac River. Oakland Historic District has a number of beautifully restored Victorian buildings, which today house galleries, pharmacy, a library and fashionable boutiques. Swallow Falls State Park is located on the bank of the Youghiogheny River, and is known as the location of the 53-foot Muddy Creek Falls, the highest falls in Maryland. The Oakland B&O Railroad Museum is located inside the 1884 meticulously restored Queen Anne-style historic train station. Garrett County Historical Museum features a variety of artifacts that portray the history of generations of Garrett County residents.

1.Swallow Falls State Park

Swallow Falls State Park is located on the west bank of the Youghiogheny River, about nine miles from Oakland, Garrett County, Maryland. The park is known as the location of Maryland's highest free-falling waterfall, the 53-foot Muddy Creek Falls. There is also a number of smaller waterfalls on the Youghiogheny River and Tolivar Creek. The park is famous for its stand of old growth hemlock trees. Some of them are more than 300 years old, and are part of the last stand of its kind in Maryland. The park has 65 campsites, a lovely picnic area with a pavilion and kids’ playground. There is a mile-long hiking trail through the old growth hemlock forest. Another, a 5.5-mile long hiking and biking trail, connects the Swallow Falls park with Herrington Manor State Park.

2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD 21550, Phone: 301-387-6938

2.The Oakland B&O Railroad Museum

The Oakland B&O Railroad Museum in Oakland, Maryland is located inside the 1884 train station, an exquisite Queen Anne style structure designed by E. Francis Baldwin. With its circular tower, a bell-shaped roof, half-timbered gables, and fish-scale shingles, the station is considered one of the most significant historic depots in the country. The building was completely renovated in the early 1990’s by a group of local citizens. The Museum contains a number of local artifacts from the Garret County’s rich rail history. The museum organizes frequent rotating exhibits with artifacts from the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore. The Station is also an educational center for the county, hosting guest speakers who detailed the rich history and importance of the railroad to Garrett County and the region in general.

117 E Liberty St, Oakland, MD 21550, Phone: 301-334-3204

3.Garrett County Historical Museum

The Garrett County Historical Society combines different aspects of the history of Garrett County into three museums with diverse displays and presentations. The Garrett County Historical Museum features a variety of artifacts that portray the history of generations of Garrett County residents. The Museum houses a range of exhibits related to the history of the land, the founding of Garrett County and the Garrett County citizens’ way of life for from years past. The museum contains a replica of a B&O train called "Little Maryland." The train was built by Stephen Pagenhart when he was only 16 years old. The train was featured in the Chicago World's Fair in 1893. The Exhibitions cover nine rooms, each presenting a specific era in the history of Garrett County

107 S 2nd St, Oakland, MD 21550, Phone: 301-334-3226

4.Brenda's Pizzeria

Brenda’s is a bright and spacious New York Style Pizzeria located on the lakefront at Trader's Landing, along Rt. 219. Brenda’s offers a wide range of entrée favorites and a few interesting surprises such as seafood, vegetarian dishes and gluten-free pasta. The dough for pizzas, calzones and breadsticks is made every day from scratch, and so is their tomato sauce, made only from the best Italian Tomatoes. Brenda's appetizers and fresh salads can be ordered with chicken or steak or as Antipasto. The menu also includes traditional Heros, the entire assortment of Parmigianas: chicken, meatball and eggplant, and a Steak & Cheese with a twist called the Bronx Belly Buster. Brenda's Neapolitan and White pizzas are available with more than 30 toppings. Their beverage menu is includes beer, wine and mineral and sparkling waters.

21311 Garrett Hwy #2, Oakland, MD 21550, Phone: 301-387-1007

5.Ace's Run Restaurant & Pub

Ace’s Run is a large, cozy contemporary restaurant and pub in Oakland, Maryland, overlooking the lake and offering New American comfort food and drinks at the beautiful semi-circular bar. This family-owned and run spot opened in 2013 and a has a balcony dining area, boat docks, and a menu that changes seasonally. It was one of the first restaurants to offer Farm to Table process. Most of the items on the menu are grown or raised locally including vegetables, meats, cheeses and more. All desserts are made in-house, including fresh ice cream and milkshakes. Open Kitchen Nights feature events such as Pasta Mania – the guests watch their pasta being cooked just the way they like it. The Pub, with panoramic lake views, warm fireplace, and imaginative cocktails, is the popular place to meet friends for a drink with friends.

20160 Garrett Hwy, Oakland, MD 21550, Phone: 301-387-6688

6.Cornish Cafe & Bistro

Located in downtown Oakland, Maryland, near the Oakland Farmer's Market and Museums, Cornish Café and Bistro is a spacious, lively sit-down place with enormous choice of coffee and specialty drinks, craft beer, fine selection of wines and daily "specials" blackboard with home- made soups, sandwiches and wraps. There is also a decadent assortment of pastries and sweets. This is not a run-of-the-mill bistro, the menu is full of delightful surprises such as Chesapeake Crab Pretzels and Eggs Benedict Sandwich . Gluten-Free & Vegetarian Treats are also available. You can count on them to cater to your party, big or small.

106 S 2nd St, Oakland, MD 21550, Phone: 240-488-1234