Places to visit in Cumberland, MD.
If you are looking for fun things to do in Cumberland, Maryland, you will be happy to know that there are plenty of great places to go. Not only are there many historical sites, but there are also museums, parks, and beautiful scenery to enjoy.
When it comes to places to visit in Cumberland, there are plenty of options. You’ll be able to explore the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, the Allegany Museum, the Episcopal Church, and a few state parks.
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
If you’re looking for something unique to do in Maryland, check out the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad in Cumberland. It offers first-class service with several different excursions. There are murder mystery train rides, special holiday trips, and more. You can learn about the history of the railroad as well. The company is a nonprofit heritage railroad.
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad runs trains along 16 miles of former Western Maryland trackage in Cumberland. You can enjoy scenic rides and a full onboard meal while you travel. Depending on your needs, the excursion is about four and a half hours long.
The railroad has a station in downtown Cumberland, Maryland. The station has a large, life-sized canal boat on display. You can also find exhibits about the railroad and canal construction on the station’s premises.
Rocky Gap State Park
Rocky Gap State Park in Cumberland, Maryland, is a great place to escape city life and get in touch with nature. The park is a 3,000-acre recreation area that offers plenty of hiking and boating opportunities. You can also stay in one of the mini cabins or rent a yurt for your family.
One of the park’s best attractions is the lake. This 243-acre lake is known for its pristine blue water and its sheer cliffs. It’s home to various fish, including trout and smallmouth bass. Located within the park’s borders is a five-mile trail around the lake.
Other attractions at the park include a nature center, a fishing pier, and an aviary. In addition to offering educational programs and activities, the center also cares for injured birds native to Maryland.
Cumberland Visitor Center
The Cumberland Visitor Center is located in the historic Western Maryland Railway train station. It provides a large display of canal construction and culture. This includes a replica of the Paw Paw Tunnel, a life-size canal boat, and interactive displays.
There is also a small playground to keep the little ones busy while you visit. If you need some souvenirs, there is a gift shop. Also, you can ride on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad to see what life was like in the early days of the C&O Canal.
Visitors can also visit the C&O Canal Museum to see the history of the river trade on the eastern seaboard. Visitors can learn at the museum how the canal was built and what it took to maintain it.
Allegany Museum
The Allegany Museum is a historical and cultural institution devoted to preserving and documenting the region’s heritage. It is located in a restored building in Cumberland. In addition to its historical collections, the museum is also home to various informative materials and maps.
The Allegany Museum is the brainchild of the Allegany County Heritage Committee, whose mission is to promote the traditions and history of Allegany County. This includes the annual Whiskey Rebellion festival held in June.
As the name would imply, the museum is housed in a restored 1930’s neo-classical revival building. The museum is a two-floor affair designed by local architect R. Holt Hitchins. Although the main focus is on artifacts from the county’s past, the building is also home to several notable modern-day establishments.
As for the museum itself, it is a worthy stop on your way through Allegany County or as a side trip from your stay in neighboring western Pennsylvania. There are several hotels in the area, and the museum is near the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.
Emmanuel Parish of the Episcopal Church
The Emmanuel Parish of the Episcopal Church in Cumberland, Maryland, is part of the Washington Street Historic District. This church is located on the site of the former Fort Cumberland, which was the largest military installation in North America.
Until the late 1800s, the Emmanuel Parish of the Episcopal Church played a significant role in the Underground Railroad. It was a stop for escaped enslaved people who sought safety along the way. As an abolitionist, the congregation offered the enslaved people food, shelter, and other services.
The church’s sexton rang a bell to notify the runaways that it was safe to enter. They were then given instructions. When the coast was clear, the sexton would ring the bell two times. After that, those on the Underground Railroad could exit through the tunnels underneath the church and continue their journey to freedom.