Top 15 Attractions in Frederick, Maryland

It is difficult not to appreciate Frederick, a growing city of approximately 80,000 residents, featuring a vibrant downtown area filled with antique shops, boutiques, and a diverse array of restaurants offering numerous cuisines.

A significant factor in Frederick’s contemporary success was a flood control initiative during the 1990s along Carroll Creek, which resulted in a long canal through the city, complemented by footbridges, picturesque landscapes, and an increase in desirable businesses.

Many of the downtown buildings have historical significance, having stood through the Civil War, particularly during the Battle of Monocacy (1864) that occurred just south of the city.

This engagement delayed a bold Confederate advance down the Shenandoah Valley and is commemorated at a scenic National Battlefield that preserves some of the farms that existed during the battle.

A notable Frederick native is lawyer and poet Francis Scott Key (1779-1843), renowned for writing the lyrics to the Star-Spangled Banner.

1. Historic Downtown Frederick

Spanning a historic district of 50 blocks, downtown Frederick represents a quintessential modern urban center.

Over 5,000 individuals are employed in this area, situated within both restored old brick buildings and contemporary structures along the transformative Carroll Creek Park.

For those intrigued by historic architecture, Frederick offers a rich variety, including numerous commercial, industrial, and religious buildings, alongside residences dating from the 18th century through World War II.

If you have an appreciation for charming residential architecture, prevalent styles include American Foursquare and Queen Anne.

Currently, downtown Frederick is not solely defined by its picturesque structures, especially along Patrick, Market, and East Streets, where more than 200 independent retailers provide antiques, unique clothing, art, specialty groceries, and eclectic gifts.

Supported by around 60 establishments, the culinary landscape downtown spans a global spectrum, supplemented by cultural experiences and entertainment venues such as the Weinberg Center, New Spire Arts Stages, and the National Museum of Civil War Medicine.

2. Monocacy National Battlefield

The Battle of Monocacy (1864), known as the “Battle That Saved Washington”, was fought just south of Frederick and played a crucial role in halting a Confederate raid through the Shenandoah Valley, redirecting the conflict’s focus southward until the war’s conclusion.

Encompassing 1,500 acres, Monocacy National Battlefield retains a rural atmosphere while being adjacent to the city, preserving the Worthington, Thomas, and Best family farms that were present during the battle.

Visitors can explore the site via six interpretive trails, ranging from one to five miles in length, or opt for a self-guided auto tour highlighting key moments of the battle.

This tour includes five stops along a six-mile route, with an available audio guide from the Monocacy National Battlefield Foundation to enhance the experience.

A well-curated museum is located at the visitor center, offering a detailed, interactive exploration of the area’s history, particularly appealing to younger visitors.

3. National Museum of Civil War Medicine

For a deeper exploration of Civil War history, Frederick houses the primary site of the National Museum of Civil War Medicine in downtown.

This museum is thoughtfully situated in a 19th-century building that originally served as an undertaker’s establishment. Spanning five immersive exhibits across 7,000 square feet, visitors gain insight into medical practices during the conflict.

Highlights include a recreated field hospital, a military hospital ward, and depictions of camp life.

Each section is enhanced with authentic artifacts, many collected by Dr. Gordon E. Damman, who played a key role in establishing this museum in the 1990s. Personal letters from soldiers provide additional context and realism to the displays.

4. Carroll Creek Park

A transformative moment in Frederick’s contemporary history occurred in 1993 when Carroll Creek, previously prone to flooding, was redirected underground.

The surface now features a 1.3-mile, 40-foot-wide canal, creating a lush landscaped corridor within Frederick.

Flanking this waterway are brick pedestrian paths, gardens, monuments, fountains, a 350-seat amphitheater, and a series of bridges, notably the iconic Community Bridge, discussed in further detail below.

This development has significantly influenced Frederick’s transformation, leading visitors past restaurants offering al fresco dining, craft breweries, distilleries, and an array of unique specialty shops.

5. Baker Park

Situated along the banks of Carroll Creek is another appealing linear park that commences just west of downtown Frederick.

Covering nearly 60 acres, Baker Park has been thoughtfully developed since 1916, thanks in part to several land donations from prominent community members.

This park offers various amenities, including two children’s playgrounds, an outdoor swimming pool during summer, Culler Lake, and facilities for baseball, softball, tennis, and soccer.

A particularly notable feature is the 70-foot tower housing the Joseph Dill Baker Memorial Carillon, dedicated in memory of a prominent individual and hosting recitals every Sunday at 12:30 PM.

Baker Park is vibrant in the summer months, hosting a series of concerts at the bandshell and the city’s Fourth of July celebration.

6. Community Bridge Mural

An impressive highlight along the Carroll Creek Trail is the Community Bridge, creatively reimagined by local artist William Cochran in 1993.

Instead of merely clad in artificial stone, Cochran designed a trompe-l’œil mural, captivating pedestrians for over three decades.

Upon closer inspection, the “stonework” features “carved” symbols supplied by thousands of Frederick residents and participants from across the United States and more than 30 countries.

The Community Bridge remains a key attraction in Frederick and is considered a catalyst for over $300 million in public and private developments in the surrounding area.

7. Weinberg Center for the Arts

A former movie palace from the 1920s, centrally located in downtown Frederick, has evolved into a versatile venue for performing arts.

The Weinberg Center, which originally opened as the Tivoli Theatre in 1926, closed for 50 years due to damage from floods in Frederick.

Donated to the city by its last owners, the Weinberg Family, this building boasts many original features, including an eight-rank Wurlitzer theatre organ.

From September through May, the venue hosts a full season of live music, comedy, theatre productions, family-oriented entertainment, and classic films.

Guided tours are also available, providing deeper insights into the building’s Art Deco architecture and rich performance heritage.

8. Rose Hill Manor Park & Museums

Constructed by Thomas Johnson (1732–1819), an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court and Maryland’s first elected governor, this grand Federal mansion in Frederick served as his retirement residence.

The most striking aspect of Rose Hill Manor is its impressive two-story porch, featuring a portico upheld by Doric and Ionic columns.

Since the 1970s, Rose Hill Manor has functioned as a children’s museum, depicting the county’s early colonial history and showcasing local narratives since that time.

Younger visitors can engage with traditional crafts, such as spice grating and wool carding, while exploring the evolution of transportation and agriculture in the area.

In addition to the manor house, the estate includes a captivating walled garden, an 1835 log cabin, a brick smokehouse, a blacksmith shop, an icehouse, two barns, and a new carriage museum.

9. Schifferstadt Architectural Museum

Frederick’s oldest existing house is recognized as the finest representative of German colonial architecture in the United States.

Built in 1758 by the son of German immigrant farmer Josef Brunner, who settled in the area twenty years prior, the property was named after Klein Schifferstadt, his hometown in the modern state of Rhineland-Palatinate.

This well-preserved residence can be visited at the northern end of the Carroll Creek Path, offering insights into Frederick County’s pioneering days approximately 300 years ago.

The structure includes four bedrooms, walls two feet thick, a rare five-plate stove, and an unusually large kitchen.

The gift shop provides a selection of items inspired by local history, including colonial games, handmade pottery, and beeswax candles.

10. Harry Grove Stadium

This 5,400-seat baseball stadium, which opened in 1990, hosts summer collegiate baseball.

Frederick has a storied baseball heritage dating back to the Frederick Hustlers, a team from the interwar period.

Harry Grove, a founder of the team, and his descendants contributed significantly to the construction costs of the stadium. The primary tenants are the Frederick Keys, who transitioned from a Minor League team and Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Orioles to a collegiate summer baseball team in the MLB Draft League following MLB’s reorganization of minor leagues in 2020.

The regular season operates from June through early September, featuring numerous attractions for younger fans, including entertainment during innings and post-game fireworks.

11. Gambrill State Park

Nature enthusiasts will find tranquility within 15 minutes of downtown Frederick, at this 1,200-acre park elevated along the Catoctin Mountains ridge.

Gambrill State Park features over 16 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

A highlight is High Knob, reaching 1,600 feet, with three stone overlooks constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression.

These overlooks reveal breathtaking vistas of Frederick and Middletown Valleys and extend toward the northern foothills of the Shenandoah Mountains.

The park offers a family-friendly campground in the southern, Rock Run area, complete with a fishing pond and picnic spaces.

12. Walkersville Southern Railroad

Offering a unique experience, visitors can enjoy over an hour’s ride through the beautiful Maryland countryside aboard a heritage railroad.

This 6.72-mile segment of track was established in 1872 for the Pennsylvania Railroad, with the journey showcasing picturesque farmlands and an historic lime kiln.

Guests can select from the comfort of a 1920s passenger car or enjoy unobstructed views from an open flatcar. Be sure to check the schedule for themed rides, including dinner trains, murder mystery excursions, and special seasonal events.

A static museum features a collection of railroad artifacts and equipment housed in a beautifully restored early 20th-century building across from the depot, alongside a model railroad display.

13. Roads and Rails Museum

Concealed within a late 19th-century structure just outside the historic district lies an expansive model railroad.

Founded by enthusiast David Burroughs, the Roads and Rails Museum presents a dynamic miniature world, integrating moving trains, trolleys, trucks, and cars amidst charming towns, a functioning volcano, walk-through mountains, a zoo, coal mine, circus, fair, and more.

This family-oriented attraction is designed for younger visitors, featuring step stools for optimal viewing, a thoughtful scavenger hunt, and a room dedicated entirely to LEGO.

14. Francis Scott Key Memorial

To honor the author of the lyrics to the Star-Spangled Banner, visitors can find a dedicated monument to Francis Scott Key (1779-1843) located at Mount Olivet Cemetery, situated south of downtown.

Established in 1854, this cemetery encompasses nearly 40,000 graves, including several notable figures such as renowned Unionist Barbara Fritchie (1766-1862), Thomas Johnson, celebrated stage actor Robert L. Downing (1857-1944), and Union Army general James Cooper (1810-1863).

Winding through the cemetery are eight miles of paved pathways, enriched with interpretive exhibits along the route.

The focal point is the monument to Key, erected at the front gates in 1898 and designed by Italian sculptor Pompeo Coppini (1870-1957).

Key composed the lyrics in 1814 after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by British ships during the War of 1812, with the melody later adopted as the national anthem in 1931.

15. Adventure Park USA

Located nearby in Monrovia, Maryland’s largest family entertainment center offers an extensive experience, resembling an amusement park.

Adventure Park, featuring a Wild West theme, occupies nearly 18 acres and boasts over 20 indoor and outdoor attractions, along with a full-service restaurant.

Indoor highlights include mini bowling, laser tag, a climbing wall, bumper cars, and a high ropes course, while outdoor attractions encompass roller coasters, kiddie rides, a stunning carousel, go-karts, 36 holes of mini golf, and much more.

The on-site restaurant, Whistle Stop Smokehouse, specializes in BBQ, serving delicious options from brisket to smoked sausage, accompanied by all the classic sides.