Maryland Byways Road Trips Journey Through Hallowed Ground Said to have more historic sites than any other corridor in the nation, this route is steeped in America’s past. Walk battlefields that played pivotal roles in the Civil War and pay tribute to the lives of enslaved African-American ironworkers. Take a break from history to check out trails, parks and more. Emmitsburg Smithsburg Thurmont Sharpsburg Jefferson Frederick Point of Rocks 57 miles from Emmitsburg to Point of Rocks National Shrines: Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes & St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Emmitsburg At the grotto, reflect on the replica and collect holy water from the Lourdes Shrine, which is the oldest in the U.S. Up the road, see the 19th-century home of America’s first saint. Catoctin Mountain Park Thurmont This park was once a training ground for the Office of Strategic Services — a WWII American intelligence agency. Walk trails knowing agents once used the woods to learn the arts of espionage, combat and sabotage. Nearby, delight in the largest cascading waterfall in Maryland at Cunningham Falls State Park. Carroll Creek Park At this mile-long city park, look for carp lazily swimming past giant lily pads, snap pics of quirky sculptures and admire Community Bridge’s trompe l’oeil — an artistic optical illusion that creates a 3D effect with paintings. Stop at a café along the waterway for a tasty treat. Frederick Museum of the Ironworker Thurmont Stroll the grounds to see the remains of an iron furnace and a working blacksmith shop. Honor enslaved African-American ironworkers along the cemetery trail or via the Smithsonian Institution’s gripping forensic facial-reconstruction exhibit. Catoctin Wildlife Preserve Thurmont Break up the day’s history lessons by meeting animals from around the world. On the safari ride, you can spot — and feed! — bison, zebras, camels and more. Monocacy National Battlefield Experience “The Battle that Saved Washington’’ while floating on the Monocacy River Water Trail. The visitor center and driving tours are other ways to learn more about this place’s role in history. Visit in July for battle re-enactments and living-history programs. Frederick Roddy Road Covered Bridge Thurmont With red sides and — in fall — a backdrop of fiery foliage, this 1856 bridge is picture perfect. A surrounding park makes an ideal spot for picnicking or fishing. Antietam National Battlefield Sharpsburg See the site of The Bloodiest One-Day Battle in American History — a crucial turning point in the Civil War that paved the way for President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Don’t miss the Newcomer House, Dunker Church and Pry House Field Hospital Museum. National Museum of Civil War Medicine This museum puts Civil War health care under the microscope as it delves into the medical practices, conditions and innovations of the period — including discoveries that continue to save lives today. Frederick 16 DESTINATION MARYLAND
Maryland Official Visitors Guide 2024 Maryland Official Visitors Guide: Page 16
