Matchless Maryland Walkersville Southern Railroad, Walkersville Step aboard 1920s passenger cars or ride in open-air flatcars from which you can watch Maryland’s countryside unfold alongside the tracks. On clear days, you can even see the Catoctin Mountains rise in the distance. Regular excursions roll out on weekends from May through October and last just over an hour. During other parts of the year, holiday and themed rides, like the Easter and Santa trains, bring seasonal magic to select dates. Most run on weekends, though some events take place on weekdays. These rides often include gifts for children and photo-ready setups. For a twist, interactive mystery trains serve up suspense paired with meals and drinks, turning passengers into well-fed sleuths for the day. Planning a celebration? Charter a single car or the full train for up to 50 riders and turn your gathering into a one-of-a-kind ride. Onboard, spaces are lightly decorated to mark the occasion. Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary Mallows Bay Ghost Fleet, Nanjemoy In Nanjemoy, paddle through this watery boat graveyard of 100-plus ships — the Western Hemisphere’s largest shipwrecked fleet — to view WWI steamships from above. After the war ended, these vessels were brought into the shallow waters for salvaging and later abandoned. Their remains eerily surface at low tide — a compelling sight for all, but especially for those who love photography. Mallows Bay is now part of a national marine sanctuary for numerous species of birds and other animals. It’s also the traditional homeland of the Piscataway Conoy Tribe: Learn about their lives and culture, as well as the sanctuary’s fascinating ecosystem, during guided paddling tours, or stroll the shore to admire the area’s quiet beauty. ADDITIONAL AQUATIC ADVENTURES National Aquarium, Baltimore Located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the aquarium’s outdoor Harbor Wetland exhibit features 32,000 native plants in a setting inspired by the brackish tidal marshes that once lined the Patapsco River. MORE TRACKS TO TRAIN-LOVING DESTINATIONS Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, Cumberland Look for special evening events like rides through the Allegheny Mountains with a romantic dinner for two, or sunset trips accompanied by acoustic music as the surrounding landscape glows in the fading light. Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park, Annapolis A mix of interactive exhibits and educational cruises near Back Creek share stories of the capital city’s past and the ecology of the Chesapeake Bay. B&O Railroad Museum, Baltimore With hands-on exhibits and a ride on America’s first commercial rail line, this museum offers a deep dive into the nation’s railroading history. Tilghman Watermen’s Museum, Tilghman The museum displays island watermen’s stories, original paintings and prints, with exhibits that showcase tools and boat models. More on p. 65 Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum, Chesapeake Beach As the original station of the Chesapeake Beach Railway, this historical site embodies the railroad’s impact on the region. More on pages 40 and 44 VISITMARYLAND.ORG 31
Maryland Official Visitors Guide 2026 Maryland Official Visitors Guide: Page 31
