Planning a trip down to Frederick, Maryland and looking for things to do?
Look no further, Frederick, MD is full of a ton of great activities and experiences to keep everyone engaged.
Whether it’s the museums and theaters, the serenity of Carroll Creek Park’s waterfront, or the city’s seasonal festivals, Frederick embraces visitors with a dynamic blend of past and present, making every corner of this charming city a canvas for exploration and adventure.
Things to Do in Frederick, MD
Downtown Frederick
Downtown Frederick, Maryland is a charming and walkable district with a variety of shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.
Guests can explore a variety of unique boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, and specialty stores along Market Street. From vintage finds to contemporary fashion, downtown has it all
Stroll along Carroll Creek Linear Park, explore Historic Sites, the National Museum of Civil War Medicine to learn about medical practices during the Civil War era.
Visitors can even explore a ton of culinary experiences, discover art and culture, attend great festivals and events, plus so much more
Craft Beer in Frederick
A great experience in Frederick is drinking craft beer, it allows visitors to savor a diverse range of locally brewed and innovative beers. The city has a burgeoning craft beer scene with several breweries and taprooms offering unique flavors, styles, and atmospheres.
There are lots of places to drink craft beer in Frederick. A few of the breweries here include: Brewer’s Alley, White Rabbit Gastropub, Olde Mother Brewing etc.
Frederick Wine Trail
The Frederick Wine Trail is a 30-mile loop that winds through the countryside of Frederick County, Maryland offering wine enthusiasts the opportunity to explore and taste the region’s finest wines.The trail features 12 wineries and vineyards, each offering its unique charm, flavors, and experiences.
The wineries along the Frederick Wine Trail produce a diverse range of wines, including reds, whites, rosés, and even sparkling wines. Guests will have the opportunity to taste classic varieties as well as unique blends.
Some of the wineries provide guided tours of their vineyards, giving guests insights into the grape-growing process and the winemaking journey from vine to bottle.
Some wineries on the Frederick Wine Trail include Linganore Winecellars, Black Ankle Vineyards, Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard, and Big Cork Vineyards, among others
Hootch & Banter
Hootch & Banter is a restaurant and bar located in Downtown Frederick, Maryland. They offer a menu of American cuisine with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients, as well as a wide selection of craft beer and cocktails.
The menu at Hootch & Banter features a variety of dishes and some popular dishes are shrimp and grits, stuffed French toast, and Old Bae Crab Benedict.
The restaurant is a great place to go for a casual meal with friends or family.
Jojo’s Restaurant and Tap House
JoJo’s Restaurant & Tap House is a casual dining restaurant in downtown Frederick, Maryland. It opened in 2012 and has since become a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
The menu at JoJo’s features globally inspired American cuisine, with dishes like jerk chicken steam buns, truffle fries, and tap house empanadas. There is also a full bar with a wide selection of beers, wines, and cocktails.
There are tons of shops on the downtown strip and not a whole lot of parking spaces.
Barbara Fritchie House
The Barbara Fritchie House is a historic landmark located in Frederick, Maryland. It is named after Barbara Fritchie, a legendary figure associated with an act of patriotism during the American Civil War. The house and its story have become an enduring symbol of American folklore and national pride.
Barbara Fritchie was said to be an elderly woman who lived in Frederick during the Civil War. According to popular legend, as Confederate General Stonewall Jackson’s troops marched through Frederick in September 1862, they saw the Union flag flying from Barbara Fritchie’s house. It’s said that Jackson ordered his troops to lower the flag, but Barbara Fritchie defiantly waved the flag and uttered the famous line, “Shoot if you must this old gray head, but spare your country’s flag.”
Today, visitors to Frederick can still see the Barbara Fritchie House, which has been preserved and maintained as a historic site.
Winchester Hall
Winchester Hall is a historic building in Frederick, Maryland. It is the current seat of Frederick County government.
The building was built in 1845 by Hiram Winchester as a private girls school called the Frederick Female Seminary. The school operated until 1892, when it became the Women’s College of Frederick. The college moved to a new campus in 1914 and became Hood College.
Winchester Hall is a significant historical landmark in Frederick, Maryland. It is a reminder of the city’s rich history and its role in the education of women
Weinberg Center for the Arts
The Weinberg Center for the Arts is a historic performing arts venue located in downtown Frederick, Maryland. It is a cultural hub that hosts a wide range of artistic performances, including live music concerts, theatrical productions, dance performances, film screenings, and more.
McClintock Distilling
McClintock Distilling is a craft distillery located in Frederick, Maryland, known for producing high-quality spirits through a combination of traditional distillation techniques and innovative approaches. The distillery produces a variety of spirits, including vodka, gin, whiskey, and rum.
The distillery has received recognition and awards for their spirits. Their commitment to craftsmanship and innovation has earned them accolades in various competitions.
The distillery also offers tours and tastings, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals.
Crystal Grottoes Caverns
Crystal Grottoes Caverns is a natural wonder located in Boonsboro, Maryland. It is recognized as the oldest continuously operated show cave in the United States, offering visitors the opportunity to explore a fascinating underground world of crystal formations, rock formations, and geological wonders.
The caverns are formed from limestone bedrock and feature intricate formations created by the slow dissolution of rock over millions of years.
Visitors to Crystal Grottoes Caverns can explore the underground chambers and passages through guided tours led by knowledgeable guides. These tours provide insights into the cave’s geology, history, and the natural processes that have shaped it.
Schifferstadt Architectural Museum
The Schifferstadt Architectural Museum is one of the oldest surviving log houses in the United States. It was constructed in 1758 by German immigrant Joseph Brunner, making it a significant piece of colonial history.
The museum is a prime example of German colonial architecture from the 18th century. It features distinctive elements such as a central chimney, steep gabled roof, exposed wooden beams, and a symmetrical layout.
For guests interested in learning more about colonial history or German-American culture, this is a great museum to check out.
Hessian Barracks
The Hessian Barracks, located in Frederick, Maryland, is a historic site associated with the American Revolutionary War. It holds significance as a reminder of the events and people connected to the war and offers insights into the lives of Hessian soldiers who were captured during the conflict.
The Hessian Barracks was used as a prisoner of war camp until 1783, when the war ended. The barracks was then used for a variety of purposes, including a state armory, a silkworm production site, and a military hospital.
Rose Hill Manor Park and Children’s Museum
Rose Hill Manor Park and Children’s Museum is a historic site and educational facility located in Frederick, Maryland. It offers a combination of history, agriculture, and interactive learning for visitors of all ages, particularly children.
Caroll Creek Park
Carroll Creek Park is a scenic urban park located in Frederick, Maryland.
The park has everything from beautiful landscaping, several fabulous pedestrian bridges, landscaping, fountains, public art, performance spaces, and numerous restaurants and bars along the walkways.
The park is used for the Arts Festival in June and various Asian culture events, the Sailing into the Winter event, Solstice in December, and the Fire and Ice festival in February.
One of the most popular features is the “Community Bridge” mural, which was painted by local artist Johnathan Munk in 2010. The mural depicts a variety of scenes from Frederick’s history and culture.
Carroll Creek Park is a great place to walk, bike, or run. It is also a popular spot for fishing, birdwatching, and picnicking.
Catoctin Wildlife Preserve And Zoo
Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo is a popular wildlife park and zoo located in Thurmont, Maryland.
It is located near the Catoctin Mountain Park and is known for providing visitors with the opportunity to see and learn about a variety of exotic animals from around the world.
The zoo is known for its interactive exhibits, which allow visitors to get up close and personal with the animals.
One of the most popular exhibits at the zoo is the Safari Ride. Visitors board a truck and take a guided tour through the zoo’s African exhibit, where they can feed and touch animals like camels, zebras, and giraffes.
The animal encounters is also another popular exhibit to meet and learn about animals like lemurs, monkeys, and bears.
The zoo also has a variety of other exhibits, including a reptile house, a bird aviary, and a petting zoo.
Catoctin Mountains
The Catoctin Mountains are situated in the northeastern United States, covering parts of Frederick County in Maryland and Loudoun County in Virginia.
A major portion of the Catoctin Mountains is protected within the Catoctin Mountain Park, which is managed by the National Park Service. The park covers over 5,800 acres and offers visitors opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, camping, and wildlife watching.
It is also one of the best outdoor activities to check out with kids in Maryland.
Gambrill State Park
Gambrill State Park is a popular outdoor recreational area located in Frederick County, Maryland. It is known for its diverse range of activities, scenery, and huge trails, and is therefore a popular destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and families looking to enjoy the outdoors.
It is on the eastern side of Catoctin Mountain, adjacent to the Catoctin Mountain Park and Cunningham Falls State Park which is one of the state parks in Maryland.
The park is open year-round, but some facilities may be closed during the winter months.
Cunningham Falls State Park
Another scenic state park located in Frederick Maryland, Cunningham Falls State park is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and the impressive Cunningham Falls, which is the largest cascading waterfall in Maryland.
It offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, picnicking, swimming, fishing, and nature watching and features multiple hiking trails for various skill levels, from easy walks to more challenging hikes.
In addition to the falls, the park features a man-made swimming area at Hunting Creek Lake. The lake has a sandy beach and is a popular lake for swimming cooling off during the warmer months in Maryland.
Where to Stay in Frederick, Maryland
There are many great places to stay in Frederick, Maryland, depending on your budget and preferences. Here are a few suggestions:
- Budget friendly: Hampton Inn Frederick
- Mid range option: 10 Clarke Place
- Luxury option: Hilton Garden Inn Frederick Downtown
FAQs Things to Do in Frederick, Maryland
Is Frederick Maryland worth visiting?
Yes, Frederick, Maryland is definitely worth visiting! It is a charming city with a rich history and a lot to offer visitors.
Frederick boasts a beautifully preserved historic downtown area, complete with cobblestone streets, well-preserved architecture, and a rich history.
It also has numerous galleries, public art installations, and cultural events.
Also, due to its proximity to Catoctin Mountain Park, Cunningham Falls State Park, and the Appalachian Trail, outdoor enthusiasts have plenty of opportunities for hiking, nature walks, picnics, and enjoying scenic views.
What is Frederick MD famous for?
Frederick, Maryland is famous for several notable aspects, each contributing to its unique character and appeal. A few of them include the Historic downtown, Civil War Heritage, Francis Scott Key, Cunningham Falls State Park and more.
Is Frederick a good city to live?
Yes, Frederick is often considered a good city to live in for a variety of reasons. However, whether a city is a good place to live depends on individual preferences, lifestyle, and priorities. A few great reasons include:
- Historic Charm: The city’s historic downtown, characterized by its well-preserved architecture and cobblestone streets, adds to its unique charm and character.
- Education: The city is home to reputable public and private schools, making it an attractive choice for families.
- Outdoor Recreation: Frederick’s proximity to natural attractions like Catoctin Mountain Park and Cunningham Falls State Park provides residents with opportunities for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
Final Thoughts
Frederick, Maryland is a charming city with a rich history and a lot to offer visitors. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or outdoor recreation, you’re sure to find something to love in Frederick.
