Hagerstown

Hagerstown combines parkland, local history and a diverse cultural scene. Those looking to plan a trip with walks, museums, historic sites and events will find a variety of options here. When choosing your holiday apartment, you can therefore consider whether you would prefer to focus on nature experiences in City Park, history and art, or the offerings in the city center.

City Park: Paths, Water and Discoveries

The historic City Park includes man-made lakes, wooded walking paths, picnic areas and active recreational facilities. You can explore the park along several measured trails. Information boards point out locations within the park, including the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, the Mansion House and the Jonathan Hager House and Museum.

Families also have special reasons to explore the park more closely. On the way to the Mansion House, visitors can read a children's book page by page. Those who prefer to learn about history through buildings and objects can include the Jonathan Hager House Museum in their plans. Built around 1739 and restored, the former home of Jonathan Hager, the founder of Hagerstown, displays historic furniture and artifacts. Tours take visitors through the restored residence of Jonathan Hager, which was built as a fortified dwelling.

History and Art in Hagerstown

The Hagerstown Historic District encompasses Hagerstown's original town plan, laid out in 1762. The Founder's Footsteps Walking Tour focuses on the legacy of Jonathan Hager and the founding of Hagerstown. The associated museums, historic sites and collections focus on the period from 1739 to 1813.

The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts is home to a permanent collection of more than 7,000 objects. These include paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures and decorative art. The Hagerstown Cultural Trail connects the downtown Arts & Entertainment District with City Park and the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. The walkable route is half a mile long and includes a large mural, outdoor sculptures and community art spaces.

The City Park Railroad Museum is located at the City Park Train Hub. There, visitors can board real retired train cabooses and the steam locomotive. The Maryland Theatre complements the cultural offerings with stage performances, films, music shows, family programs, civic events, student series and international touring productions.

Market Visits and Local Impressions

The Historic City Farmers Market is also part of Hagerstown's history. According to historical records, it was established in 1773. Today, the market is held outdoors at 25 W. Church Street in the parking lot of the Hub City Brewery in Hagerstown. Offerings include handmade crafts, locally grown products and baked goods.

The variety of experiences allows for different day plans: You can combine a walk around the park with a museum visit, learn about historic sites on the Founder's Footsteps Walking Tour, view art in the museum and throughout the city, or combine a market visit with a cultural evening at the Maryland Theatre.

Explore More Destinations

If you would like to compare other destination pages in addition to Hagerstown, you can also visit Clear Spring and Keedysville. This allows you to combine your search for suitable accommodation with additional travel ideas.

For the higher-level travel overview: Washington.