Potomac River
Scenic view of the Potomac River at Point Lookout.
The Road to America's 250th Starts Here
As America commemorates its 250th anniversary, discover the rivers, roads, rails, trails, and towns that helped move a young nation westward from Mountain Maryland.
Allegany County, Maryland, is proud to join the nationwide commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary. As part of the Maryland 250 Commission, we invite you to explore the stories, attractions, and events that reflect our region’s role in the nation’s founding and its ongoing journey toward life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Here in the Mountain Side of Maryland, you’ll find place-based experiences, inclusive storytelling, and opportunities to connect past to present. Every attraction, itinerary, and program featured here has been vetted and approved by the Maryland 250 Coalition to ensure historical accuracy, inclusivity, and meaningful reflection.
- 3 Pershing Street
- (301) 777-7200
The Allegany Museum offers an in-depth journey through Allegany County and the surrounding region's history, spanning from the arrival of Native Americans 12,000 years ago to the 20th century Industry. The museum also highlights the evolution of transportation, featuring the…
- 13 Canal Street
Preserving America's early transportation history, the C&O Canal began as a dream of passage to Western wealth. Operating for nearly 100 years the canal was a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River as coal, lumber, and agricultural products floated down the waterway to…
- 15613 Trimble Road NW
- (301) 687-0664
This historic farm, located just outside Mt. Savage, was established over 200 years ago. It includes three museums (the Farmhouse Museum, Agricultural Museum in the c.1783 barn, and the Coal Camp Museum) plus acres of gardens, greenhouses, a sawmill, and three outdoor pavilions…
- 50 E Main Street
- (301) 689-1195
The Frostburg Museum is a premier small-town museum with displays representing Frostburg's history, including coal mining, daily life, music, military, and business. A highlight of the property includes the historic Braddock Stone, a local highway marker carved from stone in the…
- 19015 Opessa Street
Visiting this colonial stone house built by Captain Michael Cresap in 1764 provides a rare opportunity to experience what life was like for a frontier family during the 18th century. Michael was the son of the famous Col. Thomas Cresap, a member of the Ohio Company, whose…
- 14302 National Highway
- (301) 777-5132
Constructed in 1811, the National Road, the first federally funded road, made Cumberland "The Gateway to the West," establishing mile marker one. Travel the road as it cuts through the Narrows in LaVale, a spectacular 1,000-foot breach between Wills and Haystack Mountains that…
- 117 Maryland Avenue
- (240) 410-7502
The museum in Westernport recounts the community's industrial history and showcases a collection of railroad artifacts. The Westernport Heritage Society Museum was founded in 1996 when the local Western Maryland Railroad Station was acquired by the Town of Westernport for use as…
- 19 Depot Street
- (301) 689-3380
"Make the Journey" on the National Road to the Thrasher Carriage Museum. Costumed docents transport visitors back in time to explore early transportation. Guides and interpretive signs offer a glimpse into the world of the elegant traveler. Stories of the clothing, activities…
- 136 Main Street
- (443) 651-0680
Small-town museum capturing community and home culture during the railroading and coal mining era.
Historic Train Rides
Iconic journey on the rails with Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.
Trace the legacy of coal mining in Allegany County, where the industry powered a nation and shaped the lives of immigrant families who built Mountain Maryland’s communities.
Discover stories of resilience and triumph as you explore sites that honor the contributions of African Americans to Allegany County’s cultural, social, and civic history.
Travel the nation’s first federally funded highway, beginning in Cumberland, and uncover the landmarks, towns, and stories that shaped America’s westward exploration.
Liberty Tree Trail
In Mountain Maryland, freedom didn't just make history - it took root. Come experience our Liberty Tree Trail.
Historical tours of the George Washington's Headquarters during Museum Week 2026. Schedule: Friday, June 12th:12 pm to 6pm Saturday, June 13th: 10 am to 6pm Sunday, June 14th: 12 pm to 6 pm Friday, June 19th: 12 pm to 6 pm Saturday, June 20th: 10am to 6 pm Learn more about Museum…
Step into America’s early transportation history at the LaVale Toll Gate House—open select weekends May through October with free guided tours. Located just outside downtown Cumberland along the Historic National Road, this unique seven-sided structure offers visitors a chance to…
Join us in celebrating Mountain Traditions during the 2026 Mountain Maryland Museum Week! Evergreen will be open each day June 15th-18th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. for museum and exhibit tours. Check out the Farmhouse Museum, Living Off the Land Agricultural Museum, Miner’s…
During Museum Week 2026, the Frostburg Museum has arranged guided walking tours of the Coal Miner Memorial in Frostburg, Maryland. The guides will be able to provide question and answers on the Memorial and coal mining heritage in Mountain Maryland. Available: June 16 - 12:30 pm…
Join us in celebrating Mountain Traditions during the 2026 Mountain Maryland Museum Week! Evergreen will be open each day June 15th-18th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. for museum and exhibit tours. Check out the Farmhouse Museum, Living Off the Land Agricultural Museum, Miner’s…
During Museum Week 2026, the Frostburg Museum has arranged guided walking tours of the Coal Miner Memorial in Frostburg, Maryland. The guides will be able to provide question and answers on the Memorial and coal mining heritage in Mountain Maryland.
Join us in celebrating Mountain Traditions during the 2026 Mountain Maryland Museum Week! Evergreen will be open each day June 15th-18th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. for museum and exhibit tours. Check out the Farmhouse Museum, Living Off the Land Agricultural Museum, Miner’s…
Join us in celebrating Mountain Traditions during the 2026 Mountain Maryland Museum Week! Evergreen will be open each day June 15th-18th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. for museum and exhibit tours. Check out the Farmhouse Museum, Living Off the Land Agricultural Museum, Miner’s…
Mike Garner presents "A Brief History of Coal Mining, Coal Mining Laws, the Environmental Legacy and the Accomplishments of the Abandoned Mine Division in Maryland's Coal Region,' a presentation hosted by the Frostburg Museum during Museum Week.
- Evergreen Heritage Center
- Recurring monthly on the 3rd Saturday
Join us for a FREE hike on Evergreen’s property. We’ll meet in the upper parking lot and hike out and back for ~1 hour. Bring your hiking stick and lace us your boots as we explore the Forest Evolution Trail! Our trails do not officially open to the public until June 2026, so any…
The 26th annual Oldtown Summerfest will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, on the grounds of the former Oldtown School located at 19210 Opessa Street, SE. The festival blends the history of Oldtown, founded by Thomas Cresap in 1741, with many family-oriented activites…
America's 250th Parade • Saturday, June 27th at 1:00 pm The City of Cumberland is kicking off the week of America's 250th with a parade! Join us Saturday, June 27th at 1:00 pm to celebrate America's 250th Anniversary! The application for parade participants is now open! We are…
Join us for a free community celebration at Canal Place and throughout the County, on July 4th from 2pm until after the conclusion of fireworks (approximately 10pm) We will celebrate the MD250 / America250 all day as we explore our unique history and heritage. Live entertainment…
Frostburg Elks 49th Annual Derby Day. July 4, 9:30 AM. Over sixty entries will be racing on Main Street, starting at the Frostburg Library. Drivers are ages 9 thru 14. Experience your childhood & cheer all the drivers
Heritage Days is Cumberland's signature festival and has something for everyone - history, music, arts, crafts, festival food, children's activities - September 12 and 13, 2026. The schedule is subject to change. For the most accurate schedule, please visit…
- Frostburg State University
- Recurring daily
The Appalachian Festival will celebrate its 21st year on September 17-19, 2026, at Frostburg State University! Stay tuned for more details and follow along at their website - https://www.frostburg.edu/annual-events/afestival/.
- Western Maryland Railway Station at Canal Place
- Recurring daily
Maryland Railfest 2026 brings the rich history and excitement of railroading to life in the heart of historic downtown Cumberland. One of this year’s biggest highlights is the opportunity to ride behind the legendary steam locomotive No. 1309 on a special excursion to the scenic…
Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal West Scenic Byway
Follow rich history and adventure through Allegany County's portion of the…
Historic National Road Scenic Byway
Follow America's oldest road through the county to discover important parts of…
Mountain Maryland Byway
Explore the wild side of Maryland, characterized by rugged mountain trails and…
Learn About our Heritage Area
Where the story of America's early transportation milestones is told in our rivers, rails, trails, mountains, and towns.
