15 Best Things to Do in Frederick, Maryland

Frederick, Maryland has a variety of attractions, parks, recreational facilities, wineries, antique shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. As the gateway to western Maryland with its mountainous views and "clustered spires" skyline, Frederick is best known for its civil war history and its 40-block historic district. Located within an hour drive of Washington D.C. and Baltimore, the historic town is an easy and fun place to explore.

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Tour Monacacy National Battlefield

Monocacy National Battlefield sign — Tourism Council of Frederick County, Inc.

Address

5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD 21704, USA

Get directions

Phone +1 301-662-3515

Web Visit website

The Civil War site is one of Frederick, Maryland's most notable historic attractions where the Battle of Monocacy Junction was fought on July 9, 1864. The battle was one of the last that the Confederates carried out in Union territory and saved Washington, D.C., from being attacked. Take a walking tour and stop by the Visitor Center to see electronic maps, historical artifacts, and interpretive displays. Participate in a ranger-guided program or attend a special event.

02 of 15

Visit the National Museum of Civil War Medicine

Display in the National Museum of Civil War Medicine — Tourism Council of Frederick County, Inc.

Address

48 E Patrick St, Frederick, MD 21701, USA

Get directions

Phone +1 301-695-1864

Web Visit website

Located in downtown Frederick, the museum contains five galleries and more than 1,200 artifacts that illustrate the medical story of the American Civil War. Visitors learn about the history of medical care and technology as it relates to the military and the wounded. There is also a gift shop and research facility.

03 of 15

Attend a Performance at the Weinberg Center for the Arts

Address

20 W Patrick St, Frederick, MD 21701, USA

Get directions

Phone +1 301-600-2828

Web Visit website

Looking for something fun to do to entertain the whole family? The 1926 restored movie palace, located in downtown Frederick, is a thriving state-of-the-art theater that features a variety of concert and theatrical performances. The facility seats 1,500 and is also available to rent for film festivals, studio screenings, conventions, weddings, and business meetings.

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Attend Events

Frederick Maryland Fireworks — Celebrate Frederick, Inc.

A wide range of family-friendly events is held in Frederick throughout the year. Enjoy some of the most popular festivals and events, like Restaurant Week, when participating restaurants will offer fixed-price lunch and dinner options to entice diners to try something new, or the Bell and History Day Tours, participating museums and historic sites offer free admission along with special events, tours, music, living history programs, and various bell-themed activities.

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05 of 15

Shop for Antiques Downtown

Shab Row — Tourism Council of Frederick County

Downtown Frederick boasts more than 200 antique shops, many within an easy walking distance of each other. The historic area includes retail shops specializing in home furnishings, fashion, outdoor gear, toys, specialty foods, books, art, and more.

06 of 15

Attend a Frederick Keys Baseball Game

Baseball player swinging at a pitch — J. Leggett

Address

21 Stadium Dr, Frederick, MD 21703-6553, USA

Get directions

Phone +1 301-662-0088

Web Visit website

The Frederick Keys are a minor league baseball team that is a Class A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. The Harry Grove Stadium seats 5,500 fans and is family friendly, offering a Fun Zone and postgame fireworks on the weekends.

07 of 15

Take a Bike Ride Through Historic Frederick

View of the Hessian Barracks — Acroterion/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0

The Frederick History Bicycle Loop is a 10-mile loop through the City of Frederick with stops at 22 historic sites including Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, the Francis Scott Key Memorial, the Hessian Barracks, and Civil War sites.

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Enjoy Fine Dining in Downtown Frederick

Firestone's Culinary Tavern - Frederick — Andrew Murdock

Address

228 N Market St, Frederick, MD 21701, USA

Get directions

Phone +1 301-696-8658

Web Visit website

Downtown Frederick offers a variety of great restaurants including some award-winning establishments like VOLT, the Dutch's Daughter, and Firestone. Enjoy a wide range of cuisine from Italian to Japanese to Seafood to Spanish Tapas. You can also check out Frederick's Restaurant Week in March when many fine establishments offer prix-fixe menus at a discount.

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09 of 15

Explore Baker Park

View of a pond and man-made waterfalls and a tower in Baker Park — Jennifer Boyer/Flickr/CC BY 2.0

Address

Baker Park, Frederick, MD 21701, USA

Get directions

Web Visit website

The 44-acre park, located in downtown Frederick features a carillon, a lake, a public swimming pool, tennis courts, athletic fields, and several playgrounds. The park serves as a venue for summer concerts, a children’s theater, and many other outdoor events.

10 of 15

Explore Cunningham Falls State Park

People swimming at Cunningham Falls State park — Rachel Cooper

Address

14039 Catoctin Hollow Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA

Get directions

Phone +1 301-271-7574

Web Visit website

Located just north of Frederick, Cunningham Falls State Park features a beautiful 78-foot cascading waterfall, a 44-acre lake, 140 campsites, playgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails. This is a local favorite destination for outdoor recreation with plenty of things to do for the whole family.

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Tour a Local Winery

Linganore Winery — Tourism Council of Frederick County

The Frederick Wine Trail is made up of six wineries and their combined 120 acres of vineyards. Enjoy a ride through the Maryland countryside and discover some of Frederick County's best agricultural bounty with its beautiful vineyards and outstanding wines.

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Take a Brewery Tour at Flying Dog Brewery

Line of flying dog tap handles — Maryland GovPics/Flickr/CC BY 2.0

Address

4607 Wedgewood Blvd, Frederick, MD 21703-7120, USA

Get directions

Phone +1 301-694-7899

Web Visit website

Visit Flying Dog Brewery, the largest beer producer in Maryland and home of beers like Deadrise, a light, Old Bay-infused brew perfect for seafood, that has won gold medals around the world. Tours are free and offered on Thursdays through Sundays.

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13 of 15

Take the Kids to Rose Hill Manor Park and Children's Museum

Rose Hill Manor Park and Museum — Frederick Visitors Bureau

Address

1611 N Market St, Frederick, MD 21701, USA

Get directions

Phone +1 301-600-1650

Web Visit website

Rose Hill Manor provides visitors with a look at early American life, transportation history and the agricultural history of Frederick County. The property features a manor house, icehouse, log cabin, blacksmith shop, carriage collection, and two barns. Guided tours are offered daily. Special programs are available for children and groups.

14 of 15

Ride on a Vintage Train on the Walkersville Southern Railroad

Historic railroad — Alexander Spatari / Getty Images

Address

34 W Pennsylvania Ave, Walkersville, MD 21793, USA

Get directions

Phone +1 301-898-0899

Web Visit website

Located just northwest of Frederick in Walkersville, Md., the historic railroad offers a variety of excursion rides including mystery dinner trains, Jesse James Day, special events, and private charters. The Santa Train is especially popular during the holiday season.

15 of 15

Visit Schifferstadt Architectural Museum

Address

1110 Rosemont Ave, Frederick, MD 21701-4127, USA

Get directions

Phone +1 301-663-3885

Web Visit website

The Schifferstadt Architectural Museum is an 18th-century museum and gardens in Frederick, Maryland. It is one of the oldest and most historic buildings in the City of Frederick and among the best examples of early Colonial German Architecture in the country. Special events are held onsite throughout the year.