Barnesville MarylandATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Barnesville, Maryland.
1. Soleado Lavender Farm
FRAGRANT PURPLE FIELDS
Soleado Lavender Farm offers visitors a chance to wander through beautiful fields of aromatic lavender in Barnesville. Visitors can purchase lavender products, from essential oils to culinary items, all made on-site from their harvests. The farm often hosts seasonal events including lavender festivals where guests can learn about cultivation practices and enjoy the peaceful countryside setting.
2. Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard
LOCAL WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE
Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard provides wine enthusiasts with an opportunity to sample locally produced wines in a picturesque setting near Barnesville. The vineyard features a tasting room where visitors can enjoy flights of their award-winning varieties while overlooking the rolling vineyards. Tours of the wine-making facilities are available, offering insights into the process from grape to bottle.
3. Barnesville Baptist Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE
Barnesville Baptist Church stands as a historic landmark on the east side of town, housed in its original frame building dating back to 1871. The church represents an important piece of local heritage, having served the community continuously for over 150 years. Its simple yet elegant architecture offers visitors a glimpse into 19th-century religious buildings in rural Maryland.
4. St. Mary's Church
HISTORIC CATHOLIC PARISH
St. Mary's Church, established in 1807, is one of the oldest Catholic parishes in the region with deep historical significance to Barnesville. The church cemetery contains several graves of immigrant workers who died of cholera while building the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, connecting the site to important regional history. Jesuit ministers from Frederick first held mass in Barnesville and led the creation of this enduring religious landmark.
5. Barnesville School of Arts & Sciences
EDUCATION AND CULTURE CENTER
The Barnesville School of Arts & Sciences is a private educational institution serving children from three years of age through eighth grade. The campus frequently hosts community events, art exhibitions, and science fairs that are open to the public. Its grounds provide beautiful green spaces and occasionally feature outdoor installations that visitors can enjoy while learning about the school's innovative approach to education.
6. Sugarloaf Mountain
SCENIC HIKING DESTINATION
Sugarloaf Mountain is a prominent natural landmark located near Barnesville, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Maryland countryside. Hikers can enjoy several well-maintained trails of varying difficulty levels that wind through diverse ecosystems and lead to stunning overlooks. The mountain is particularly beautiful during autumn when the surrounding forests transform into vibrant displays of red, orange, and gold foliage.
7. Monocacy Aqueduct
HISTORIC CANAL STRUCTURE
The Monocacy Aqueduct is a magnificent seven-arch structure that once carried the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal over the Monocacy River, just a short drive from Barnesville. As the largest aqueduct on the canal, this beautifully preserved engineering marvel showcases the impressive stonework and design techniques of early 19th-century American infrastructure. Visitors can walk along the towpath, admire the aqueduct's grand scale, and learn about its vital role in the region's transportation history.
8. White's Ferry
HISTORIC RIVER CROSSING
White's Ferry is a historic cable ferry that has been transporting people and vehicles across the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia since the 1800s. The ferry provides a charming, nostalgic transportation experience that connects visitors to the area's rich history and rural character. The landing area features picnic spots and river views, making it a pleasant destination for those exploring the region around Barnesville.
9. Homestead Farm
PICK-YOUR-OWN PRODUCE ADVENTURE
Homestead Farm offers seasonal pick-your-own fruit and vegetable experiences just a short drive from Barnesville. Visitors can harvest strawberries in spring, peaches and blackberries in summer, and apples and pumpkins in fall, connecting directly with local agriculture. The farm also features a market with fresh produce, homemade preserves, and a petting area where children can interact with friendly farm animals.
10. Calleva Farm
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CENTER
Calleva Farm provides exciting outdoor adventure activities and educational programs near Barnesville for visitors of all ages. The center offers kayaking, rock climbing, ropes courses, and horseback riding experiences led by experienced guides in the beautiful Montgomery County countryside. Seasonal festivals at the farm showcase sustainable agriculture practices and often feature local food, music, and artisan demonstrations.
11. Bassett's Restaurant
LOCAL CULINARY TRADITION
Bassett's Restaurant serves as a beloved dining institution near Barnesville, offering hearty American fare in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. The restaurant features a menu of comfort food classics with seasonal specials that often incorporate ingredients from nearby farms. Its historic building and warm ambiance make it a popular gathering spot for both locals and visitors exploring Montgomery County.
12. The Blue Hearth
VINTAGE HOME DECOR MARKET
The Blue Hearth is a charming marketplace featuring vintage furniture, home decor, and artisanal goods just a short drive from Barnesville. The shop is housed in a renovated historic property where each room showcases different vendors and design aesthetics, creating a treasure hunt atmosphere for shoppers. The business regularly refreshes its inventory and hosts special market weekends with additional vendors, demonstrations, and seasonal displays.
13. BlackRock Center for the Arts
CULTURAL PERFORMANCE VENUE
BlackRock Center for the Arts serves as the leading performing and visual arts venue in the upper Montgomery County region near Barnesville. The center hosts a diverse calendar of concerts, theater performances, dance recitals, and film screenings throughout the year. Its gallery spaces feature rotating exhibitions by local and regional artists, complementing the performance offerings with visual arts experiences.
14. Butler's Orchard
FAMILY FARM EXPERIENCE
Butler's Orchard offers year-round farm experiences including pick-your-own fruits, seasonal festivals, and a farm market not far from Barnesville. The 300-acre family farm has been operating since 1950 and features strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, apples, pumpkins, and Christmas trees depending on the season. Their popular annual events include Pumpkin Festival in autumn and Bunnyland in spring, providing families with agricultural education through hands-on fun.
15. Catoctin Wildlife Preserve
ZOOLOGICAL PARK ADVENTURE
Catoctin Wildlife Preserve houses hundreds of exotic and native species in naturalistic habitats within a reasonable day trip from Barnesville. Visitors can experience the unique Safari Ride, where open-air vehicles transport guests through large enclosures for close encounters with animals from around the world. The preserve combines entertainment with education through keeper talks, feeding demonstrations, and conservation messaging throughout the facility.