Deer Park MarylandATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Deer Park, Maryland.
1. The Deer Park Inn
ELEGANT VICTORIAN DINING EXPERIENCE
The Deer Park Inn offers elegant dining and guest accommodations in the historic Pennington Cottage, a Victorian Mansion listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can enjoy dinner prepared by French-born Chef Pascal or opt for an overnight stay in this charming establishment. The inn represents one of Deer Park's most distinguished historical landmarks, combining luxury with the town's rich heritage.
2. Flying Scot, Inc.
HISTORIC SAILBOAT MANUFACTURER
Flying Scot, Inc. has manufactured nationally recognized sailboats in Deer Park for over 60 years. The company builds the 19 ft Flying Scot sailboat, an American favorite racer/cruiser that has been continuously in production in Garrett County. This manufacturer represents an important part of Deer Park's industrial heritage and remains a point of local pride.
3. Boiling Spring
HISTORIC NATURAL WATER SOURCE
Deer Park's Boiling Spring is still flowing strong after 150 years, fed by a sprawling underground aquifer made of limestone and sandstone. This natural spring was the original source of the famous Deer Park Water, one of the oldest bottled water companies in America. The spring is tucked into the forest amidst ferns and rhododendrons, offering visitors a glimpse into the natural resource that made the town famous.
4. Garrett County Barn Quilt Trail
COLORFUL RURAL ART TOUR
The Garrett County Barn Quilt Trail runs throughout the county with two specific quilt locations in Deer Park. Visitors can view stop #4, the Turkey Tracks Barn Quilt at 2515 Boiling Springs Road, and stop #29, the Bear Paw Barn Quilt located at 500 Main St in Deer Park. These colorful, geometric designs painted on barns celebrate the region's rural heritage and artistic traditions.
5. Simon Pearce Factory Outlet and Glassblowing
ARTISAN GLASS CRAFTSMANSHIP
Simon Pearce Factory Outlet and Glassblowing offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the art of glass creation. Visitors can watch skilled artisans transform molten glass into beautiful works of art using traditional techniques. The outlet store provides an opportunity to purchase handcrafted glassware directly from the source at special prices.
6. Circle R Ranch
WESTERN HORSEBACK ADVENTURE
Circle R Ranch provides horseback riding experiences through the scenic countryside of Garrett County. Visitors can enjoy guided trail rides suitable for all experience levels against the backdrop of Maryland's beautiful western mountains. The ranch offers a taste of western culture in the Appalachian highlands, making it a popular attraction for families and adventure seekers.
7. Garrett County Museum of Transportation
HISTORIC VEHICLE COLLECTION
The Garrett County Museum of Transportation showcases the evolution of transportation in Western Maryland through its collection of historic vehicles. Exhibits feature everything from horse-drawn carriages to vintage automobiles, trains, and other modes of transport that were vital to the region's development. The museum offers an educational journey through time, highlighting how transportation shaped the culture and economy of Garrett County.
8. Loar Auxiliary Gift Shop
LOCAL CRAFTS AND GIFTS
The Loar Auxiliary Gift Shop offers a charming selection of handcrafted items, souvenirs, and gifts made by local artisans. This well-regarded shop provides visitors with the opportunity to purchase unique mementos that represent the culture and craftsmanship of the region. The shop's excellent reputation is reflected in its high rating, making it a must-visit for those looking for authentic local treasures.
9. Deep Creek Lake
PREMIER RECREATIONAL WATERWAY
Deep Creek Lake is a 13-mile, man-made, spring-fed lake built in 1923 that has become one of Maryland's top tourism destinations. Located just ten miles from Deer Park, it draws 1.4 million visitors annually for boating, fishing, swimming, and other water activities throughout the summer. During winter months, the lake area remains popular with nearby Wisp Resort attracting skiers and other winter sports enthusiasts to the region.
10. Wisp Resort
FOUR-SEASON MOUNTAIN RECREATION
Wisp Resort is Western Maryland's premier ski and golf destination offering year-round mountain recreation near Deer Park. In winter, visitors enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing on numerous trails with state-of-the-art snowmaking equipment. During warmer months, the resort transforms to offer mountain biking, golf, scenic chairlift rides, and a variety of outdoor adventure activities for all ages.
11. Swallow Falls State Park
MAJESTIC WATERFALLS SANCTUARY
Swallow Falls State Park features Maryland's highest free-falling waterfall, the 53-foot Muddy Creek Falls, along with several other spectacular cascades set amid virgin hemlock and white pine forests. Located a short drive from Deer Park, the park offers well-maintained hiking trails that lead visitors through some of the state's most pristine natural landscapes. The park's combination of dramatic waterfalls, ancient trees, and rocky gorges makes it one of the most photographed natural areas in the region.
12. Herrington Manor State Park
SERENE LAKE RECREATION
Herrington Manor State Park centers around a 53-acre lake offering swimming, boating, and fishing in a peaceful mountain setting near Deer Park. The park features cabins for rent, picnic areas, and miles of hiking and cross-country skiing trails through beautiful forests. Visitors particularly enjoy the sandy beach area during summer months and the spectacular fall foliage that transforms the surrounding landscape each autumn.
13. Garrett County Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Garrett County Historical Museum preserves and showcases the rich cultural heritage of Maryland's westernmost county, including artifacts from Deer Park's heyday as a resort town. Exhibits feature everything from Native American artifacts to coal mining equipment, railroad memorabilia, and household items from the 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum provides fascinating insights into the area's past, including its development as a vacation destination for wealthy East Coast residents during the railroad era.
14. The Cornucopia Café
FARM-TO-TABLE MOUNTAIN DINING
The Cornucopia Café offers a delightful farm-to-table dining experience featuring locally-sourced ingredients from the mountains of Western Maryland. Located a short drive from Deer Park, this popular eatery serves creative breakfast and lunch options in a warm, rustic atmosphere. The café is known for its freshly baked goods, specialty coffees, and seasonal menu that showcases the agricultural bounty of Garrett County.
15. High Mountain Sports
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE OUTFITTER
High Mountain Sports is a comprehensive outdoor recreation store offering equipment sales, rentals, and guided adventures for exploring the natural beauty surrounding Deer Park. The shop provides everything from kayaks and paddleboards for Deep Creek Lake to mountain bikes, skiing equipment, and hiking gear for all seasons. Their knowledgeable staff offers expert advice on local trails, water conditions, and outdoor activities, making it an essential first stop for visitors planning recreational adventures in Garrett County.