Union Bridge MarylandATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Union Bridge, Maryland.
1. Western Maryland Railway Museum
HISTORIC RAILROAD HERITAGE
The Western Maryland Railway Museum is housed in the historic Union Bridge station built in 1902, which served as a stop for the Western Maryland Railway. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing the region's rich railroad history and view preserved artifacts from the golden age of rail travel. The museum also maintains extensive archives documenting the significant role the Western Maryland Railway played in the transportation development of the area.
2. Union Bridge Historic District
CHARMING HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE
The Union Bridge Historic District features well-preserved buildings and streets that showcase the town's architectural heritage. Walking through the district, visitors can observe various historical structures that reflect different periods in the town's development since its founding. The area provides a glimpse into small-town American life as it evolved through the 19th and early 20th centuries.
3. Bark Hill Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION SPACE
Bark Hill Park offers residents and visitors a pleasant outdoor space for recreation and relaxation in Union Bridge. The park features open green spaces, walking paths, and facilities for various outdoor activities suitable for all ages. It serves as a community gathering place for local events and casual outdoor enjoyment throughout the year.
4. Little Pipe Creek Park
SCENIC NATURAL SETTING
Little Pipe Creek Park is a natural retreat following the meandering Little Pipe Creek through Union Bridge. The park offers peaceful walking trails along the waterway where visitors can enjoy birdwatching and observe local wildlife in their natural habitat. Its scenic beauty makes it a perfect spot for photography, picnics, and quiet contemplation of nature.
5. Lehigh Portland Cement Company
INDUSTRIAL HISTORICAL SITE
The Lehigh Portland Cement Company has been a significant industrial presence in Union Bridge since the early 20th century. The facility represents an important part of the town's economic history and industrial heritage. Visitors interested in industrial archaeology can appreciate the scale of this operation that has helped shape the community's development.
6. Piney Branch Golf Club
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Piney Branch Golf Club offers a challenging 18-hole championship golf course near Union Bridge. The beautifully maintained greens and fairways wind through picturesque Maryland countryside, providing a scenic backdrop for golfers of all skill levels. The club also features a clubhouse with dining facilities where players can relax after their round.
7. Carroll County Farm Museum
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER
The Carroll County Farm Museum preserves the rural heritage of the region through its historic farm buildings and agricultural exhibits. Visitors can explore the 1852 farmhouse, various outbuildings, and demonstration areas that showcase traditional farming techniques and rural life. The museum hosts seasonal events including harvest celebrations, craft demonstrations, and educational programs about agricultural history.
8. Serpent Ridge Vineyard
LOCAL WINE TASTING
Serpent Ridge Vineyard is a boutique winery located a short drive from Union Bridge offering locally produced wines. Visitors can enjoy tastings of their distinctive wines in a charming setting surrounded by scenic vineyard views. The winery frequently hosts special events including live music, food pairings, and seasonal celebrations throughout the year.
9. Old Main Street Shoppes
QUAINT RETAIL EXPERIENCE
Old Main Street Shoppes in nearby Westminster features a collection of unique boutiques and specialty stores in a historic setting. Shoppers can browse through antiques, handcrafted items, locally made products, and distinctive gifts while enjoying the charm of the preserved architecture. The shopping district regularly hosts seasonal events that bring additional vendors and entertainment to enhance the shopping experience.
10. Baugher's Restaurant & Fruit Market
FARM-FRESH DINING EXPERIENCE
Baugher's Restaurant & Fruit Market offers home-style cooking using fresh ingredients from their own farm near Union Bridge. Their menu features seasonal specialties and classic comfort food served in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors can also shop at their adjacent market for fresh produce, baked goods, and local specialty food items to take home.
11. Antrim 1844
HISTORIC LUXURY INN
Antrim 1844 is a restored pre-Civil War plantation house converted into an elegant country house hotel near Union Bridge. The property features luxurious accommodations in a meticulously preserved historic setting surrounded by beautiful gardens and grounds. Their renowned restaurant, Smokehouse Restaurant, offers fine dining with seasonal menus featuring locally sourced ingredients prepared with sophisticated culinary techniques.
12. Pipe Creek Friends Meetinghouse
HISTORIC QUAKER SITE
The Pipe Creek Friends Meetinghouse represents an important piece of religious heritage in the Union Bridge area. This historic Quaker meeting house, dating back to the 18th century, stands as one of the oldest religious buildings in the region. The simple architecture and peaceful grounds reflect the Quaker values of simplicity and contemplation that influenced early settlement patterns in the area.
13. Hoffman's Ice Cream
BELOVED LOCAL DESSERT
Hoffman's Ice Cream is a cherished local institution serving handcrafted ice cream near the Union Bridge area. Their extensive menu features dozens of flavors made using traditional methods and quality ingredients. Generations of families have made visiting Hoffman's a tradition, especially during the warm summer months when their outdoor seating areas are filled with happy customers.
14. Catoctin Mountain Park
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE DESTINATION
Catoctin Mountain Park offers breathtaking natural beauty with over 25 miles of hiking trails leading to spectacular vistas and hidden waterfalls. The park's 5,770 acres provide opportunities for camping, fishing, wildlife viewing, and outdoor recreation throughout all four seasons. Visitors can also explore the park's rich cultural history including historic structures and sites that tell the story of human interaction with this mountain landscape.
15. Cygnus Wine Cellars
ARTISANAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Cygnus Wine Cellars specializes in handcrafted wines produced using traditional European methods in a converted slaughterhouse near Union Bridge. Their focus on sparkling wines and distinctive varietals has earned them recognition among Maryland's premier boutique wineries. Visitors can enjoy tastings in their intimate cellar tasting room while learning about their unique wine-making philosophy and techniques.