Things to do in Hagerstown, Maryland
- Hagerstown is known as the Hub City because it served as a major crossroads for railroads and turnpikes connecting the Mid-Atlantic to the American frontier.
- The city was the site of a unique historical occurrence during the Civil War, when it was occupied by both Confederate and Union forces at different times throughout the conflict.
- It is home to the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, which has been a cultural staple in the region since 1982.
- The city's downtown area features a high concentration of Victorian-era architecture, much of which survived urban renewal efforts that cleared similar structures in neighboring cities.
- Hagerstown was originally named Elizabethtown in honor of Jonathan Hager's wife before eventually adopting the founder's surname.
About Hagerstown, Maryland
Hagerstown is located at the intersection of major transportation corridors in Western Maryland, serving as a historic regional hub with a distinct focus on 18th-century heritage. The city was founded by Jonathan Hager in 1762 and preserves his legacy at the Jonathan Hager House Museum. Visitors often frequent the expansive grounds of Hagerstown City Park, which anchors the local cultural scene alongside the adjacent Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. The city maintains a legacy as a key rail center, a history commemorated at the City Park Train Hub.
Highlights of Hagerstown, Maryland
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
This park features a central lake and walking paths that serve as the focal point of the city's green space.
Museums
The museum houses an impressive collection of American art and international masterpieces within a park setting.
Parks
This park offers a quieter environment along Antietam Creek for those looking for outdoor recreation.
Museums
Visitors can tour the original stone dwelling built by the city's founder in the mid-1700s.
Museums
This museum showcases the critical role that rail transport played in the development of the city.
Places of interest
The cemetery is a significant historical site containing the resting places of soldiers from the Civil War era.
Top things to do in Hagerstown, Maryland
The 33 highest-rated places in Hagerstown, Maryland, ranked by travellers.
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Parks
Hagerstown City Park is a 50-acre municipal park centered around an expansive lake and the Jonathan Hager House. It feat...
2
Parks
Greenbrier State Park is a 42-acre man-made lake located within the South Mountain range of Maryland. The park features...
3
Parks
Catoctin Mountain Park is a 5,810-acre unit of the National Park Service located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Maryland...
4
Historical places
Antietam National Battlefield preserves the site of the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, which occurred...
5
Parks
Cowans Gap State Park is centered around a 42-acre man-made lake located in the Buchanan State Forest. The park provides...
6
Places of interest
Crystal Grottoes Caverns is Maryland's only show cave open to the public, distinguished by its high density of crystal f...
7
Parks
Devil's Backbone County Park is a 10-acre site centered around a distinct limestone rock formation known as the Devil's...
8
Museums
The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts is an AAM-accredited institution located within Hagerstown's City Park. The pe...
9
Parks
Red Run Park is a 35-acre recreational facility located in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, managed by Washington Township. The...
10
Parks
Washington Monument State Park features the first monument ever completed to honor George Washington, originally constru...
11
Museums
Renfrew Museum and Park preserves an 18th-century stone farmstead situated on 107 acres along the East Branch of the Ant...
12
Parks
Cunningham Falls State Park features Maryland's largest cascading waterfall, a 78-foot drop located within the Catoctin...
13
Places of interest
Big Mountain Overlook is a scenic vantage point situated along the ridge of the Buchanan State Forest in Franklin County...
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Places of interest
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Hagerstown, Maryland on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Hagerstown, Maryland
Late spring or early autumn, when the moderate climate is ideal for exploring outdoor parks like Hellane Park and Funkstown Community Park.
2 days, which allows sufficient time to cover the core museum district and local historical sites.
A personal vehicle is recommended for navigating the region, though the downtown area is largely walkable.
Staying near the Downtown core or the vicinity of City Park offers the best proximity to museums and historical sites.
Mid-range; the city offers affordable lodging and dining options compared to the nearby Washington D.C. metropolitan area.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 33 curated attractions in and around Hagerstown, Maryland, ranked by traveller ratings.
Hagerstown City Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Hagerstown, Maryland right now.
The largest category is parks, with 11 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bayonne, New Jersey, Downtown Los Angeles, Washington, D.C..
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