The aquarium exhibits local species such as smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and channel catfish.
The facility is situated within the 1,800-acre Deep Creek Lake State Park.
It features a dedicated aviary for birds of prey that cannot be released back into the wild due to permanent injuries.
The Discovery Center serves as the official hub for the Maryland Park Service’s interpretive programs in the region.
The Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center serves as the primary educational gateway for Deep Creek Lake State Park in Maryland. It features a 26,000-gallon aquarium showcasing native fish species found in the Youghiogheny River watershed. The center provides detailed exhibits on the natural history, geology, and local wildlife of the Western Maryland mountains. Visitors can view taxidermy displays of black bears, wild turkeys, and raptors indigenous to the region. Interactive stations explain the ecological significance of the surrounding forests and the lake's man-made creation process. The facility is physically integrated into the park’s trail network, providing direct access to woodland paths. Educational programs often include live raptor presentations and guided nature walks conducted by park rangers.
The viewing glass of the 26,000-gallon native fish aquarium.
Visit the aviary located just outside the building to see the resident birds of prey up close.
Pick up a trail map at the front desk, as the center serves as the trailhead for several park hikes.
Check the bulletin board at the entrance for the daily schedule of ranger-led nature programs.
Do not attempt to feed the wildlife in the outdoor aviary or along the hiking trails.
Operating hours vary significantly by season, with reduced availability during the winter months.
Maintain a quiet volume inside the aquarium area to avoid startling the fish; leave no trace on surrounding hiking trails.
