2023 Events at Fort Frederick
State Park Complex *
For additional information regarding any
event, contact Fort Frederick State Park at 301-842-2155
Friends of
Fort Frederick general membership meetings: held every
month on the 2nd Monday of the month at 7:00pm. Special
general meetings may be called prior to certain events. All
Friends Members Monthly Meetings are now being held via Zoom
Video-Conference.
Fort Frederick 2023 Calendar of
Events
Fort Frederick State Park
11100 Fort Frederick Road
Big Pool, MD 21711
Office: 301-842-2155
Duty Ranger: 443-805-1759
February 25 - Freezing on the
Frontier: Winter Fort Garrison
Come and see how soldiers lived at Fort Frederick during the
winter months from 1756-1759. Program runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
March 18 - “tho' not provided
for….seems Necessary: Women at Fort Frederick
Come and learn about the role of women of Fort Frederick during
the French and Indian War through a multimedia presentation.
Program starts at 1 p.m. at the Visitor Center.
April 1 - Youth Fishing Rodeo
Bring your budding angler to catch stocked trout and other fish
species at Fort Frederick’s Beaver Pond. The event is open to
children ages 15 and under. Pre-registration is appreciated but
not required. Meet at the gravel parking lot after railroad
tracks. All children must be accompanied by an adult over the age
of 18. Bring your own gear and bait. There will be a limited
number of rods provided “on-loan”. Staff will be available to
assist. Open 8 a.m. to noon.
April 27-30 - 18th Century Market
Fair
The Market Fair features the best artisans, craftspeople, and
sutlers together with an 18th century encampment. Hours are 9 a.m.
to 5 p.m. Thurs-day, Friday, Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
This event is sponsored by the Friends of Fort Frederick State
Park. Admission Fee $5 for adults, $2 ages 6 to 12, and 5 and
under free.
May 27 - One Fort: Three Centuries
To honor our Nation’s military heritage, discover the part Fort
Frederick played during three centuries of American History
including the French and Indian War, American Revolution, Civil
War and Great Depression. Visitors will be able to experience the
lives of those men and women through living history
demonstrations. Highlights include military drill, musket firing
demonstrations, and more. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 pm.
June 17 - “for the Defence of this
Province”: Artillery and Musketry
Experience military life during the French and Indian War with the
men and women of the Maryland Provincial Companies of Foot.
Highlights of the event include cannon firing demonstrations,
musket firing presentations, hearth cooking, military drills, and
children’s drill. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
July 1-4 - “for the Reception of
Prisoners”: The Fort in the American Revolution
Join park staff in celebrating America’s birthday by learning
about Fort Frederick’s role as a Prisoner of War Camp during the
American Revolution. Highlights of the event include programs on
the fort in the Revolution, musket firing demonstrations,
soldier’s cooking demonstrations, uniform and clothing programs,
interactive military drills, and more. Programs will be held from
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
July 15 - Stream Waders
Join park staff to collect macroinvertebrates (stream bugs and
crayfish) and determine the health of the Potomac River here in
the park area. We will meet at the Potomac River trail near the
entrance of the campground at 11:00 a.m. Shoes and clothing for
getting wet recommended.
August 19 - Beaver Pond Trail Hike
Take a hike on the newly expanded Beaver Pond trail with a Park
Ranger to learn about beavers and observe other wildlife. This
hike will be ap-proximately 2 miles round trip over easy terrain
on the gravel surfaced path. Meet at the Beaver Pond Trailhead at
11:00 a.m. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring water.
August 26-27 - French and Indian
War Muster
French, British and American Indian reenactors assemble for two
days of 18th century living history demonstrations and battle
reenactments. Period crafts and a food vendor will also be
available. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3
p.m. Sunday.
September 16 - SP#1: The Civilian
Conservation Corps
Join park staff and volunteers as they demonstrate life at Fort
Frederick in the 1930’s for the “boy’s” of the Civilian
Conservation Corps. Learn about the role the CCC played in the
creation of today’s park. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
October 14 - “Old Fort Frederick”:
Civil War Living History
Experience military life during the American Civil War with the
men and women of the Blue and the Gray. Highlights of the event
include cannon firing demonstrations, musket firing presentations,
hearth cooking, military drills, and children’s drill. Hours are
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Sideling Hill Creek State Park
2023 Calendar of Events
Sideling Hill Creek State Park
11110 Ziegler Road
Hancock, MD 21750
Office: 301-842-2155
Duty Ranger: 240-707-8864
June 24 - Park History Hike
Join a Park Ranger to discover the stories that took place on the
land that now makes up Sideling Hill Creek State Park. Starting at
10 am the hike will cover approximately 2 ½ miles and last for 2
hours. This is a moderately strenuous hike that includes a 9.5%
grade climb. Please bring water. Hikers should meet in the main
parking lot.
August 12 - Dark Skies Program –
Perseid Meteor Shower
Join Park staff to witness the Perseid Meteor Shower. Bring chairs
or blanket as well as water and any refreshments you may require.
No alcohol is allowed. Limited to 25 vehicles. Please call
240-707-8864 to reserve a space. 8 pm – 10 pm - participants must
arrive no later than 8 pm and must exit the park at 10 pm.
Woodmont Natural Resources
Management Area 2023 Calendar
Woodmont NRMA
11100 Fort Frederick Road
Big Pool, MD 21711
Office: 301-842-2155
Duty Ranger: 443-805-1759
September 10 - Woodmont Lodge Open
House
Showcasing the picturesque and historic Woodmont Lodge, the annual
open house invites you to explore memories of the early days of
conservation in Maryland. Open house hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Directional signs will be placed on Woodmont Road.
Western Maryland Rail Trail 2023
Calendar of Events
11100 Fort Frederick Road
Big Pool, MD 21711
Office: 301-842-2155
Duty Ranger: 443-805-1759
May 13 - Western Maryland Rail Trail
Guided Bike Tour
Journey to the old Round Top Cement works and learn about its
history during this ranger led bike tour on the Western Maryland
Rail Trail. This guided bike ride is approximately 8 miles long,
roundtrip, and is taken at a leisurely pace. Join us at the Park
and Ride lot at 273 East Main St. in Hancock at 10 a.m.
June 4 - Western Maryland Railroad
History Display
Come to the store area across from the fort to talk to a ranger
and see a full display on railroad history from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Western MD railroad was built in phases and in operation from
1852 – 1983. We will have cool artifacts and photos to show. Takes
place at Fort Frederick State Park.
September 2 - Indigo Tunnel Hike
Have you ever wondered why the Western Maryland Rail Trail doesn’t
pass thought the Indio Tunnel? This hike will answer that question
and much more about the history of the Western Maryland Railroad
between Little Orleans, MD and the tunnel. Starting at 10 am the
hike will travel along the flat paved Western Maryland Rail Trail
and cover approximately 2 miles. Please bring water because the
hike may last up to 2 hours. Meet at the Little Orleans Parking
Lot for the Western Maryland Rail Trail.
October 15 - Western Maryland Rail
Trail Guided Bike Tour
Journey to the old Round Top Cement works and learn about its
history during this ranger led bike tour on the Western Maryland
Rail Trail. This guided bike ride is approximately 8 miles long,
roundtrip, and is taken at a leisurely pace. Join us at the Park
and Ride lot at 273 East Main St. in Hancock at 10 a.m.
This calendar is also available in PDF version
* See even more events and
activities in the Park's full Calendar of Events including
hikes, children's activities, etc at the Park website:
Fort Frederick State Park Complex
is comprised of Fort Frederick, The Western Maryland Rail Trail,
and Woodmont Natural Resources Management Area, Sidling Hill
Creek State Park, and Fort Tonoloway.
Fort Frederick State Park
11100 Fort Frederick Rd.
Big Pool, MD 21711
301-842-2155
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