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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