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Jonathan Hager, a German immigrant, built a stone house over two springs here in 1739 and later laid out the town that took his name. Two and a half centuries later Hagerstown is still the hub of western Maryland, where Interstates 70 and 81 cross and where railroads once met so often that locals call it the Hub City.
The heart of the visit is City Park, a landscaped green with a lake, swans and the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, a free museum with a surprisingly strong collection. Next door, the Hager House preserves the founder's fortified home. Downtown, the 1915 Maryland Theatre still hosts the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, and the Hagerstown Cultural Trail links the park to the arts district with sculptures and gardens.
The town is also the gateway to Civil War country: Antietam National Battlefield lies about 12 miles south, and Fort Frederick State Park, a stone fort from the French and Indian War, sits to the west along the Potomac River.
Often listed among the prettiest city parks in the country, this landscaped green surrounds a lake with ducks and swans, shaded walks and a bandshell for summer concerts. The art museum, the Hager House and an old steam locomotive all sit within it. Plan a slow loop and skip the bread if you feed the birds.
Opened in 1931 on the edge of the City Park lake, this museum holds American paintings, European old masters, sculpture and decorative arts, with rotating exhibits and a sunny gallery overlooking the water. Admission is free. Combine it with a lap around the lake and the nearby Hager House.
Run by volunteers, this museum keeps alive the memory of the city's great railroad roundhouse and the lines that made Hagerstown the Hub City. Expect model train layouts, signals, uniforms and photographs, plus lots of stories from former railroaders. Opening days are limited, so confirm before visiting.
Jonathan Hager built this fieldstone house around 1739 directly over two springs, so his family had water even if attacked. Guided tours show the thick walls, cellar spring room and period furnishings, and a small museum displays artifacts found on the site. Check seasonal hours before you go.
About 18 miles west near Big Pool, this park preserves a large stone fort built in 1756 during the French and Indian War, with restored barracks and frequent living history events. Trails lead to the Potomac River and the C and O Canal towpath. Allow half a day, and check the event calendar for reenactments.
This restored 1915 theater downtown, with its ornate auditorium, is home to the Maryland Symphony Orchestra and hosts touring concerts, comedy and holiday shows. Even a short tour of the lobby shows off the decoration. Book symphony seats early for popular programs in winter.
Housed in a former bank building downtown, this children's science and history museum has hands-on exhibits about flight, transportation, the human body and local industry, with a real aircraft display and model trains. It suits ages about 4 to 12. Allow two hours and park in the nearby city garage.
A landscaped walking path that links City Park with the downtown arts district, lined with sculptures, murals, lighting installations and a small stream. It takes about 15 minutes to walk end to end. Follow it from the art museum into town, then return along Washington Street for shops and cafes.
A historic brick house in City Park now serves as a gallery run by the Valley Art Association, with changing shows of paintings, photography and crafts by regional artists. Many works are for sale. It is a short walk from the fine arts museum and makes a relaxed second stop on a park visit.
One of the oldest continuously operating markets in Maryland, held in a market building downtown on Saturday mornings. Stalls sell local produce, baked goods, meats, flowers and crafts, and there is breakfast to eat on the spot. Arrive early for the best choice, especially for pastries.
A downtown restaurant serving Bavarian food in a beer hall setting, with schnitzel, sausages, spaetzle, soft pretzels and German beers on tap. It reflects the region's German settler roots. Reservations help on weekends, especially around Oktoberfest season.
A large open-air outlet center just off Interstate 81 and 70, with dozens of brand-name stores selling clothing, shoes, kitchenware and outdoor gear at discount prices. Food options are available on site. Weekday mornings are quieter, and the outlets make an easy stop between the city and the Antietam battlefield.
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Photo: Farragutful, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Farragutful, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Farragutful, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Farragutful, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: Farragutful, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Farragutful, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Farragutful, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Acroterion, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Acroterion, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Preservation Maryland, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Preservation Maryland, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Preservation Maryland, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: MrGPS, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Preservation Maryland, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Preservation Maryland, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Preservation Maryland, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Preservation Maryland, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Preservation Maryland, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
