Fascinating Frederick

History and Family-Friendly Attractions

by Nancy Parode

If you’re looking for a family-friendly day trip destination, consider heading west to Frederick. Maryland’s secondlargest incorporated city has a rich past, a vibrant historic downtown, and plenty of family-friendly attractions.

Frederick’s Early History

Before European colonists arrived, Frederick’s location near the eastern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the banks of the Monocacy River made it a natural crossroads for Indigenous peoples. In the early 1700s, Daniel Dulany, an Irish lawyer, acquired land rights to 7,000 acres and recruited Germanspeaking immigrants to settle on his land. English speakers came, too. Dulany mapped out his plan for Frederick-Town — today’s Frederick — in 1745. Frederick County was established three years later.

The Frederick Visitor Center

Begin your exploration of Frederick at the Frederick Visitor

Center. Park behind the building (45-minute parking is free on weekdays) and take advantage of the Visitor Center staff’s expertise. Here you’ll learn about Frederick’s famous native son, Francis Scott Key. You can also view exhibits, watch a short movie to learn what’s on in Frederick, and collect brochures before heading out to explore.

The Hessian Barracks

During the Revolutionary War, Maryland’s government built a series of barracks in Frederick. The barracks housed Germanand English-speaking prisoners of war captured during the Battle of Saratoga. After the Revolution, the barracks were used for several purposes, including War of 1812 soldiers’ housing, a silkworm cocoonery, a Civil War hospital, and the Maryland School for the Deaf, on whose grounds the Hessian Barracks now stands. This 18th-century building demonstrates Frederick’s importance during the American Revolution, the Early Republic, and the Civil War.

Downtown Frederick

Frederick’s historic downtown is the heart of this lively city. You’ll find art galleries, eclectic shops, restaurants, breweries, and cafés, all within walking distance of the city’s convenient parking garages. There’s even a dog park (pre-registration required). Head downtown on the first Saturday of the month, March through September, for live entertainment and special events hosted by downtown businesses.

Carroll Creek Linear Park

This creekside park is surely one of the most attractive flood control projects in the Mid-Atlantic region. Carroll Creek runs parallel to Patrick Street, then turns northwest and runs under West Patrick Street, eventually winding its way through Baker Park. You’ll find walking paths, shops, restaurants, and public art (look for Community Bridge, which is decorated in trompe l’oeil painting) on Carroll Creek’s banks, making this downtown park a great stop for families.

The Weinberg Center for the Arts

Downtown Frederick’s art deco treasure opened as a movie theater in 1926. Lovingly restored as a performing arts center, the Weinberg houses a 1926 Wurlitzer organ that accompanied silent movies in the late 1920s and still does so today. The Weinberg presents family-friendly programs throughout the year, ranging from silent movies to the Weinberg’s smARTS educational programs for children. Concerts, dance performances, lectures, and classic films round out the Weinberg’s annual offerings. (Tip: If possible, buy tickets in advance.)

The National Museum of Civil War Medicine

If you’ve always wanted to know how Civil War battlefield surgeons worked to save the lives of wounded soldiers and civilians, this museum is a must-see. You’ll discover innovations in patient care and hospital design and learn about the medical professionals and volunteers who worked to save lives during and after each Civil War battle. (Tip: This museum is best suited for older children.)

Monocacy National Battlefield

On July 9, 1864, Confederate Lieutenant General Jubal Early and his 15,000 soldiers attempted to cross the Monocacy River south of Frederick. Their ultimate goal was to march to Washington, D.C., and attack the Federal capital. In Early’s way stood Major General Lew Wallace and approximately 6,600 Union soldiers, hastily assembled when Wallace realized that the Confederates had once again invaded Maryland. After a long day of fierce fighting, Wallace had to retreat, but he had stalled Early’s advance long enough for General Ulysses S. Grant to fortify Washington and prepare for Early’s assault on Fort Stevens.

Monocacy National Battlefield features a visitor center (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays), a self-guided auto tour, and seven walking trails, five of which are rated “easy.” The battlefield is open year-round. Admission is free.

Frederick’s Bicycle Trails

Frederick is very bike-friendly, even downtown. In fact, the 10-mile Frederick History Bicycle Loop takes you through the city’s historic downtown, along Carroll Creek, and past the National Museum of Civil War Medicine and the Hessian Barracks. Rent touring bikes at Gravel & Grind or rent electric bicycles at Pedego Electric Bikes (both bike shops are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays). After exploring downtown Frederick, head out to one of Frederick County’s many bicycle trails for more adventures.