Must-Sees: As the site of the Battle of Antietam during the Civil War, Washington County is a treasure trove for Civil War history enthusiasts. In addition to the Antietam National Battlefield itself, the county is the site of several museums centered on the Civil War, such as the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. Other historical museums in the area focus on everything from life in rural Maryland at the Washington County Rural Heritage Museum to the history of flight at the Hagerstown Aviation Museum.
Traveling with children? If your little ones need something more exciting than history museums, there are plenty of places to go with them that will leave long-lasting memories. The Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo has animals from local wildlife to more exotic creatures like tigers and monkeys, with presentations that give visitors the chance to directly interact with animals. Heavy Metal Playground is a particularly unique place for children, as it gives them the opportunity to operate kid-size construction equipment.
If you’re in the mood for something more relaxing, there are many wineries in Washington County that offer a chance to get away from it all and enjoy handmade wines. Some of these wineries regularly host events like live music and farmers markets.
Local Nature: Want something more interesting than hiking, boating and biking? How about spelunking? Crystal Grottoes Caverns in Boonsboro are Maryland’s only tourable cave system and feature truly unique crystal formations. You’ll feel like you’re going on an adventure as you traverse the caves and learn how they formed. Kids will enjoy the Gem Mill Experience, where they can sort through a surprise bag of stones and discover everything from fossils to gemstones.
The Antietam Creek Water Trail is another notable natural landmark, stretching across 41 miles. It once played a key role during the bloody Battle of Antietam, but these days, it’s much more peaceful. The water trail has several access points for paddlers and tubers who want to float along the stream, and because its source is a limestone spring, it’s the habitat for a diverse ecosystem of fish. Part of the creek goes through Devil’s Backbone Park, so paddlers can stop there for a picnic lunch.
