Garrett County Maryland Family-Friendly Attractions

Garrett County Maryland is a playground for young and young at heart boasting outdoor recreation, beautiful scenery and fresh air

In Garrett County, Maryland, many expansive areas offer natural activities at places like Deep Creek Lake State Park and Wisp Resort. No matter the season, families will find adventures to fit their group, from snow tubing in the winter to horseback riding in the summer. History buffs unite in Historic Downtown Oakland, offering walking tours of the charming town.

Be sure to contact Garrett County, Maryland, for more helpful travel information. Don’t forget to subscribe for FREE to Destination Reunions for family travel insights and reunion-worthy destinations.

Circle R Ranch in Garrett County, MD

The family-friendly Circle R Ranch offers free barn tours and horseback rides for groups of all ages in Garrett County, Maryland. Families can also reach out in advance and schedule a unique hayride, an evening of stargazing, pony rides for children or one-horse open sleigh rides during winter months. Private areas are available for groups who want to schedule a bonfire or catered meal. Families of all ages can get up close to the gentle giants and enjoy a peaceful ride through Western Maryland’s bucolic landscape. Circle R Ranch offers half-hour and one-hour horseback trail rides that meander through old-growth Maples and Oaks, following streams and through apple orchards. If someone in your group is inexperienced in riding, don’t worry because Circle R Ranch also offers shorter handheld rides.

Horseback riding adventures at Circle R Ranch

Garrett County’s Historic Downtown Oakland

Oakland’s charming downtown features boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants that cater to groups of all interests. While in town, learn about regional Appalachian heritage at the Garrett County Historical Museum and catch a community production at Our Town Theater. Pick up fresh produce for your group at the Mountain Fresh Farmer’s Market, providing crafts, fresh vegetables, fruits, berries, homemade baked goods, jams and jellies, and personal care products. While in historic downtown Oakland, put your walking shoes on and discover Oakland on one of five walking tours with your family. Soak up the history dating back to George Washington’s time. Discover railroad history and learn how Oakland became one of the first mountain resorts in the U.S.

Take a walking tour of Historic Oakland, NC

Spruce Forest Artisan Village in Maryland

The Spruce Forest Artisan Village in Grantsville invites families to visit from May through October, offering unique perspectives and artisanal creations. Explore the historic reenactment site to experience Allegheny region life over 200 years ago, when the Amish and Mennonite communities lived peacefully with Native Americans. Ascertain how they, together, developed the Appalachian farming traditions. Enter individual homes to watch craftspeople at work and learn about weaving, pottery, taxidermy and other disciplines. The Garrett County, Maryland, property includes two Revolutionary War Period structures and other vintage buildings. Groups will find an array of media, including creations in blacksmithing, weaving, wheel-thrown pottery, leather crafts, jewelry, metalsmithing, woodturning and bird sculpting.

Visit the artisans at Spruce Forest Artisan Village

Deep Creek Lake State Park in Maryland

The Deep Creek Lake State Park in Garrett County, Maryland, encompasses over 1,800 acres and adjoins Deep Creek Lake Natural Resources Management Area and its 3,900-acre man-made lake. The mile-long shoreline affords two swimming beaches, while 20 miles of hiking and biking trails are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The campground provides 112 campsites for those looking to rough it. The 6,000-square-foot Discovery Center is an interpretive and educational space with hands-on exhibits that highlight Western Maryland’s natural resources and wildlife. The Day Use Area provides ample play space with three playgrounds, picnic tables and grills, fishing access and a canoe and kayak launch. Groups can schedule a family reunion event at the park with advanced notice for an airy, outdoor gathering.

Reunite with family in Deep Creek State Park

Wisp Resort Adventures in Garrett County, MD

Maryland’s only four-season downhill ski resort, Wisp Resort, offers plentiful activities no matter what time of year. Winter visitors can ski down 34 runs that range from gentle, beginner slopes to challenging black diamonds. Summer guests can careen down the Mountain Coaster or enjoy a 36-hole championship golf course. Thought of as a sport everyone can enjoy, Snow Tubing is a popular pastime at Wisp Resort during the winter. Children ages two years and older will have a blast mining for gems at The Marsh Mountain Mining Company, complete with a sluice and assay station to sift through treasures.

Groups of all interests have fun at Wisp Resort

Subscribe for FREE to Destination Reunions and find an array of family-friendly adventures, plus tips and tricks for planning your next family gathering. Contact Garrett County, Maryland for more travel information.