Discover Hagerstown's Hidden History

One of the best ways to discover Hagerstown’s Hidden History is to take a Historic Walking Tour.  Tours leave from the Visitor Welcome Center on North Potomac Street and are held regularly throughout the summer on Fridays and Saturdays.  Special tours can be done upon request for groups of 10 or more.

Begin the morning with a home tour of the Miller House & Gardens, headquarters of the Washington County Historical Society. A tour of the house, an early nineteenth-century brick townhouse built in 1818 and 1825, offers visitors a glimpse into the life of a prominent Hagerstown family of the 1820s. Exhibits feature Civil War items Shenandoah Valley pottery, and antique dolls. Special exhibits change throughout the year.  The garden contains old varieties of roses and other flowers, herbs, fruits and vegetables. 

A short stroll away is the Discovery Station and Hagerstown Aviation Museum offering hands-on learning and a collection depicting our rich aviation heritage.  This museum offers experiences that stimulate a curiosity for discovery, exploration and further investigation by children and adults to foster life-long learning. The programs and interactive exhibits on science, technology and history are unique educational resources available to all of its visitors.  

Experience our connection with rich German heritage, with lunch at the Schmankerl Stube Bavarian Restaurant.   They pride themselves in giving the ultimate in ethnic Bavarian cuisine and service and providing a unique "old country" home-style atmosphere, reminiscent of Bavaria. 

Fine dining restaurants, neighborhood pubs and grills, bustling eateries and diners and quick to-go delis and fast food chains provide eclectic menus with dozens of choices. Whatever you're hungry for, we've got it! Lots of restaurants are now open in downtown Hagerstown within walking distance of Public Square.  Duffy’s on Potomac offers elegant, chic, and sophisticated dining, serving up American-style cuisine with first-rate service in a unique and urban atmosphere.  Many have discovered the lattes and herbal teas at Skyline Coffee Co.  Check out our Dining section of our website for a comprehensive list of great dining options.

Many special events take place in Hagerstown such as the City Farmers’ Market, Market on the Square, Augustoberfest, to name just a few.  Our Calendar of Events has a listing of all events occurring in the county.

Next stop is City Park.  Grab a picnic basket and a blanket and take in Music By The Lake – takes place every Saturday night at 7:00 pm in the summer months at the Bandshell.  Tour the Jonathan Hager House, home of Hagerstown’s founder, Jonathan Hager.  The home is maintained with authentic pieces of the 1740’s frontier era.  Also in Ciity Park is the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts.  The museum has a collection of American paintings, Old Masters and European works.  The Museum has a long and impressive tradition of cultural leadership in the Cumberland Valley region, providing residents and visitors with access to an outstanding Permanent Collection and an active schedule of exhibitions, musical concerts, lectures, films, art classes and special events for children and adults throughout the year.  There is lots to do at City Park – spend the day there!