• Heritage Area At a Glance 

  • Groups & Itineraries

  • Heritage Group Experiences

    There is no better way to explore a region’s heritage than with a group. Explore and learn together with a group tour experience. Travel back in time with a visit to one of our local museums including the Oakland B&O Museum, a restored Queen Anne style train station.

    Several of our communities feature self-guided walking tours. View historic structures including homes that are on the National Register of Historic Places, taking in unique architectural aspects. For an in-depth look at some of our most historic structures, make sure to include a stop at the James Drane House (by appointment) & Spruce Forest Artisan Village (in season), which offer the opportunity to a guided look inside some of the oldest standing structures in our county. In Spruce Forest Artisan Village, many local artists have taken up residency to practice their craft. Get a first-hand view of pottery, bird carving and weaving.

    The National Road is home to many other group tour stops including the Casselman River Bridge State Park, home of the Casselman River Bridge boasting the largest single span stone arch at time of construction between 1813 and 1817. There are several National Road Inns that are still standing today. The Casselman Inn continues to operate a lodging facility along with a restaurant. Enjoy restaurants, shopping and even cheesemaking just off the National Road.

    Learn more about Group Experiences in Garrett County!

    Explore Sample Group Heritage Tour Itineraries

    If you are interested in bringing a group to our area, contact us to help plan an itinerary based on your group interests.

  • Friendsville Interactive History Walking Tour 

    On the Friendsville Interactive History Walking Tour tour you will discover 18 sign markers that explore many of the colorful characters, events and places  that helped shape the town. You will learn about the early Native American history, the history of the railroad, logging, mining, and the schools, businesses and people that thrived and made their mark here. In addition, the tour has a connected “living history” website where you can hear the stories of the town and people and what life was like in days
    gone by.

    Click to download a PDF of the Interactive History Tour.

    Click to learn more about the Friendsville Interactive History Walking Tour

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    Scenic Byways

    Maryland’s 18 designated byways encompass 2,487 miles of beautiful roads and offer a taste of Maryland’s scenic beauty, history and culture. Take the roads less traveled - including a byway featuring a nationally significant theme: the Historic National Road.

    If you’re planning a trip, try Maryland’s interactive tour map. You’ll find great suggestions for scenic or historic driving tours, Maryland Heritage areas, historic districts, parks, and other cultural and recreational destinations. Don’t forget that most scenic byways are also perfect for exploring by bicycle. You’ll find maps and safety information for bicycle-friendly routes here.

  • Printable Itineraries

    Print these itineraries for a self guided tour or contact us for assistance with your planning process. 

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  • This project has been financed in part with State Funds from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, an instrumentality of the State of Maryland.
    However, project contents or opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority.

  • Photo Credits: Tim Jacobsen, Bob Carney, Marcia Warnick, Sarah Myers, Crede Calhoun, Higher Focus Studios, Garrett Historical Society, Sarah Duck, Garrett County Chamber of Commerce