It was the author John Steinbeck who said, “People don’t take trips. Trips take people.” Nestled between Washington D.C. to the South, Gettysburg to the North, and the Appalachian Mountains to the West, Frederick, Maryland is a place that takes people on trips through time.

The historic mid-1700s city brims with things to do for history buffs, nature lovers, and art enthusiasts, perfect for overnight and multi-night stays. If you plan on blending into the crowd of 70,000 “Frednecks,” you’ll need to know how to navigate the historic downtowns, trails, museums, and art centers to find the best route to Frederick’s sights and sounds.

Here’s our guide to the 10 can’t-miss landmarks in Maryland to get a little slice of history in Frederick on your overnight stay in one of the Northeast’s coziest towns. Trust us – you’ll need more than one day to see everything Frederick has to offer.

1. National Museum of Civil War Medicine

The National Museum of Civil War Medicine holds walking tours, special exhibitions, and hosts standing exhibits featuring over 5,000 artifacts to help people learn about and engage with history.

Did you know that brain surgery was attempted during the Civil War? Did you know how crucial Frederick, Maryland was to the medical effort to treat soldiers in the fallout of the Battle of Antietam?

Through curated biographies, databases, museum tours, and exhibits, the National Museum of Civil War Medicine compiles thousands of primary sources to give history buffs and newcomers alike a chance to learn more about the trials and triumphs of our Civil War.

2. Rose Hill Manor Park and Museum

Rose Hill Manor provides child-friendly exhibits and museum programs for kids to get hands-on learning about early American life through the lens of its transportation and agriculture.

This pet-friendly estate is a great unwind that helps people experience living history in the form of a manor house, carriage collection, and blacksmith shop. Kids can grate vintage spices, card wool, and learn to play with colonial toys on the manor lawn.

3. Schifferstadt Architectural Museum

The Schifferstadt Architectural Museum is held out of a 1758 German colonial stone house, one of the first and best examples of the style in Maryland.

Schifferstadt hosts living history events, such as its Museums by Candlelight and its Oktoberfest at Schifferstadt. These events celebrate the German immigrants who established the property hundreds of years ago when they fled their ravaged home country to find better lives in America.

4. Monocacy Battlefield

The Monocacy Battlefield is the site of the historic Civil War battle fought on July 9, 1864. Historians dubbed the battle, between General Early of the Confederacy and General Wallace of the Union, the “Battle that Saved Washington.”

In the centuries since, veterans organizations have placed markers to fallen soldiers at the site, including the Maryland Centennial Monument. The new visitor center offers electronic self-tour services through the four-mile battlefield and walking trail.

It’s one thing to hear about history. It’s another to actually walk it.

5. The Delaplaine Arts Center

The Delaplaine Arts Center believes that “everyone deserves art,” which is why it opens daily with free admission to showcase its pieces. The center hosts over 250 one-day art workshops every year. All ages are welcome.

Some of their regular attractions include the Etchison Davis Library of free art references, five on-site galleries hosting 50 exhibitions every year, the Community Art Gallery featuring work by local students and groups, and the Gift Gallery, which showcases purchasable pieces from local artists.

Art lovers could spend days at the Delaplaine. We don’t recommend visiting Maryland without giving up at least one.

6. Weinberg Center for the Arts

The Weinberg Center for the Arts is a non-profit venue that hosts weekly events for the people and visitors of Frederick. It aims to be the beating heart of Frederick arts and culture and shouldn’t be missed.

Their schedule is always changing but includes anything from free movie screenings and grant writing workshops to musical theater performances and art showcases. Check out their schedule to line up your day trip with an event you want to see.

7. Baker Park

The 58 acres of beautiful Baker Park are the heart of Frederick’s historic downtown. The site hosts concerts and children’s theater events every summer while scheduling other outdoor events year-round.

Baker Park includes public pools, playgrounds, sports fields, and more. It’s nestled between some of Frederick’s best local eateries and breweries, such as Magoo’s Pub and The Orchard.

8. Carroll Creek Linear Park

Carroll Creek Linear Park is one of the jewels of Frederick’s nature-centric historic district for those who love community festivals, live music, and viewing art outdoors.

Carroll Creek is home to water gardens, fountains, public art exhibits, festivals, and when the sun goes down, the harbor lights up the sailboats as people take to the outdoor dining and brewery scene. Where the art life meets the nightlife – that’s Carroll Creek.

9. Covered Bridges

Covered bridges may not sound like a can’t-miss travel destination at first, but most of the country has only seen them in movies, such as the famous opening scene of Beetlejuice. 

Covered bridges like the Loy’s Station Covered Bridge, Roddy Road Covered Bridge, and Utica Mills Covered Bridge, all of mid-1800s construction, are easy locations to add to your itinerary. It’s just another way to absorb some Maryland history on the way to your next daytrip.

10. Barbara Fritchie House

Those with an eye for history will have a hard time resisting the Barbara Fritchie House on their trip to Frederick. Fritchie, a 95-year-old Unionist at the time the Confederates made their way through Maryland, waved a Union flag from the second floor of this house. It is an image of defiance and freedom that is a permanent fixture in American lore.

The house is full of preserved artifacts, such as a teapot that served tea to George Washington when he visited Maryland in 1791 and a shawl given to her by Francis Scott Key, the author of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Even her original cookie-cutters are there!

Notably, the real Fritchie House was demolished in 1869. In 1927, using photographs and notes, the house was rebuilt to the high standard of preservation befitting the storied history of Frederick. If you are planning to stay overnight, the Barbara Fritchie House is now receiving guests!