Is there anything more fun than a day off in the middle of the summer?
With Frederick's rich history and wide range of attractions, there is no better place to celebrate the Fourth of July. Here is our list of distinctly Frederick ways to spend your holiday!
Frederick's 4th - An Independence Day Celebration
Of course, no list of July Fourth activities would be complete without a stunning display of fireworks. This outdoor festival spans the entire footprint of Baker Park and features live music, rides, activities and lots of delicious food. You can easily spend the entire day here or you can just come at dark for the main event, the fireworks! Parking in Downtown Frederick is free on July 4, so plan to park either at a meter or in one of the garages.
Visit the Francis Scott Key Memorial
Celebrate your love for our national anthem by paying tribute to its author. Downtown Frederick’s largest cemetery is home to over 40,000 gravesites and even more incredible stories. Perhaps the best-known resting place in Mount Olivet is that of Francis Scott Key. Just within the gates of the site stands a monument to the Star-Spangled Banner author. Key penned the lyrics, written as a poem at the time, from aboard a ship during the naval bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore during the War of 1812. His monument stands tall as a tribute to his great contribution to our nation.
Explore the Historic Village of Catoctin Furnace
For the week of the Fourth of July, the Catoctin Furnace Historical Society is hosting "Fourth at the Furnace," with special hours and programming. Discover the remarkable history of this industrial village, a place where from 1776 1903 an iron furnace was in blast creating iron products. Today, experience the historic village, the Museum of the Ironworker, Blacksmith Shop, the African American Cemetery Trail, and the furnace site to learn more about industrial history in Frederick County.
Take a Scenic Drive
If you are a big fan of road trips this is a great time to check out America's first highway, the Historic National Road (including MD 144 & US 40/ 40 Alt). Dating back to 1811, this road was a crucial portion of the westward movement for many families. There are a variety of fun stops along the route including a fascinating museum and a delicious creamery.
The Original Washington Monument
Most assuredly you are familiar with the Washington Monument towering over Washington, DC. But did you know that an even older version exists on the western border of Frederick County? A beautifully manicured trail leading from the visitor center at Washington Monument State Park to the site is short, and not as rigorous compared to the two-mile march up the mountain that citizens took to create the attraction in the 19th century. Like the monument in DC, visitors who reach the top of the monument are rewarded with an incredible view. The trail to the monument also connects to the Appalachian Trail if you are looking to hike your way through the holiday weekend.
