Things to Do Along the National Road in Frederick County

The Historic National Road opens the door to some of Frederick County’s most rewarding experiences.

Families will find plenty to do along the route. Adventure Park USA in New Market delivers classic road-trip fun with roller coasters, go-karts, mini golf, bowling, and arcade games, making it an easy stop for travelers with kids. In Downtown Frederick, cap off the day with a live performance at the Weinberg Center for the Arts, a beautifully restored 1926 theater that remains one of the region’s premier cultural venues.

Weinberg Center for the Arts

Outdoor recreation is never far from the road. Gambrill State Park offers miles of hiking and mountain biking trails along with sweeping overlooks of Frederick and the Middletown Valley. Farther west, the Appalachian Trail at Fox’s Gap crosses South Mountain, a landscape shaped by the Battle of South Mountain during the Civil War - where quiet forest paths once were a raging battlefield. 

The Civil War's legacy remains on the landscape around South Mountain and the Appalachian Trail

History and the arts are woven into daily life along the National Road. Explore Frederick County’s past at the Museum of Frederick County History, or step into the creative present at The Delaplaine Arts Center, home to rotating exhibitions, public art, and community programs.

The Delaplaine Arts Center

To make the most of your journey, start with local insight. Stop by the Frederick Visitor Center in Downtown Frederick or the Main Street Middletown Welcome Center to discover attractions, events, dining, and seasonal experiences waiting just off the road.