Fairgrounds Park

If you're looking for the perfect spot for active outdoor recreation, Fairgrounds Park is an excellent choice. It is the largest recreational facility in the city of Hagerstown, located on the East Coast of the USA. The park, which covers a vast territory, once served as a fairground and has today evolved into a multi-functional space for sports and family leisure.

What makes this place special is its incredible variety of amenities. It features modern sports fields, including a specialized BMX track, an ice complex for skating, and well-maintained softball fields. For those who prefer a leisurely stroll, there are scenic walking trails, such as the Fairgrounds Park Walking Trail, which wind through the entire park.

Fairgrounds Park is also known for being pet-friendly—it features a dedicated off-leash dog area. Whether you come for a morning jog, a workout, or just a breath of fresh air, this park offers guests well-kept grounds and a welcoming atmosphere highly valued by both locals and tourists alike.

To inquire about event details or facility rentals, you can contact the park administration directly. Staff will provide up-to-date information on visiting rules and the schedule of special events. Below is the essential contact information.

At Fairgrounds Park, everyone will find something to enjoy, whether it's extreme sports or quiet nature observation. One of the main points of interest is the Hagerstown Ice & Sports Complex—an indoor rink where you can go skating year-round. For adrenaline seekers, there is a professional BMX track, which is considered one of the best in the region.

Fans of team games often gather on the softball fields, while runners and cyclists favor the Hamilton Run Trail. If you are traveling with a four-legged friend, be sure to stop by the local dog park, where pets can roam freely in a specially fenced area. Family vacations here are often complemented by picnics in cozy pavilions, which can be rented for private events.

Special attention should be paid to the event calendar. The park is the primary venue for the annual 4th of July fireworks and the vibrant Hagerstown Hispanic Festival. In the summer, large-scale community yard sales are often held in the historic stables, and in the fall, the traditional Harvest Hoedown draws hundreds of guests with its cozy vibe and entertainment.

Getting to this popular leisure spot in the city of Hagerstown is quite simple, especially if you are traveling by car. The main entrance to the park is located at 351 N Cleveland Ave. Its convenient location near major highways I-81 and I-70 makes it accessible for residents of neighboring Maryland towns.

For those who prefer public transportation, you can use Hagerstown's city bus routes, followed by a short walk or a taxi ride directly to the park gates. There is ample parking available on-site, which is particularly important during major festivals or sporting matches.

Fans of active travel can take advantage of the extensive network of walking and cycling paths. For example, the Hamilton Run Trail provides a scenic connection between Fairgrounds Park and Pangborn Park, offering a pleasant outdoor walk without the need for motorized transport.

The history of this site is inextricably linked to the agricultural past of the state of Maryland in the USA. For a long time, the territory was known as the Hagerstown Fairgrounds—home to the famous "Great Hagerstown Fair," which brought together farmers and residents from all over the region to showcase livestock and enjoy lively entertainment.

One of the most notable historical landmarks preserved today is the massive grandstand. During the fair's heyday, it was the focal point for spectators watching horse races and other thrilling competitions. The atmosphere of bygone eras can still be felt in the architecture of the grandstand and the surviving stables.

Over time, the purpose of the site evolved: it transformed from a purely agricultural venue into a modern recreational center. Local authorities carried out a large-scale renovation, preserving the historical heritage while turning the former fairgrounds into the Fairgrounds Park we know today.

Today, the park serves as a living example of how historical public spaces can adapt to the needs of modern city dwellers. Here, historic buildings and contemporary sports complexes coexist harmoniously, creating a unique landscape that reflects the evolution of leisure in Hagerstown.

A quick tour of the park and a walk along its main paths will take you about 1–2 hours. This is enough time to appreciate the scale of the area, see the historic grandstand, and enjoy the fresh air.

However, if you plan on staying active—for example, skating at the ice complex, testing out the BMX track, or having a family picnic—it is better to set aside 3–4 hours. On the days of major festivals or fairs, you could easily spend an entire day here, immersing yourself in the festive bustle and community events.

Fairgrounds Park is open to visitors Tuesday through Sunday, offering a wide range of hours for walks and training—from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. This allows you to enjoy the park both in the early morning hours and during the evening twilight.

Please note that the park is closed on Mondays. If you are planning a visit on holidays or during special events, the operating hours for specific facilities, such as the ice complex or BMX track, may differ from the general schedule.

Exploring the park's surroundings can significantly enrich your trip to the USA. In close proximity to the green zone, you will find both historic districts with unique architecture and the city's modern cultural centers.

Many attractions are located within a short drive or even a walk, allowing you to create a full one-day itinerary. Below are some interesting sites worth visiting nearby.