Hagerstown City Park

Imagine a corner of serenity often referred to as "America's second most beautiful city park" after the famous Central Park in New York. Hagerstown is rightfully proud of its City Park, spread across 212 hectares of picturesque grounds. It is not just a green zone, but a true historic district listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

The park was designed by landscape architect George Burnap, who masterfully combined the strict traditions of English gardens with the natural fluidity of German and Austrian park landscapes. Here you will find winding walking paths, centuries-old trees, and the calm surface of the Lower Lake, which create the atmosphere of an old European estate.

Today, Hagerstown City Park is the cultural and recreational heart of the region. In addition to its natural beauty, it brings together several museums, memorial gardens, and unique architectural objects from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, making it a must-visit for any tourist in Maryland.

For more details on events or to book picnic pavilions, you can contact the park administration directly. Hagerstown City Park provides all necessary information through the official communication channels of the Parks and Recreation Department.

In this park, everyone will find an activity to their liking: from quiet nature contemplation to active sports. Walkers will appreciate the miles of well-maintained paths passing under the shade of weeping willows. On the Lower Lake, you can go paddle boating, and families with children will find three modern playgrounds here.

For culture enthusiasts, the park opens the doors of its museums. It is home to the famous Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, as well as the historic home of the city's founder — the Hager House. Technology fans can visit the railroad museum and see a real Western Maryland 202 locomotive. Don't forget to stop by the 9/11 Memorial Garden, which features a fragment of the World Trade Center.

If you prefer sports, there are lighted tennis courts and baseball fields at your service. In summer, the Band Shell open-air stage comes to life, hosting free municipal band concerts and vibrant city festivals. After a busy program, you can have a picnic in one of the pavilions equipped with grills or grab a snack at the local snack bar.

Getting to the park is easy, as it is conveniently located southwest of the city's central business district. If you are traveling by car, head towards the intersection of Virginia Avenue and Memorial Boulevard. The park is easily accessible via local roads after exiting major highways I-81 or I-70, and free parking is available on-site for visitors.

For those who prefer public transport, local buses run in Hagerstown with stops located in close proximity to the park entrances. If you are already in the city center, a pleasant walk to the main gates will take only about 10–15 minutes.

Thanks to its central location, the park is also popular among cyclists and pedestrians from neighboring residential areas. You can easily call a taxi from anywhere in the city to be driven comfortably straight to 501 Virginia Ave.

The history of these lands began long before the city was founded: it was once home to Native American sites, and in 1739, immigrant Jonathan Hager established his farm here, known as Hager's Fancy. Over time, the area developed, and by the end of the 19th century, it already included industrial zones and private estates, such as the Mansion House.

The official history of the park began in 1916, when city authorities, influenced by the public, purchased the land to create a public space. A major milestone was the drainage of the marshy terrain in 1921 to create the picturesque Lower Lake, a project designed by landscape architect George Burnap. The park officially opened that same year, quickly becoming the pride of local residents.

In 1990, the park was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places as a historic district. This recognition highlights the architectural and cultural significance of not only the landscapes themselves but also the surrounding preserved residential blocks built in Neoclassical and Greek Revival styles. In 2021, the city solemnly celebrated the 100th anniversary of the creation of the park's central lake.

To simply stroll along the lakes and enjoy the tranquility in the shade of old willows, 1 hour will be enough. However, the park offers much more than just walking paths, so plan your time in advance.

If your plans include visiting the art museum or the historic Jonathan Hager House, it is recommended to set aside 2 to 4 hours for your visit. This will allow you to explore the exhibits without rushing and relax in one of the rest areas. Families with children planning a picnic and playtime on the playgrounds should budget for half a day to fully appreciate everything this place has to offer.

The park is hospitably open to visitors daily, regardless of the day of the week. The official operating schedule allows you to enjoy both a morning jog in the rays of the rising sun and a peaceful evening sunset by the lake.

Opening Hours:

• Monday — Sunday: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM

Hagerstown is famous for its historical heritage, and City Park is just the starting point for exploring the region. A walk through the surrounding area will allow you to see architectural monuments from different eras and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of old America.

Many interesting sites are literally a few minutes' walk away, allowing you to plan a full day's walking itinerary. Here is a list of nearby attractions: