Category: Deep Creek Lake Activities

Winter Fest in Oakland, MD

Winter Fest takes place every President’s Day Weekend. Held in downtown Oakland, there are lots of fun activities for everyone. Most importantly, many activities are free! It is a great way to spend time with family and friends as you celebrate the winter season. Oakland is about 15 minutes from Deep Creek, so it is also an easy drive if you are just visiting for the weekend.

winter fest
Ice sculpture at Winter Fest.

Winter Fest Events

Winter Fest kicks off on Saturday, February 17, 2019. The first live ice carving starts at 9AM. Bill Sandusky, a master ice carver, shows off his work with live demos throughout the day. Also, there are pre-carved sculptures placed throughout the downtown area. You can stroll along the streets to check them out. Maps are available so that you can see them all. They are on display both Saturday and Sunday.

Continue reading Winter Fest in Oakland, MD

Cranesville Swamp – A Local Hidden Gem

Lying just west of Swallow Falls on the Maryland-West Virginia border is a unique ecosystem that offers window into ice ages past.  Because of its location on the western edge of the Appalachian Mountains, the Cranesville Swamp is home to plant and animal species uncommon for the mid-Atlantic region. 

About the Cranesville Swamp

The swamp is different due to its “frost pocket effect.”  The elevation is lower in a frost pocket, causing cooler temperatures and making that patch of ground particularly susceptible to frost. The combination of moisture and cold air create a landscape more reminiscent of habitat found much further north in Canadian boreal forests.  Visitors to the park, managed by the The Nature Conservancy (TNC), are able to glimpse a natural anomaly created by this rare mix of altitude, temperature and precipitation. 

cranesville swamp

A Look at the Past

Over 15,000 years ago at the end of the last Ice Age, glaciers froze much of North America and northern latitude species were pushed southward.  The area that became Cranesville settled in a mountain valley. The surrounding hills catch cold air pockets and precipitation, pushing them into the valley. The valley “frost pocket” is responsible for Cranesville’s designation as a sub-arctic swamp. The preserve one of the coolest and wettest spots in Maryland, creating an isolated refuge for species normally found much farther north.

Continue reading Cranesville Swamp – A Local Hidden Gem

Swallow Falls State Park Quick Guide

Swallow Falls State Park is a true Garrett County treasure. It is one of the most photographed spots in the area. With unrivaled scenic beauty, it is a great spot to visit throughout all four seasons.

Swallow Falls State Park

About Swallow Falls State Park

In 1906, John and Robert Garrett donated over 1,900 acres of land to the state. It is now known as Garrett State Forest. Swallow Falls State Park and Herrington Manor State Park are both part of this donated land. In the 1930s, they were developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Continue reading Swallow Falls State Park Quick Guide

Deep Creek Ninja Factory

If you and the family follow and love the American Ninja Warrior program on T.V. as much as our family does, then I have something special for you here at Deep Creek Lake! Deep Creek Marina has cleared out a sizeable amount of boat inventory from the showroom and have moved in a fun and challenging Ninja Course. There are many super challenging obstacles for kids and adults at any level. For those who don’t want to partake in the fitness challenge, there are many arcade games to hold you over while the family masters their ninja skills! Call-1-866-325-7627.

 

 Obstacle Course Open Now!

Test your skills at the Deep Creek Ninja Factory!
We offer 4 different obstacle courses of varying difficulties and you can do whichever obstacle course as many times as time permits.
Sessions begin every 30 minutes, maximum of 8 participants per session.

Obstacle Course 1 – Slanted Steps, Traverse Box, Low Bridges, Sea of Poles, Devils Bridge
Obstacle Course 2 – Mushroom Steps, Cheese Walls, Floating Poles, Tilting Ladders, Jungle Swings
Obstacle Course 3 – Spider Wall, Cannon Ball Alley, Inverted Cargo Crawl
Obstacle Course 4 – Ascending Steps, Tilting Ladders, Zig Zag Planks, Trapeze to Cargo Net Bag, Spinning Baskets, Triple Warp Walls with Fire Pole : 8′, 10′, 12′

ACTIVITY DETAILS:

  • Price: $20 for first hour.

    Each additional hour is $5

    $10 for local students (Fridays only) *

Sessions begin every 30 minutes, maximum of 8 partcipants per session

*Local Special Fridays only!
*MUST BRING REPORT CARD TO QUALIFY

Locals Day is for students from the following counties:
– Garrett County, MD
– Somerset County, Pennsylvania
– Allegany County, Maryland
– Mineral County, West Virginia
-Grant County, West Virginia
-Preston County, West Virginia
Tucker County, West Virginia

  • Season: Available year round

  • Opening hours: Friday 3pm – 9pm

    Saturday 11am – 9pm

    Sunday 11am – 5pm

Sessions begin every 30 minutes, maximum of 8 participants per session

  • Location: 2010 Deep Creek Drive

    McHenry, MD 21541

  • Included:– Guide on obstacle course to facilitate course and maintain safe environment

    – We offer 4 different obstacle courses of varying difficulties and you can do whichever course as many times as time permits.
    Obstacle Course1– Slanted Steps, Traverse Box, Low Bridges, Sea of Poles, Devils Bridge
    Obstacle Course2 – Mushroom Steps, Cheese Walls, Floating Poles, Tilting Ladders, Jungle Swings
    Obstacle Course3 – Spider Wall, Cannon Ball Alley, Inverted Cargo Crawl
    Obstacle Course4 – Ascending Steps, Tilting Ladders, Zig Zag Planks, Trapieze to Cargo Net Bag, Spinning Baskets, Triple Warp Walls with Fire Pole Exit: 8′, 10′, 12′

  • Participation requirements: Minimum age: 5 years old

    Minimum height: 48″

    Maximum weight: 250 pounds

  • What to wear: Athletic clothing

  • Footwear: CLEAN Athletic shoes – Closed toed shoes

                                                        

Deep Creek Lake Holiday Events for 2018

Deep Creek Lake holiday events make it a festive time of year to enjoy the area! There are tons of fun things to do at Deep Creek Lake that your entire family can appreciate. Our small towns offer unique activities and great ways to make memories.

Deep Creek Lake Holiday Events

Deep Creek Lake Holiday Events in November

Festival of Trees Garrett County
November 23 & 24 at the Garrett County Fairgrounds
There is something for just about everyone at this Thanksgiving weekend event that benefits the Dove Center. Breakfast with Santa, activities for the kids, beautifully decorated trees and lots of craft vendors are just a few of the highlights.

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
November 24, 7PM, Uno’s/Honi-Honi Bar
Check out the Christmas tree lighting on the lawn of UNO and the Honi. Santa will be there for photo too. Area favorite, Boathouse, will start playing at 8PM.

Deep Creek Lake Holiday Events in december

Holiday Open House
December 1, 10AM-Noon, Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center
Bring the kids to make picture frames and ornaments. They will also get to take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and snack on yummy holiday cookies. Continue reading Deep Creek Lake Holiday Events for 2018

Deep Creek Lake Ninja Factory

Deep Creek Lake Ninja Factory is an exciting addition to indoor fun at Deep Creek Lake! Brought to you by the same folks that also operate Monkey Business and Splash Island, this is great fun for the entire family!

Deep Creek Lake Ninja Factory

What Is Deep Creek Lake Ninja Factory?

Deep Creek Lake Ninja Factory is an indoor obstacle course for ages four and up. You can test your skills on 4 different lanes that vary in difficulty. You can choose your obstacle course. A guide is on site to facilitate the entire experience as well. Continue reading Deep Creek Lake Ninja Factory

Deep Creek Lake Fall Festivals

Deep Creek Lake fall festivals fill this favorite season with fun family activities. Autumn festivities are one of the best things about life in Garrett County. The brilliant foliage inspires you to enjoy the outdoors while celebrating the season.

deep creek lake fall festivals

Deep Creek Lake Fall Festivals

Fall Fest

Fall Fest 2018 is Saturday, September 29. Deep Creek’s newest state park, Sang Run State Park, is the venue. Bring the kids for pumpkin harvesting and painting, cider pressing, hayrides, crafts and demonstrations! Best of all, this is a free event! Get More Info

Springs Folk Festival

Within a half hour from the Deep Creek Lake area, you will find the historic village of Springs, Pa. It takes place October 5 and 6 from 9AM-5PM.  It is a celebration of the arts, skills and labors of our forefathers. Bread baking, weaving, basket making, old-time hayrides and traditional Pennsylvania Dutch foods are just a few of the highlights. Additionally, numerous artisans are on-hand displaying and selling their work. Get More Info Continue reading Deep Creek Lake Fall Festivals

10 Favorite Deep Creek Lake Fall Activities

Deep Creek Lake fall activities offer something for every age and interest. It is a season known for beautiful leaves and fun festivals. Each weekend holds opportunities to explore the outdoors or simply unwind.

deep creek lake fall activities

10 Favorite Deep Creek Lake Fall Activities

–Play outside! The Deep Creek Lake area has seven state parks. Each offers hiking trails. There is no better way to leaf peep! Swallow Falls State Park is especially popular. Hike the Canyon Trail to see all three waterfalls too. Another popular spot is Herrington Manor State Park. You can canoe on the quiet lake.

–Run for it! Race in the Deep Creek Lake Lion’s Bark in the Park 5K. It benefits a great cause – their off-leash dog park! Continue reading 10 Favorite Deep Creek Lake Fall Activities

Spotlight on Deep Creek Lake Art, Wine & Beer Festival

The Deep Creek Lake Art, Wine & Beer Festival is one of the best loved area events. It takes place Saturday, September 7, 2019. Visitors and residents alike enjoy the festivities. It makes for a great Deep Creek Lake weekend getaway. Also, you can bring the entire family. So, there is no need to leave the kids at home!

Deep Creek Lake Art, Wine & Beer Festival

This is also a special event because it benefits HART for Animals and the Garrett Lakes Arts Festival. Both are important non-profit organizations that serve the local area.

Wine Pairing Dinners

Friday night, before the Deep Creek Lake Art, Wine & Beer Festival, local restaurants host wine pairing dinners. Reservations are suggested. Participating restaurants include: Pine Lodge Steakhouse, Uno Chicago Grill, Ace’s Run Restaurant & Pub, Dutch’s at Silver Tree, Mountain State Brewing Co. and The Manor Steakhouse. Also, McHenry Beverage is having a special wine tasting. Continue reading Spotlight on Deep Creek Lake Art, Wine & Beer Festival

Deep Creek Event Guide for Mid-Summer 2018

Your Deep Creek event guide for mid-summer 2018 is filled with lots of fun happenings. The entire family can enjoy outings that give you the opportunity to explore the Deep Creek Lake area. As an added bonus, many of them are FREE!

Deep Creek Event Guide

Deep Creek Event Guide

Stage Wisp Summer Concert Series
Wednesdays through August 29, 6:30-9PM

Free summer concerts on the lawn at Wisp Resort are accompanied by beautiful sunsets. Bring some chairs and tap your feet to local and regional musical acts.

Pocket Park Movies
Thursdays through August 16, Movies Begin at Dusk

Pocket Park movies are fun nights for the whole family! Bring your chairs or blanket and come out to the Mountain Fresh Pavilion in downtown Oakland. Plus, they are free!

Yoga in the Lavender Field
Fridays through August 10, 9-10AM

Experience gentle stretch yoga while surrounded by the scent of lavender. Bring a mat and straps if you have them.  Sip lavender infused iced tea after your the session. The Lavender Farm is located between McHenry and Accident. Continue reading Deep Creek Event Guide for Mid-Summer 2018