Cumberland Visitor Center — Attraction in Cumberland

C&O Canal Visitor Center in Cumberland Maryland just opened for season, 3/4/2023. They are currently only open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10-3PM. There are a number of junior ranger programs here for the kids to do and the exhibit area was much larger than expected and very updated and well done. Staff was amazing and very knowledgeable about the park which actually goes from Cumberland and goes all the way down to Great Falls and DC. There are a number of C&O visitor centers open along the distance of the C&O Canal park system. Williamsport is the current headquarters but was told that Cumberland visitor center has the newest and most up to date exhibits. The visitor center is below the train station which is also very cool but a little confusing at first. There a nice park with playground right adjacent to the visitor center where you can let the little ones play and even have a nice picnic lunch. We were on our way through the area so we didn't get to explore much of the town other than the C&O Visitor Center. Plan to take at least 45 mins to see everything and possibly longer if you like to read everything. If I were to pass by Cumberland again I would visit again but wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to visit again. At the time of our visit the national park store inside was still closed and you were unable to purchase any park merch. They do have the national passport stamp for C&O Canal with the Cumberland MD location on it. They said all the C&O visitor center stores were still currently closed but that they are hoping to have them open soon. There were numerous brochures on didn't parks and trails systems in the area. A great place to pick up ideas for other things...

The Cumberland Visitors Center and Train Station stand as an inviting portal into the captivating heritage of Cumberland, Maryland, intricately interwoven with the legacy of the C & O Canal.

The center encapsulates a dynamic experience through its diverse interactive exhibits. A special highlight is the interactive displays tailored to engage young minds, ensuring they retain valuable insights while comprehending the strategic importance of the canal and the boats in navigating the Potomac River.

Venturing just beyond the center, a remarkable visual spectacle awaits. Splendid murals adorning a local block wall unravel the area's evolution, painting an eloquent picture of its journey from its earliest native inhabitants to its current vibrant state.

For ardent history enthusiasts with an appetite for uncovering the bedrock of American history, this stop serves as a beacon. It offers a unique opportunity to dive deep into the rich cultural underpinnings that laid the foundation for this great nation. As you traverse the engaging exhibits and delve into the stories etched into the canal's history, you're not just observing but actively participating in preserving and understanding the essence of America's past.

Whether you're a curious traveler eager to understand the roots of the land you traverse or a passionate history buff, the Cumberland Visitors Center and Train Station presents an enriching sojourn into the soul of Cumberland and its profound contribution to shaping the narrative of the...

Great little museum through the National Park Service! The history of the canal was quite interesting. The information and artifacts are well organized, there are informational video/audio clips, and some small interactive stations to entertain kids. Wheelchair accessible (didn't use the toilets so can't verify those) and audio/video clips have text translated to follow along. Entry (3/15/18) was free, although donations are of course accepted. The staff was friendly and answered questions about the area, but didn't interrupt as you walked through the museum. This isn't a museum I'd expect people to specifically travel for, as it is rather small and specific. It is absolutely worth an hour or two if you're in, near, or traveling through Cumberland! I would absolutely visit again! Parking: there is visitor parking just outside of the entrance. You pull through a gate and get a ticket. The first hour is free, and it is $1/hr after the first. You pay as you leave. There is a machine to scan the entry ticket, and it will then tell you how much is owed. We weren't sure if the machine took cash, so we payed with a card. It is within walking distance of the walking mall on Baltimore St if you wanted to eat there and then return to your car. Picture: mule and owner statue outside of the museum and the only picture I remembered to take. The entrance is to the right (north)...