Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays: Nature Center Open
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 14274 William Houck Drive, Thurmont, MD 21788
The Nature Center next to the lake and near the Falls Trailhead in the William Houck Area will be open to the public; hours are subject to change. Check in before visiting by calling the park office at 301-271-7574.
Daily park entrance fees per vehicle are:
Weekdays, $3 for Maryland residents and $5 for out-of-state visitors.
Weekends and holidays through Labor Day, $5 for residents and $7 for out-of-state.
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Every Week, Wednesday through Sunday:
Museum of the Ironworker
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
12610 Catoctin Furnace Road, Thurmont, MD 21788
Learn about the workers who built the historic village and powered the Catoctin Furnace. Exhibits include amazing façade reconstructions and an innovative "under the floorboards" archaeology feature. Free of charge.
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Wednesdays: Beginner Archery
3-5 p.m.
Manor Area of Cunningham Falls 6709 Cunningham Falls Park Road, Thurmont, MD 21788
Join Frederick County staff for an archery lesson for beginners. Ages 8 and older; participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All equipment will be provided. Cost is $5 per person (cash only) in addition to park entrance fees of $3 per Maryland vehicle and $5 per out-of-state vehicle. Closed-toe shoes are recommended. Manor Area Archery Range is located adjacent to top Manor Area parking lot near playground.
Participants must RSVP to cfspnaturalist.dnr@maryland.gov the day before the program. Time slots start every half hour from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please write ARCHERY as the subject.
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Saturday, August 6: Chat with the Manager
9-9:30 a.m. at Camp Store of William Houck Campground
5783 Campground Drive, Thurmont, MD 21788
Come meet Park Manager Mark Spurrier for a forum-style session. Bring your questions, comments, and suggestions!
Saturday, August 6: Family Story Time
9:30-10:30 a.m. at Camp Store of William Houck Campground
5783 Campground Drive, Thurmont, MD 21788
Join us for this Frederick County Public Library-sponsored story book reading, appropriate for kids ages 3-8. Non-campers: register at the Camp Office upon arrival.
Saturday, August 6: Solar Viewing at the Lake
2-5 p.m. at South Beach Parking Lot
14274 William Houck Drive, Thurmont, MD 21788
Check out the active sunspots on our favorite star with members of the Westminster Astronomical Society. Rain cancels program. Event free with park entrance fees.
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Saturday, August 6: Night Sky
9-11 p.m. at Dam Overlook Parking Lot
14372 Catoctin Hollow Road, Thurmont, MD 21788
Join the Westminster Astronomy Society to view the night sky with experienced astronomers. Weather-dependent program.
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Sunday, August 7: Tie Dye
Noon-3 p.m. at the Sugar Shack, South Beach Area
14274 William Houck Drive, Thurmont, MD 21788
Create your own tie-dye t-shirt. $10 for youth sizes and $15 for adults. Funds raised go directly to the Friends of Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks. Park entrance fees required as well. Cash or check only.
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Monday, August 8: All about Bears!
2 p.m. at the Manor Area Visitor Center
6709 Cunningham Falls Park Road, Thurmont, MD 21788
Learn about this local mammal and touch real bear artifacts, while learning about how to avoid attracting bears to your camp.
Thursday, August 11: So You Want to be a Ranger?
Noon-1 p.m. at the Nature Center at William Houck Area
14274 William Houck Drive, Thurmont, MD 21788
Join Ranger Melissa Carson to learn what it takes to work for Maryland State Parks. Designed for those looking to work for the park in 2023. Bring your questions!
August 18 and 29: Invasive Weed Pulls
Registration required to get time and location
Become a weed warrior by helping to pull invasive plants. On one day, we'll be planting native plants as well. Wear long pants, sleeves, leather work gloves, and work boots. Event is weather-dependent. RSVP required to claudia.padilla@maryland.gov.
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Friday, August 19: What Bird is That?
11 a.m. at Nature Center at the William Houck Area
14274 William Houck Drive, Thurmont, MD 21788
Learn about common birds in the park. Then, make a bird seed cake to hang outside your home for your local birds!
Sunday, August 21 and 28: Hike to the Falls
10 a.m. Meet at Falls Trailhead in the William Houck Area
14274 William Houck Drive, Thurmont, MD 21788
Join a volunteer naturalist to hike to the falls. This is an easy to moderate one-mile roundtrip hike. Sturdy shoes and long sleeves are recommended. Event is weather-dependent.
Wednesday, August 24: Stream study
1-2:30 p.m. at the Nature Center at William Houck Area
14274 William Houck Drive, Thurmont, MD 21788
Take a closer look at how to determine the health of our streams by learning about water quality testing and looking for benthic macroinvertebrates (stream-dwelling insects). Wear clothes and sturdy shoes that you are willing to get wet.
RSVP to cfspnaturalist.dnr@maryland.gov.
Saturday, August 27: Pollinators in the Park
11 a.m. at the Nature Center in the William Houck Area
14274 William Houck Drive, Thurmont, MD 21788
Learn about pollinators (birds, bees, and butterflies) and how they are a very important part of growing our food.
Wednesday, August 10: Tea Room Open House
4-7 p.m. at the Gambrill State Park Tea Room
8346 High Knob Road, Frederick, MD 21702
The Tea Room is a rustic building built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. It accommodates 55 people and remains a popular venue for events including baby showers, business meetings, family reunions, and weddings. Whether you wish to hold an event or are just curious about the space, all are welcome to this open house event. No RSVP necessary.
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Unless otherwise noted, events are held rain or shine, free and fun for all ages; donations are always welcome. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
Dress for the weather/activity, wear sunscreen and insect repellent, bring plenty of water and snacks, and check for ticks.
Please call 301-271-3676 for additional information or to register.
Cunningham Falls staff also manages Gambrill State Park.
Save Our Pollinators!
Donate today to support butterfly and bumblebee
habitat and education in state parks!
Donations in any amount are a helpful way to make a difference. Thank you!
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 Annual Pass Available for Purchase
$75 for Marylanders; $100 for out-of-state visitors
Our annual State Parks and Trails Passport grants unlimited day-use admission and boat launching at state parks, and a 10 percent discount on state-operated concessions and boat rentals.
To enhance convenience and value, this year's pass will arrive in a self-contained packet with a detachable hang-tag, and will be valid for a full year from the month of purchase.
Our network of 75 state parks include more than 900 miles of trails for biking, hiking and horseback riding, as well as unique water access and camping facilities.
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