Saturdays and Sundays: Museum of the Ironworker
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
12610 Catoctin Furnace Road, Thurmont
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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August 1, 8 and 15: Turtle Talk
2 p.m. Meet outside Manor Area Visitor Center
6709 Cunningham Falls Park Road, Thurmont.
Meet some of the park's turtles and learn about their amazing adaptations. Park either down the hill from the Visitor Center or at the Playground at the top of the hill.
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Wednesday, August 2: Animal Tracks
11 a.m. at the Houck Nature Center
14274 William Houck Drive, Thurmont
Learn about different animal tracks you may find in the forest and what kind of animal makes them.
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Thursday, August 3: Lake Seine
1:30 p.m. Meet at Houck Nature Center
14274 William Houck Drive, Thurmont
Join the Naturalist to conduct a lake seine and learn about the different types fish that can be found in the lake. Bring sturdy shoes that you are willing to get wet. Expect to get wet.
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First Saturday of Each Month: Solar Viewing at the Lake Next dates: August 5 and September 2
2-5 p.m. at South Beach Parking Lot
14274 William Houck Drive, Thurmont
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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First Saturday of Each Month: Night Sky Viewing
Next dates: August 5 and September 2
9-11 p.m. at Dam Overlook Parking Lot
14372 Catoctin Hollow Road, Thurmont
Join the Westminster Astronomy Society to view the night sky with experienced astronomers. Poor weather cancels program.
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Sunday, August 6: Furnace Hike
10 a.m. Meet outside Manor Area Visitor Center
6709 Cunningham Falls Park Road, Thurmont
Join a park volunteer for a easy hike on the Catoctin Furnace Trail and learn about the Catoctin Furnace and its history. Shine only.
Sunday, August 6, 13 and 20: Aviary Tour
11 a.m. Meet outside Manor Area Visitor Center
6709 Cunningham Falls Park Road, Thurmont
Join park staff to learn about the park's animal ambassadors, including live reptiles and raptors. Park either down the hill from the Visitor Center or at the Playground at the top of the hill.
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Sunday, August 6: Nature Crafts
2 p.m. Meet at the Manor Area Visitor Center
6709 Cunningham Falls Park Road, Thurmont
Join our naturalist for fun nature-themed crafts!
Monday, August 7, 14 and 21: Turtle Feeding
10 a.m. Meet outside the Manor Area Visitor Center 6709 Cunningham Falls Park Road, Thurmont
Come watch the turtles get feed and learn about their different diets.
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August 11 and 20: Stream Exploration
3 p.m. Meet at the Nature Center at South Beach
14274 William Houck Drive Thurmont
Learn about stream health and who lives there. Bring your own net if you have one. We'll see what we can find and also test the water. Wear sturdy shoes and clothes you are willing to get wet. Rain cancels event. RSVP to analeigh.gardner@maryland.gov.
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Friday, August 11: Night Hike
8 p.m. Meet at the Houck Nature Center
14274 William Houck Drive, Thurmont
An easy-to-moderate hike to experience nature in the park after dark, while learning about the moon and animals you might see at night. Rain cancels hike. Bring your own flashlight or headlamp.
Saturday, August 12: Pollinator Garden Exploration
10 a.m. to noon
Meet outside Manor Area Visitor Center
6709 Cunningham Falls Park Road, Thurmont
Ever wonder what goes on in the magical world of a pollinator garden? Find out through games and a pollinator garden scavenger hunt. Good for kids of all ages, especially K-8. Rain cancels program.
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Saturday, August 12: Scales & Tales Campfire
7:30 p.m. at William Houck Campground Amphitheater
5783 Campground Drive, Thurmont
Join park staff for a campfire in the William Houck Campground
Amphitheater and meet several of our Scales & Tales reptile ambassadors. No program fee. Rain cancels program. If not camping in park, registration is required to gain admittance to the program; email analeigh.gardner@maryland.gov.
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Sunday, August 13: Birds and Beaks
2 p.m. at the Manor Area Visitor Center
6709 Cunningham Falls Park Road, Thurmont
Learn about why birds have different beaks and how their beaks allow them to get their food. Plus, learn about the foods that they eat!
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Tuesday, August 15: What's Special About Bats?
11 a.m. at the Houck Nature Center
14274 William Houck Drive, Thurmont
Learn about bats' specials adaptations to let them fly at night and how these animal affect our everyday life.
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Wednesday, August 16: Storytime
11 a.m. at Manor Area Playground
6709 Cunningham Falls State Park Road, Thurmont
Join Thurmont Library staff for a nature-themed story and meet a turtle afterward. Event in the Visitor Center, down the hill, in inclement weather.
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Saturday, August 19: Fun with Frogs
3 p.m. at the Houck Nature Center
14274 William Houck Drive, Thurmont
Learn about different frogs that are native to Maryland and then complete a frog craft!
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Saturday, August 19: All About Moths
8 p.m. at William Houck Campground Amphitheater
5783 Campground Drive, Thurmont
Learn about moths found in the area and attract moths and learn to identify them. If not camping in the park, registration is required for admittance to the program analeigh.gardner@maryland.gov.
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Tuesday, August 22: Why we love Birds, Bees, and Butterflies
1 p.m. at the Manor Area Visitor Center
6709 Cunningham Falls Park Road, Thurmont
Learn about birds, bees and butterflies and how they benefit us in our everyday life and how they pollinate so many plants around us.
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Wednesday, August 23: Wildlife Scavenger Hunt
11 a.m. at the Houck Nature Center
14274 William Houck Drive, Thurmont
Complete a wildlife Scavenge hunt and explore the park.
Saturday, August 26: Beginner Archery
4-6 p.m.
Manor Area of Cunningham Falls
6709 Cunningham Falls Park Road, Thurmont
Join Frederick County staff for an archery lesson for beginners. For 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 across street from Playground Parking Lot. Rain cancels program. Participants must RSVP to Don at 301-514-5866 the day before the program. Timeslots start every half hour from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
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Unless otherwise noted, events are free with park entrance,
fun for all ages, and held rain or shine.
William Houck Area weekday fees: $3 per Maryland resident, $5 per non-resident; weekend/holiday fees are $5 per Maryland resident and $7 per non-resident.
Manor Area and Gambrill State Park event fees: $3 per Maryland vehicle,
$5 per out-of-state vehicle.
Children under 18 must be with 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 for activities.
For ADA accommodation, call 301-271-7574.
Email analeigh.gardner@maryland.gov with any questions.
Wednesday, August 9: Tea Room Open House
4-7 p.m. at the Gambrill State Park Tea Room
8346 High Knob Road, Frederick
The Tea Room is a rustic building constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The facility 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. No RSVP necessary.
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Saturday, August 12: Movie Night
8:30 p.m. at Stone Overlook, Gambrill State Park
8346 High Knob Road, Frederick
Enjoy fun family entertainment with The Friends of Cunningham
Falls and Gambrill State Parks. The Friends will host family favorite Shazam 2 rated PG. Attendees should show up ready with water, bug repellent, and chairs.
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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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