Events
Park Amenities 
Park Pass Information
Contact Info. & Directions
Pet Policy

Schedule of Events at the Discovery Center
 

Come to see our collection of critters, animal mounts, active birdfeeders, and local history displays! Complete scavenger hunts and write in your Discovery Center Nature Journal!

Do not forget to check our Nature Store with new clothing, toys, and a great selection of field guides and award-winning children’s books!

 NEW ! Check out our new 42” monitor and LIVE underwater camera!!

Wed. July 1               
11:00 a.m.  Wildflower Walk.  Take a walk around the Discovery Center with the naturalist to learn the many species of flowers in our area.  You will also be able to enjoy our native wildflower tea and learn of some of the medicinal values of these plants.
1:30 p.m.  Brant Mine Hike.  Take a guided hike with the naturalist to the historic Brant Mine.  You will see the remnants of a coal mine that was operated in the 1920’s.  You never know what wildlife we will see on the way.
 All Day GPS Quest  Try our new GPS course.  Rent a unit from us or use you own to complete a park wide scavenger hunt.  $10.00 rental.

Thurs. July 2               
9 a.m. Morning Canoeing.  Visit Meadow Mt. cove and learn about the night sounds of Garrett County wetlands.  The naturalists will also attempt to call in owls.  $10/adult; $5 for age 12 and under.  Must pre-register as space is limited.  Meet at the Discovery Center.  1 ½ hr.
1:30 pm Happy Herps! Ever wonder what is hopping and crawling across roads during the night? Want to know how to tell a poisonous snake and the rest? Come and learn and see lots of live specimens! You never know what Amo and Frog will have!  45 min.
All Day GPS Quest  Try our new GPS course.  Rent a unit from us or use you own to                                                complete a park wide scavenger hunt.  $10.00 rental.

Fri. July 3                  
11:00 am Got Cavities? You don’t need a dentist for these cavities! Hike around the Discovery Center in search of bird and animal cavities, nests, and dens! 30 min.
1pm, 2 pm, and 3pm Hourly Encounters.  Join a naturalist at the top of each hour to meet one of our center critters up close and personal and learn what kind of mothers they are!  Meet at the front desk.
All Day GPS Quest  Try our new GPS course.  Rent a unit from us or use you own to complete a park wide scavenger hunt.  $10.00 rental.
 8:00 p.m. Owl Prowl.  Join our Naturalist at Herrington Manor State Park for an evening Program in search of owls.  Enjoy a night sounds program and then go outside to call in barred owls.  Meet at the main office at Herrington Manor.

Sat. July 4                  
11am Black Bears and YOU! Take a hike along the Snakeroot Trail while learning all about bears! Also get to touch a bear skin and skull. Please wear proper footwear for the trail is rocky! Aprox. 1 ½ hrs.  
1:30pm Meet the Naturalist at the Beach:  Meet the naturalist at the beech area for seine netting, aquatic bug search and more.  Get wet only if you want to.  1 ½ hr.
 All Day GPS Quest  Try our new GPS course.  Rent a unit from us or use you own to complete a park wide scavenger hunt.  $10.00 rental.
7pm Campfire: The Good The Bad and The Ugly.  Join us at the amphitheater for a scales and tales program.  You will see many wild animals such as hawks, owls, turtles, snakes, and more!  Come early to roast marshmallows.

Sun. July 5                 
7:00 am Snakeroot Hike Get to view nature as it is waking up! Join a naturalist to hike the Snakeroot trail. Make sure to wear proper footwear! 1 hr
11:00 am The Naturalists Knapsack. Kids Join the naturalist for nature games, crafts, hikes, for whatever interesting is going on in the park.  One thing for sure it will never be  the same and will always be fun!! Approx. 1 Hour
1:30 pm Aviary Encounter  Join the naturalist at the aviary.  The birds will be out of their cages on display for 2 hours.|
All Day GPS Quest  Try our new GPS course.  Rent a unit from us or use you own to complete a park wide scavenger hunt.  $10.00 rental.

Mon July 6                
10:30 am Fishing with a Naturalist Kids 7 and up join us on the shores of the Discovery Center for fishing basics. Poles, bait, and tackle are provided.  $4/person, adults (16 +must have a license). Pre-register  as space is limited.  1 ½ hr.
1:30 pm Critter Encounter Watch us feed toads, turtles, and fish! Meet in the Discovery  Center to watch (and maybe help!) a naturalist feed some of our critters! Then venture to the aviary and watch us care for and feed the red-tailed hawks and owl. 30 min.
All Day GPS Quest  Try our new GPS course.  Rent a unit from us or use you own to complete a park wide scavenger hunt.  $10.00 rental.

Tues. July 7               
8:00 am Let’s Go Birding   Discover local breeding birds with one of Garrett County’s most avid birders. You’ll learn how to bird by ear and listen for distinctive songs.  Bring binoculars.  Will meet at the Discovery Center.   1 ½ hr.
10:30 Where in the World am I ? -GPS Class.  Join the park ranger and get acquainted with your hand held GPS unit.  This hands on class will teach you the basics of you GPS unit as well as its other mapping capabilities.  Bring your own unit or borrow one of ours. (We have 5 to lend so sign up early) Free .45min
11-1 Fire Tower Open.  Hike our fire trails to the tower which will be open for tours between 10 and 12pm
1:00pm Monarchs, Milkweed and More Investigate our State Park gardens with the naturalist looking for and identifying butterflies.  Learn about native plants these butterflies love and ways to improve their habitat.  1 hr.
All Day GPS Quest  Try our new GPS course.  Rent a unit from us or use you own to complete a park wide scavenger hunt.  $10.00 rental.

Wed. July 8              
11:00 am Wildflowers and Medicinal Plants     Wonder what is growing in your back yard? We will stroll around the Discovery Center looking for blooming plants and discuss their medicinal and edible uses. 1 1/2hrs
1:30 Park Pals.  Kids 3-5 yrs. old this is for you.  Come and explore nature with our naturalist.  Explore the park make crafts, take nature walks, and play games. $2 per. 1hr
1:30 p.m.  Brant Mine Hike.  Take a guided hike with the naturalist to the historic Brant Mine.  You will see the remnants of a coal mine that was operated in  the 1920’s.  You never know what wildlife we will see on the way.
 All Day GPS Quest  Try our new GPS course.  Rent a unit from us or use you own to complete a park wide scavenger hunt.  $10.00 rental. 

Thurs. July 9               
9 a.m. Morning Canoeing.  Visit Meadow Mt. cove and learn about the night sounds of Garrett County wetlands.  The naturalists will also attempt to call in owls.  $10/adult; $5 for age 12 and under.  Must pre-register as space is limited.  Meet at the Discovery Center.  1 ½ hr.
1:30 pm Happy Herps! Ever wonder what is hopping and crawling across roads during the night? Want to know how to tell a poisonous snake and the rest? Come and learn and see lots of live specimens! You never know what Amo and Frog will have!  45 min.
 All Day GPS Quest  Try our new GPS course.  Rent a unit from us or use you own to complete a park wide scavenger hunt.  $10.00 rental.

Fri. July 10                
11:00 am Got Cavities? You don’t need a dentist for these cavities! Hike around the Discovery Center in search of bird and animal cavities, nests, and dens! 30 min.
1pm, 2 pm, and 3pm Hourly Encounters.  Join a naturalist at the top of each hour to meet one of our center critters up close and personal and learn what kind of mothers they are!  Meet at the front desk.
8:00 p.m. Owl Prowl.  Join our Naturalist at Herrington Manor State Park for an evening Program in search of owls.  Enjoy a night sounds program and then go outside to call in barred owls.  Meet at the main office at Herrington Manor.
 All Day GPS Quest  Try our new GPS course.  Rent a unit from us or use you own to complete a park wide scavenger hunt.  $10.00 rental.

Sat. July 11                
11:00 – 5:00   ART-IN-THE-PARK   A free event featuring beautiful artwork,  exceptional crafts, food and beverages.    Watch artisans at work during this weekend    celebration.  Local musicians perform throughout the day.  Come by and tie-dye or decorate your own art-in-the-park t-shirt.

Sun. July 12               
12:00 – 4:00 ART-IN-THE-PARK   A free event featuring beautiful artwork, exceptional crafts, food and beverages.   Watch artisans at work during this weekend celebrabion.  Local musicians perform throughout the day.   Come by and tie-dye or decorate your own art-in-the-park t-shirt.             

Mon. July 13             
10:30 am Fishing with a Naturalist Kids 7 and up join us on the shores of the Discovery Center for fishing basics. Poles, bait, and tackle are provided.  $4/person, adults (16 +must have a license). Pre-register  as space is limited.  1 ½ hr.
1:30 pm Critter Encounter Watch us feed toads, turtles, and fish! Meet in the Discovery Center to watch (and maybe help!) a naturalist feed some of our critters! Then venture to the aviary and watch us care for and feed the red-tailed
All Day GPS Quest  Try our new GPS course.  Rent a unit from us or use you own to complete a park wide scavenger hunt.  $10.00 rental.

Tues. July 14             
8:00 am Let’s Go Birding   Discover local breeding birds with one of Garrett County’s most avid birders. You’ll learn how to bird by ear and listen for distinctive songs.  Bring binoculars.  Will meet at the Discovery Center.   1 ½ hr.
11-1 Fire Tower Open.  Hike our fire trails to the tower which will be open for tours between 10 and 12pm
1:00pm Monarchs, Milkweed and More.   Investigate our State Park gardens with the naturalist looking for and identifying butterflies.  Learn about native plants these butterflies love and ways to improve their habitat.  1 hr.
All Day GPS Quest  Try our new GPS course.  Rent a unit from us or use you own to complete a park wide scavenger hunt.  $10.00 rental.

Wed. July 15             
11:00 am Wildflowers and Medicinal Plants     Wonder what is growing in your back yard? We will stroll around the Discovery Center looking for blooming plants and discuss their medicinal and edible uses. 1 1/2hrs
 1:30 Park Pals.  Kids 3-5 yrs. old this is for you.  Come and explore nature with our naturalist.  Explore the park make crafts, take nature walks, and play games. $2 per. 1hr
1:30 p.m.  Brant Mine Hike.  Take a guided hike with the naturalist to the historic Brant Mine.  You will see the remnants of a coal mine that was operated in the 1920’s.  You never know what wildlife we will see on the way.
 All Day GPS Quest  Try our new GPS course.  Rent a unit from us or use you own to complete a park wide scavenger hunt.  $10.00 rental.

Thurs. July 16           
1:30 pm Happy Herps! Ever wonder what is hopping and crawling across roads during the night? Want to know how to tell a poisonous snake and the rest? Come and learn and see lots of live specimens! You never know what Amo and Frog will have!  45 min.       

Fri. July 17                
8:00 am Birding at Friends Delight – Sang Run  Discover local breeding birds with a couple of Garrett County’s most avid birders. You’ll learn how to bird by ear and listen for distinctive songs.  Bring binoculars.  Will be held at the Sang Run Store!    1 ½ hr.
11:00 am Got Cavities? You don’t need a dentist for these cavities! Hike around the Discovery Center in search of bird and animal cavities, nests, and dens! 30 min.
1 pm, 2 pm, 3pm Hourly Encounters.  Join a naturalist at the top of each hour to meet one of our center critters up close and personal and learn what kind of mothers they are!  Meet at the front desk.
All Day GPS Quest  Try our new GPS course.  Rent a unit from us or use you own to complete a park wide scavenger hunt.  $10.00 rental.
8:00 p.m. Owl Prowl.  Join our Naturalist at Herrington Manor State Park for an evening Program in search of owls.  Enjoy a night sounds program and then go outside to call in barred owls.  Meet at the main office at Herrington Manor.

Sat. July 18                
9:30am Special Permit Class  Deep Creek Lake Management Staff will give a power-point presentation about obtaining a special permit for making improvements on the state-owned buffer strip. Discovery Room 1 hr.
1:30pm Black Bears and YOU! Take a hike along the Snakeroot Trail while learning all about bears! Also get to touch a bear skin and skull. Please wear proper footwear for the trail is rocky! Aprox. 1 ½ hrs.
All Day GPS Quest  Try our new GPS course.  Rent a unit from us or use you own to complete a park wide scavenger hunt.  $10.00 rental.
9 p.m.  Campfire Astronomy.  Gaze at the night sky from the parking lot of the Discovery Center.  Local Astronomer Gus Johnson will guide this evening.  Telescopes provided. Bring chairs or blankets.

Sun. July 19               
7:00 am Snakeroot Hike Get to view nature as it is waking up! Join a naturalist to hike the Snakeroot trail. Make sure to wear proper footwear! 1 hr
11:00 am The Naturalists Knapsack. Kids Join the naturalist for nature games, crafts, hikes, for whatever interesting is going on in the park.  One thing for sure it will never be the same and will always be fun!! Approx. 1 Hour
1:30 pm Aviary Encounter. Join the naturalist at the aviary.  The birds will be out of their cages on display for 2 hours.
All Day GPS Quest  Try our new GPS course.  Rent a unit from us or use you own to complete a park wide scavenger hunt.  $10.00 rental.

Mon. July 20             
10:30 am Fishing with a Naturalist Kids 7 and up join us on the shores of the Discovery Center for fishing basics. Poles, bait, and tackle are provided.  $4/person, adults (16 +must have a license). Pre-register  as space is limited.  1 ½ hr.
1:30 p.m.  Critter Encounter Join a naturalist as they feed the many critters in the Discovery Center such as the fish, turtles, and snakes! Approx. 30 min.
  All Day GPS Quest  Try our new GPS course.  Rent a unit from us or use you own to complete a park wide scavenger hunt.  $10.00 rental.

Tues July 21              
8:00 am Let’s Go Birding   Discover local breeding birds with one of Garrett County’s most avid birders. You’ll learn how to bird by ear and listen for distinctive songs.  Bring binoculars.  Meet at the Discovery Center.   1 ½ hr.
10:30 Where in the World am I ? -GPS Class.  Join the park ranger and get acquainted with your hand held GPS unit.  This hands on class will teach you the basics of you GPS unit as well as its other mapping capabilities.  Bring your own unit or borrow one of ours. (We have 5 to lend so sign up early) Free .45min
11-1 Fire Tower Open.  Hike our fire trails to the tower which will be open for tours between 10 and 12pm
1:00pm Monarchs, Milkweed and More.  Investigate our State Park gardens with the naturalist looking for and identifying butterflies.  Learn about native plants these butterflies love and ways to improve their habitat.  1 hr.
All Day GPS Quest  Try our new GPS course.  Rent a unit from us or use you own to complete a park wide scavenger hunt.  $10.00 rental.

Wed July 22              
11:00 a.m.  Wildflower Walk.  Take a walk around the Discovery Center with the naturalist to learn the many species of flowers in our area.  You will also be able to enjoy our native wildflower tea and learn of some of the medicinal values of these plants.
 1:30 Park Pals.  Kids 3-5 yrs. old this is for you.  Come and explore nature with our  naturalist.  Explore the park make crafts, take nature walks, and play games. $2 per. 1hr
1:30 p.m.  Brant Mine Hike.  Take a guided hike with the naturalist to the historic Brant Mine.  You will see the remnants of a coal mine that was operated in the 1920’s.  You never know what wildlife we will see on the way.
All Day GPS Quest  Try our new GPS course.  Rent a unit from us or use you own to complete a park wide scavenger hunt.  $10.00 rental.

Thurs July 23            
9 a.m. Morning Canoeing.  Visit Meadow Mt. cove and learn about the night sounds of Garrett County wetlands.  The naturalists will also attempt to call in owls.  $10/adult; $5 for age 12 and under.  Must pre-register as space is limited.  Meet at the Discovery Center.  1 ½ hr.
1:30 pm Happy Herps! Ever wonder what is hopping and crawling across roads during the night? Want to know how to tell a poisonous snake and the rest? Come and learn and see lots of live specimens! You never know what Amo and Frog will have!  45 min.
 All Day GPS Quest  Try our new GPS course.  Rent a unit from us or use you own to complete a park wide scavenger hunt.  $10.00 rental.

Fri. July 24                
11:00 am Got Cavities? You don’t need a dentist for these cavities! Hike around the Discovery Center in search of bird and animal cavities, nests, and dens! 30 min.
1pm, 2 pm, and 3pm Hourly Encounters.  Join a naturalist at the top of each hour to meet one of our center critters up close and personal and learn what kind of mothers they are!  Meet at the front desk.
All Day GPS Quest  Try our new GPS course.  Rent a unit from us or use you own to complete a park wide scavenger hunt.  $10.00 rental.
8:00 p.m. Owl Prowl.  Join our Naturalist at Herrington Manor State Park for an evening Program in search of owls.  Enjoy a night sounds program and then go outside to call in barred owls.  Meet at the main office at Herrington Manor.

Sat. July 25                
11:00 am Black Bears and YOU! Take a hike along the Snakeroot Trail while learning all about bears! Also get to touch a bear skin and skull. Please wear proper footwear for the trail is rocky! Aprox. 1 ½ hrs.  
11-2pm Fire tower OPEN Hike to the fire tower and get to go inside and see the best view of the lake in Garrett County! $2.00 a person
1:30pm Meet the Naturalist at the Beach:  Meet the naturalist at the beech area for seine netting, aquatic bug search and more.  Get wet only if you want to.  1 ½ hr.
All Day GPS Quest  Try our new GPS course.  Rent a unit from us or use you own to complete a park wide scavenger hunt.  $10.00 rental.
 7:00 p.m.  Campfire

Sun. July 26               
7:00 am Snakeroot Hike Get to view nature as it is waking up! Join a naturalist to hike the Snakeroot trail. Make sure to wear proper footwear! 1 hr
1:30 pm Aviary Encounter  Join the naturalist at the aviary.  The birds will be out of their cages on display for 2 hours.
All Day GPS Quest  Try our new GPS course.  Rent a unit from us or use you own to  complete a park wide scavenger hunt.  $10.00 rental.

Mon. July 27             
9:00 a.m. Chat with the Ranger  Join park staff for coffee and snacks.  Ask questions, learn fun facts, meet our volunteers and pick up our weekly schedule.  1 hour
10:30 am Fishing with a Naturalist Kids 7 and up join us on the shores of the Discovery Center for fishing basics. Poles, bait, and tackle are provided.  $4/person, adults (16 +must have a license). Pre-register  as space is limited.  1 ½ hr.
1:30 p.m.  Critter Encounter Join a naturalist as they feed the many critters in the Discovery Center such as the fish, turtles, and snakes! Approx. 30 min.
All Day GPS Quest  Try our new GPS course.  Rent a unit from us or use you own to complete a park wide scavenger hunt.  $10.00 rental.

Tues. July 28             
8:00 am Let’s Go Birding   Discover local breeding birds with one of Garrett County’s most avid birders. You’ll learn how to bird by ear and listen for distinctive songs.  Bring binoculars.  Meet at the Discovery Center.   1 ½ hr.
10:30   Where in the World am I ? -GPS Class.  Join the park ranger and get acquainted with your hand held GPS unit.  This hands on class will teach you the basics of you GPS unit as well as its other mapping capabilities.  Bring your own unit or borrow one of ours. (We have 5 to lend so sign up early) Free .  45min
11-1 Fire Tower Open.  Hike our fire trails to the tower which will be open for tours between 10 and 12pm
1:00pm Browsing for Butterflies Investigate our State Park gardens with the naturalist looking for and identifying butterflies.  Learn about native plants these butterflies love and ways to improve their habitat.  1 hr.
 All Day GPS Quest  Try our new GPS course.  Rent a unit from us or use you own to complete a park wide scavenger hunt.  $10.00 rental.

Wed July 29              
11:00 a.m.  Wildflower Walk.  Take a walk around the Discovery Center with the naturalist to learn the many species of flowers in our area.  You will also be able to enjoy our native wildflower tea and learn of some of the medicinal values of these plants.
1:30 p.m.  Brant Mine Hike.  Take a guided hike with the naturalist to the historic Brant Mine.  You will see the remnants of a coal mine that was operated in the 1920’s.  You never know what wildlife we will see on the way.
All Day GPS Quest  Try our new GPS course.  Rent a unit from us or use you own to complete a park wide scavenger hunt.  $10.00 rental.

Thurs July 30            
9 a.m. Morning Canoeing.  Visit Meadow Mt. cove and learn about the night sounds of Garrett County wetlands.  The naturalists will also attempt to call in owls.  $10/adult; $5 for age 12 and under.  Must pre-register as space is limited.  Meet at the Discovery Center.  1 ½ hr.
1:30 pm Happy Herps! Ever wonder what is hopping and crawling across roads during the night? Want to know how to tell a poisonous snake and the rest? Come and learn and see lots of live specimens! You never know what Amo and Frog will have!  45 min.
All Day GPS Quest  Try our new GPS course.  Rent a unit from us or use you own to  complete a park wide scavenger hunt.  $10.00 rental.

Fri. July 31                
11:00 am Got Cavities? You don’t need a dentist for these cavities! Hike around the Discovery Center in search of bird and animal cavities, nests, and dens! 30 min.
1pm, 2 pm, and 3pm Hourly Encounters.  Join a naturalist at the top of each hour to meet one of our center critters up close and personal and learn what kind of mothers they are!  Meet at the front desk.
All Day GPS Quest  Try our new GPS course.  Rent a unit from us or use you own to complete a park wide scavenger hunt.  $10.00 rental.
8:00 p.m. Owl Prowl.  Join our Naturalist at Herrington Manor State Park for an evening Program in search of owls.  Enjoy a night sounds program and then go outside to call in barred owls.  Meet at the main office at Herrington Manor.

Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center
“Bringing people and resources together”

 Open everyday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Programs and Center hours are subject to change without notice.
All programs meet or begin at the Discovery Center unless otherwise noted.
For more information, call us at 301-387-7067.

Savage River State Forest
Grantsville, MD 
301-895-5759
Directions:  MD Rt. 495 to New Germany Road. Follow signs.

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Swallow Falls State Park
Oakland, MD
(301) 334-9180 
DIRECTIONS: Take Rt. 219 south to Mayhew Inn Road. Take right and travel to the end of Mayhew Inn Road. Turn left onto Oakland Sang Run Rd. Follow signs and turn right onto Swallow Falls Road.  Park entrance is about 1 mile on right.

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Youghiogheny Wild & Scenic River
Swanton, MD
301-387-5563
Directions: MD Rt. 495 to New Germany Road.  Follow signs.