2025 has been a landmark year for Deep Creek Lake, as the community has come together to celebrate the lake’s 100th birthday in grand style. The centennial festivities kicked off in January with a launch party at the historic restaurant Dutch’s at Silver Tree attended by more than 100 people. Each month since, the Deep Creek Lake Centennial (DCL100) Committee held or partnered on events celebrating the special heritage of the lake. Community organizations, schools, and businesses embraced the milestone with themed events, including the Deep Creek Dunk, a month of special lectures, trivia nights, an adventure race, a recreation fair, and the popular Taste of Garrett County showcase, where culinary nostalgia mingled with local flair.
Locals and visitors alike have been encouraged to visit Deep Creek Lake State Park with several days of free admission throughout the year, organized by the DCL100 Committee, and supported by the Department of Natural Resources and state park volunteer groups. At the heart of it all was the spectacular DCL100 Birthday Bash on July 19 at the Garrett County Fairgrounds—a tribute not just to the lake, but to the people who’ve called it home.
With admission at just 25 cents, a nod to the lake’s opening year of 1925, the celebration welcomed more than 8,000 for a full day of music, storytelling, artisan booths, food provided by local non-profits, and interactive exhibits. Kids danced through bubbles, families posed with birthday party-themed decorations, and participants shared historical anecdotes and photos. The atmosphere buzzed with community pride and nostalgic joy, culminating in an unforgettable drone light show by Firefly. Three hundred drones choreographed the story of Deep Creek Lake in the night sky, painting vivid animations—from water-skiing and fish to fireworks and the DCL100 logo. As the year has unfolded, additional centennial features have continued to build momentum. Commemorative merchandise featuring coins and other swag, lake-themed designs submitted by amateur artists, and flags of a variety of sizes have flown off shelves. Meanwhile, the Time Capsule Project has encouraged residents to contribute letters, photos, and tokens of modern life to be sealed until 2125. The committee has also created several projects which will continue to tell the story of the lake well past the Centennial year. These include more than 20 new signs all around the lake area, which provide snapshots of history, science, and lore of the lake, as well as extensive online archiving of stories, pictures, maps, and other documents related to the history of the lake.
Local leaders have used the celebration to amplify accessibility and inclusion efforts, including partnerships with local schools, which have resulted in science-based field trips to the lake. In August, a roaring 20s-themed gala was held at the Wisp Resort, and the weekend after Labor Day, “The Legends of Deep Creek,” a water sports exhibition was held in front of Deep Creek State Park. Events and activities throughout 2025 have highlighted how far Deep Creek Lake has come since its origins —and the importance of protecting and preserving what makes it special for the next 100 years and beyond.
Written by Chris Nichols.
