Deep Creek Lake Centennial: A Year of Celebration Begins!

As Deep Creek Lake turns 100 in 2025, we’re part of the efforts to kick off a yearlong celebration honoring the lake area’s rich history, natural beauty, and vibrant community. Whether you’ve called this area home for generations or are just discovering its charm, this milestone is a time to reflect on the past, enjoy the present, and look ahead to the lake’s future.

In 1923, work began on the hydroelectric dam which would create Deep Creek Lake and in May 1925, the lake was officially “born” when the turbines were first switched on. Since then, Deep Creek Lake has become a defining feature of Garrett County and has developed a rich heritage which we’ll be celebrating throughout 2025 with so many unique events and projects.

The mission of the DCL100 Committee, comprising representatives from over 10 organizations with an interest in the lake, is to promote and preserve the heritage of Deep Creek Lake’s first 100 years while protecting what makes it so special for the next 100 years and beyond.

Major events throughout 2025 will include educational lectures, nostalgic exhibitions, recreational activities, and, of course, plenty of opportunities to reflect on the lake’s legacy.

One of the biggest initiatives of the celebration is the DCL100 kiosk Project, which will introduce educational displays at key locations around the lake. These kiosks will offer a glimpse into Deep Creek’s past, present, and future—covering topics such as the lake’s origins, wildlife, recreation, and the community that has grown around it. Alongside the kiosks, a special Exploration Pass will be available, encouraging visitors to explore different historical and recreational sites throughout the year.

As we share this journey through 2025, we invite you to take a moment to appreciate the lake that has provided countless memories for so many. Deep Creek Lake’s story is still being written, and this centennial is a chance for all of us to be a part of its legacy.

Cheers to 100 years!

Upcoming DCL100 Events

• February
  • Feb 15-16 – Deep Creek Lake Boat Show
    A joint event by area marinas featuring boats, food, and vendors.
  • Feb 20-22 – Deep Creek Dunk
    DCL100 is partnering with Special Olympics Maryland to bring new events to the famous Dunk! For the Community Dunk there is prize for “Best Community Spirit” awarded to the team with the most members who dunk and on Saturday (main dunk day), there will be a prize for the “Best Roaring ’20’s Costume”. The prizes will consist of a custom, one-of-a-kind trophy for each winning team, and a swag pack for each team member including a pin, patch, sticker, magnet, keychain and wallet.
• March
  • March 6, 13, 20 & 27 – Deep Creek Lake Lecture Series
    Held each Thursday at 6 PM at the Performing Arts Center at Garrett College.
• April
  • April 3, 10, 17 & 24 – Deep Creek Lake Team Trivia Nights at Ace’s Run
    Test your DCL knowledge and win prizes!
  • April 27 – Picture Party at Ace’s Restaurant
    Hosted by Brenda McDonnell, this event invites you to bring and share your Deep Creek Lake photos!
  • April 29 – Amazing Grazing – The Taste of Garrett County
    DCL100 is partnering with Stage WEST at GC Ag Hall for this food-lover’s event.
• May
  • May 12 – Free Admission to Deep Creek Lake State Park
    Sponsored by the Western Garrett County State Park Volunteers
  • May 24 – Deep Creek Lake Adventure Challenge at Wisp Resort
    Teams will compete in puzzles, trivia, and physical challenges around the lake for prizes!
• June
  • June 21 – Free Admission to Deep Creek Lake State Park
  • June 21 – Recreation Fair at Deep Creek Lake State Park
    Sponsored by the Garrett County Health Department’s Population Health, Innovation, and Informatics Unit.
  • June 21 – Boat Parade on Deep Creek Lake
    Put on by the Deep Creek Lake Lions Club, featuring boats from all towns, businesses, and organizations.
  • June 27 – DCL100 Parade Float in Grantsville Days Parade
• July
  • July 4 – DCL100 Parade Float in Accident Homecoming Parade
  • July 5 – DCL100 Sailboat Regatta
    Hosted by the Deep Creek Yacht Racing Association.
  • July 12-13 – Victorian Chautauqua in Mt. Lake Park
    Featuring historic speaker portrayals with ties to Deep Creek Lake.
  • July 19 – DCL100 Birthday Bash at Garrett County Fairgrounds
    A full-day festival (12 PM – 10 PM) with live music, a KidZone, a parade, craft and food vendors, contests, and a special surprise finale!
  • July 21 – Free Admission to Deep Creek Lake State Park
  • July 26 – DCL100 Parade Float in Kitzmiller Homecoming Parade
• August
  • August 14 – Free Admission to Deep Creek Lake State Park
  • August 16 – DCL100 Parade Float in Friendsville Days Parade
  • August 23 – Deep Creek Lake Centennial Gala at Wisp Resort
    A Roaring 20’s-themed gala with live Big Band music. Limited capacity (400 people).
• September – October
  • Sept 6 – Deep Creek Lake Art & Wine Festival
    Hosted by HART for Animals.
  • Sept 7 – Watersports Exhibition on Deep Creek Lake
  • Sept – Oct – Cove Run Corn Maze – DCL100 Theme