Free Fishing Days

The first two Saturdays in June and July 4 are license-free fishing days all across Maryland! On these days, licenses are not required to catch and possess finfish in tidal and non-tidal waters for recreational purposes. All other fishing laws and regulations still apply. Need gear? New Germany State Park is now a Tackle Loaner Program location! To borrow a rod and reel, stop by the Lake House between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM or call the Ranger Station at 301-895-5453 to make an appointment. Please bring your own bait!

Event Series Bird Walk

Bird Walk

Sang Run State Park 3735 Sang Run Road, McHenry, MD, United States

Participants will learn how to bird by sight and sound as they listen for distinctive songs on a stroll through the park. Binoculars are provided. Meet at the Friends Store, Sang Run State Park, on June 14 at 10:00 AM!

Dans Mountain State Park’s Monthly Community Hike

Dans Mountain State Park 17410 Recreation Area Rd SW, Lonaconing, MD, United States

Dans Mountain State Park will be partnering with Westmar Middle and George's Creek Elementary Community Schools to offer monthly hikes on the Lonacona Loop Trail. Ranger Mac will be leading these challenging 4.5-mile hikes on the following dates: June 14, July 19, August 16, September 20, and October 18. Lunch will be provided after each hike, sponsored by Community Schools. Participants are asked to register by Monday before each hike to ensure there is enough food for everyone.

Reptile Encounter

Discovery Center l Deep Creek Lake State Park 898 State Park Rd, Swanton, MD, United States

All are invited to the Discovery Center for Reptile Encounter to learn about some of the fascinating and gentle reptile ambassadors.

Insect Investigation Hike

New Germany Lake House 403 McAndrews Hill Road, Grantsville, MD, United States

Ranger Noah will lead an easy 1.5-mile walk exploring the world of insects on June 14 at 3:00 PM, starting at the New Germany Lake House. Participants will flip rocks and logs for hands-on experience with real insects while learning about their role in the ecosystem. Photo credit: Alex Andes-Gascon

Event Series Creek Craft

Creek Crafts

Discovery Center l Deep Creek Lake State Park 898 State Park Rd, Swanton, MD, United States

Tag along with the naturalists in the Discovery Room for various crafts, ranging from owl origami to nature-themed coloring sheets!

Nature Journaling

Sang Run State Park 3735 Sang Run Road, McHenry, MD, United States

Participants are invited to learn about nature through stories, followed by a short guided walk on one of the trails on June 15 at 1:00 PM.

Learn to Fish!

Discovery Center l Deep Creek Lake State Park 898 State Park Rd, Swanton, MD, United States

Join the naturalists at the Discovery Center to learn how to partake in one of the best pastimes Deep Creek has to offer: fishing! Kids between 7-15 will learn skills that will help them on their own fishing adventures. Registration is required. Registration can be done at the Discovery Center desk with a $5 payment. Guardians must remain present during fishing.

Butterfly Hike and Craft

Sang Run State Park 3735 Sang Run Road, McHenry, MD, United States

Tag along with a ranger to identify butterflies in the area and make a fun butterfly craft in the Friends Store on June 18 at 11:00 AM!

Hungry Critters

Discovery Center l Deep Creek Lake State Park 898 State Park Rd, Swanton, MD, United States

The animals are hungry! Join the Discovery Center for a lunch date with some of the critters as they’re fed delicious meals of mice, worms, and fish flakes on May 20 and June 1!

Beginner Bird Walk

Discovery Center l Deep Creek Lake State Park 898 State Park Rd, Swanton, MD, United States

A little birdie told me that if you love feathered friends, you should come down to the Discovery Center for a stroll around the park to learn how to spot and identify the local birds!

Event Series Nature Bingo

Nature Bingo

Discovery Center l Deep Creek Lake State Park 898 State Park Rd, Swanton, MD, United States

BINGO! Take a short walk with a naturalist and try to fill out your bingo board while learning about things you find along the way. (0.5 miles)

Flower Pot Paint and Plant

Sang Run State Park 3735 Sang Run Road, McHenry, MD, United States

Stop in between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to paint a flower pot at Sang Run State Park. A variety of flower and herb seeds will be available to plant in the new pot. A $5 suggested donation is requested for this activity, taking place on June 19.

$5.00
Event Series Herp Hike

Herp Hike

Discovery Center l Deep Creek Lake State Park 898 State Park Rd, Swanton, MD, United States

Join a naturalist for a stroll through the park and discover the hidden treasures that the native reptiles and amphibians have in the region. Meet on the Discovery Center deck. (0.5 miles).

Solar Printing

Sang Run State Park 3735 Sang Run Road, McHenry, MD, United States

Celebrate the longest day of the year with family-friendly craft that uses the power of the sun to make art on June 20 at 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM.

Campground Critters

Discovery Center l Deep Creek Lake State Park 898 State Park Rd, Swanton, MD, United States

Visit the Naturalists outside the Ranger Station/Camper Check-in. They will inform you about the critters you may spot during your stay and how best to avoid late-night visits!

Solstice Walk and Campfire

Sang Run State Park 3735 Sang Run Road, McHenry, MD, United States

Enjoy the extra daylight on the Summer Solstice by joining a night hike to experience the sounds of summer, ending with a campfire and s'mores on June 20 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Sang Run State Park.

Garrett County Rec Fair

Deep Creek Lake State Park

Find your type of adventure at the Rec Fair!Deep Creek Lake State Park | June 21st from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Vendors will showcase recreational opportunities from around the region, along with other valuable resources. Enjoy demonstrations, guided activities, and free biking, kayaking, and canoeing. Bring the whole family for a fun day at Deep Creek Lake State Park and experience the unique offerings of the Rec Fair! Submit FREE Vendor Registration! RSVP as an Attendee (Not Required)

Maryland’s Native Bees

Sang Run State Park 3735 Sang Run Road, McHenry, MD, United States

Learn about the type of native bees found here and the role they play in our environment on June 21 at 1:00 PM.

Make a Clay Bee Cup

Sang Run State Park 3735 Sang Run Road, McHenry, MD, United States

Get creative and craft your very own clay bee cup, where you'll mold and shape the clay into a unique, buzzing masterpiece on June 22 from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM at Sang Run State Park.

Demo Garden Tour

Sang Run State Park 3735 Sang Run Road, McHenry, MD, United States

Explore the Demo Garden and learn about different small-space gardening techniques on June 24 at 1:00 PM. Learn about perennial vegetables that do well in small spaces and come back year after year.

Event Series Nature Hike

Nature Hike

Discovery Center l Deep Creek Lake State Park 898 State Park Rd, Swanton, MD, United States

Join a Master Naturalist on a fun and educational nature hike to learn about various plants and animals that live in and around Deep Creek Lake. Come prepared for the weather and ready to hike! (3 miles)

Learn to Fish!

Discovery Center l Deep Creek Lake State Park 898 State Park Rd, Swanton, MD, United States

Join the naturalists at the Discovery Center to learn how to partake in one of the best pastimes Deep Creek has to offer: fishing! Kids between 7-15 will learn skills that will help them on their own fishing adventures. Registration is required. Registration can be done at the Discovery Center desk with a $5 payment. Guardians must remain present during fishing.

Candle Making

Sang Run State Park 3735 Sang Run Road, McHenry, MD, United States

Come by the art room in the Friends Store to make a homemade candle for yourself or as a gift on June 25 at 1:00 PM.

Deep Creek Lake’s Junior Rangers

Discovery Center l Deep Creek Lake State Park 898 State Park Rd, Swanton, MD, United States

Summer will be here before we know it! Join the Discovery Center and Deep Creek Lake State Park Volunteers for Junior Rangers. Tag along with the naturalists to learn all about the wild world right outside your door. Thursdays, June 26 – August 7, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM$25 per child (ages 7–12) For more information, email Naturalist Chance at chance.friend@maryland.gov.

Watercolor Flowers

Sang Run State Park 3735 Sang Run Road, McHenry, MD, United States

Drop in between 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM to learn how to paint some of our local birds. Participants will use watercolor pencils for this sample, family-friendly craft on June 26 at Sang Run State Park.

Event Series Herp Hike

Herp Hike

Discovery Center l Deep Creek Lake State Park 898 State Park Rd, Swanton, MD, United States

Join a naturalist for a stroll through the park and discover the hidden treasures that the native reptiles and amphibians have in the region. Meet on the Discovery Center deck. (0.5 miles).

Kids in the Creek!

Sang Run State Park 3735 Sang Run Road, McHenry, MD, United States

A fun way for kids and families to learn about the unique critters that are a part of the creek and riparian ecosystems on June 10 and 27, at 1:00 PM at Sang Run State Park! Be prepared to get wet!