If you’re planning a trip to Deep Creek Lake and want an adventure that goes beyond the water, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, also known as WMSR, is one of the most memorable day trips in the region. This heritage railroad has been carrying passengers through the Allegheny Mountains for decades, offering a slower, more scenic way to take in Western Maryland than you’ll get from behind a windshield. Whether you’re a train enthusiast or just looking for something a little different to do during your stay, a ride on this historic line out of Cumberland, MD, is worth building your whole day around.
Of course, a train ride is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to planning your visit. There is an incredible range of activities for every kind of visitor: from hiking and boating to small-town shopping, it’s easy to fill your days with the best things to do in Deep Creek Lake.
After a day spent exploring, you’ll want a comfortable place to come home to, and that’s where Lake Pointe Inn comes in. As one of the most highly rated Hotels near Deep Creek Lake, our arts and crafts style Bed and Breakfast sits right on the lakefront in McHenry. You’ll be treated to a gourmet breakfast every morning before exploring everything Western Maryland has to offer. Book your stay now!
Ride The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad runs along tracks that once belonged to the historic Western Maryland Railway, and today WMSR uses both steam and diesel locomotives to carry passengers between Cumberland and Frostburg, Maryland. It’s about a 45-minute drive from McHenry to the Cumberland, MD station, which makes this an easy day trip.
Book your Western Maryland Scenic Railroad tickets online ahead of time, especially during peak fall foliage season when seats sell out quickly. Get to the station a little early too, since the old Western Maryland Railway Station at Canal Place has plenty to explore on its own, including hiking trails through the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, a visitor center, and a handful of local restaurants and shops that are great for grabbing a coffee before you board.
The train itself departs Cumberland at 11:30 and heads toward Frostburg, where you’ll have an hour and a half layover before the return trip. This is the perfect window to grab lunch in town, browse the local shops, or check out the Thrasher Carriage Museum at the depot, which offers free admission to railroad passengers. The museum is small but an interesting stop.
As for the ride itself, the restored coaches are comfortable and full of character, with large windows that make it easy to soak in the scenery as you go. If you check the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad map ahead of your trip, you’ll see the route takes you through downtown Cumberland, through the Narrows, across a bridge, around Helmstetter’s Curve, and through both Brush Tunnel and Woodcock Hollow before pulling into the Frostburg Depot- among scenic train rides in Maryland, this one is hard to beat. There’s also a snack shop and gift shop onboard if you want a souvenir or a little something to snack on along the way.
In addition to its standard scenic ride, Western Maryland Scenic Railroad operates a handful of specialty trains. The Ice Cream Train is a fun, family-friendly option that runs during the warmer months and is exactly what it sounds like: a relaxing ride paired with a sweet treat. The Dinner Train is an award-winning evening excursion with a full meal served onboard as you roll through the mountains, and it’s a popular pick for date nights or anniversaries.
For something with a little more intrigue, the Murder Mystery Dinner Train is one of the most talked-about experiences on the line. Actors work the crowd throughout the trip, a mystery unfolds as you eat, and guests get to help solve it before the ride ends. Book these specialty rides well in advance; they tend to sell out faster than the standard daytime excursions, especially on weekends.
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad reviews consistently highlight the friendly crew and the quality of the restored cars. Guests also comment on the breathtaking views of the Allegany Mountains and recommend booking a seat in the dome car, if available.
Stay at One of the Best Hotels on Deep Creek Lake
Once you’ve spent the day on the rails with Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, there’s no better way to end it than relaxing at Lake Pointe Inn. As one of the top-rated Hotels near Deep Creek Lake, our rooms and suites are designed with comfort in mind, featuring fine furnishings, plush linens, gas fireplaces, and private baths, so you can unwind completely after a day of sightseeing. Details are important to us, from the coziness of your room to the warmth of the welcome you get at check-in.
And of course, mornings here start off right with a gourmet breakfast made fresh before you head out on your next adventure. Between the lakefront setting and the thoughtful touches throughout the inn, our Hotel is the ideal home base for your Deep Creek Lake getaway and your day trip to Cumberland. Reserve your room now!