I've been a student of the American Civil War for over 60 years. Recently, while visiting friends, I learned about the Monocacy National Battlefield where "The Battle That Saved Washington" was fought in July 1864. The Visitor Center is very nice with a electronic interpretive displays, as well as battlefield artifacts. There is a self-guided 4 mile (6 km) automobile tour of the battlefield and three walking loop trails. It was raining the day we visited, which curtailed exploring the Battlefield and its historical buildings. But I thoroughly enjoyed the the view of the Battlefield -- a rolling grassy field with dense forest around it -- and imagined what the battle may have looked like that day. read more

Monocacy National Battlefield - Welcome Sign - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

If you love history, specifically civil war history, make this a stop if you're in the area. Stop by the visitor's center first and pick up some guides & pamphlets to guide you on your journey through. Make sure you have a car, if not you'll be setting aside the whole day trying to walk it. Are you a jogger/cyclist? Love the outdoors? Then also make this a stop, maybe you'll learn something and pick up a few interests on your morning run. Do you fall into none of the previous categories? Well, maybe avoid it. Most of it just looks like big empty fields - it kind of is exactly that to the non-enthusiasts and imagination-deprived. The whole thing is free (including parking) for a budget friendly experience. My cons: 1). some portions lacked proper explanation as to what you were looking at. The "Grist Mill" location on the map did not have a mill. There was an office building with a "do not enter" sign and a small run down shack. Were either of those a mill? Sure didn't look like it. Did the mill just USED to stand here years ago? Who knows. As an actual history enthusiast I would've appreciated the ability to explore the historic buildings more. Several very old farmhouses related to the battle still stand and look in decent shape! Perhaps the budget does not allow, but it would be nice to place an employee at these places and allow people to tour. Also upon peering through the windows, it would seem a lot of history has been lost. The insides are barren and empty. Many times it felt like you'd get somewhere, step out and look at a field, then hop back in and go to the next place. This is coming from someone ACTUALLY interested. I'm not sure what the solution is, but I'm sure there's something they could do to make the experience a bit more compelling. read more

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For history lovers, there's much to see at Monocacy National Battlefield. For non-history lovers who find all Civil War battlefields to be just boring fields, there's something for you too. For the history lovers: 1) Monuments: There are several monuments to stop and see that honor the fallen soldiers. 2) Buildings: From the new visitors center to a historic farm, there's plenty to see. Grist Mill, used as a Union field hospital, is worth a visit as well as Edgewood, a beautiful old home behind it. The Thomas House where civilians hid during the battle is worth a stop too. 3) Trails: There are several that offer beautiful views of the river. The trail by Grist Mill is family-friendly and popular for local families. Entrance is free! read more

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Whether you are looking for history or just scenic spaces to explore, the Monocacy National Battlefield is a NPS treasure hiding in plain sight! I have driven by so many times growing up, but it took covid to have the combination of time and curiosity to get me out exploring places closer to home. The visitor center is still closed for safety precautions, but you can check their website for updates. The website also has pdfs of trail maps and driving tour stops, so you can pick how much you want to hike in a day. Easy to do a little or a lot whenever you fancy because everything is free :) There are sign boards at each destination to give you the history/importance of that site and an overview of the trails at that spot. There is a mixture of paved, dirt, gravel, farm, and forest trails, so a little bit for everyone. Some are potentially partially accessible depending on gravel conditions (see photos for reference). I think a lot of the other reviews really highlight the beauty and historic value of this park as well, so you don't just have to take my word for it haha Definitely worth your time and appreciation :) read more

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Time to bump this one up to 1st class. Since my initial ramblings about this place five years ago, we've been through the Frederick area a few times and each time we've stopped at the visitors center or we've done part of the driving tour. Why you might ask? Simply because this NPS site is very easy to do with how small it is and in it's own way is actually quite scenic. Add that to an excellent visitors center with very helpful/enthusiastic rangers and you have a winner. The key thing to remember about Monocacy is that what took place here is not as historically remarkable as Gettysburg, Antietam or Richmond yet it is no less important. What that means is that this park is one that you have to want to seek out and find because it does not get anything near the publicity or visitation that the aforementioned sites do. www.battlefields.org/learn/maps/battle-monocacy-july-9-1864 Aside from the excellent visitors center, Monocacy breaks down into a short five stop driving tour. Each stop highlights a particular area that was critical to the battle that occurred on July 9th 1864. At each stop you can get out and explore the grounds and see the original farm buildings/homes which for the most part still stand today. Note that some of the buildings date back to the 1790's. Sadly, only Worthington House (stop #3) is open for visitation and even that only happens a select few times a year in summer. With that said, each stop does offer thorough placards that explain what transpired at the stop along with walking trails that run from being very short to a few miles. The other nice thing about the sites is that even though the visitor center closes at 5pm daily, you can still access them until sunset. www.nps.gov/mono/planyourvisit/maps.htm A few closing notes: *Stop #3 at Worthington House has the longest set of trails whereas most of the other stops offer single trails that go mostly in a simple loop. Also at stop #3 is an excellent placard that explains the story of how Monocacy came to be an NPS site. www.nps.gov/mono/learn/historyculture/worthington_farm.htm www.amazon.com/Fighting-Time-Monocacy-Glenn-Worthington/dp/0942597710 * Stop #2 is currently out of service until later this year due to a bridge replacement project that goes over the CSX tracks. read more

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Beautiful, easy hike at the Worthington Farm Trails section, a scenic spot in the Monocacy Battlefield trail system. The parking is close to the start of the trail. It was very peaceful and a nice leisurely place to hike past wildflowers, the peaceful river, and there was lots of shade on the trail. Learning about the history of the spot is a great integration to the hiking aspect. The boards with historical information are really helpful and interesting! We even sat at a picnic table by the farmhouse to eat our lunch. We also met a very friendly park ranger who gave us information about the migratory birds that frequent the park and when the optimum time to see certain birds would be. I highly recommend this hike! read more

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Do you know how many times I drive by these barns on 270? Well now I'm happy to say I know what each of them are! We first stopped at the Visitor Center and talked to the gentlemen who gave us the brochure and directed us upstairs to the museum. This was a great first stop to give us insight to the battle and the times. It was really cool to read about residents of Frederick from 150 years ago. At the back of the museum is a light up map that is a MUST in helping understand the layout of the several farms and battle. We did the 5 stop tour (minus the NJ memorial which is under construction). We took several pictures and did a few trails at the Worthington Farm. We finished at the Gambrils Mill and saw the bridge with a whole new perspective. Go check out this history filled battle field right under your nose in Frederick! read more

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We spent SIX hours at the Monocacy Battlefield this weekend w my 8 year old. What a critical history lesson I'd never before learned! There is a great museum in the Visitor Center snd great kids activities- from the Jr Ranger Program to Kids in Parks activities. Fun auto tour with 5 stops and you get out at each stop. Then several different hiking options as well. One Park Ranger (I think his name is Matt Borders?) was phenomenal. He made this visit so special to my 8yo. From his excellent story telling skills to his vast wealth of knowledge of the history and his hands on props- letting my child hold an actual canister cannonball. He genuinely knew the answers to everything my kid asked snd was so patient and kind to him. What an invaluable resource to the national park system! Unfortunately, another Park Ranger (maybe volunteer?) inside the visitor center consistently wore his mask below his nose and occasionally below his mouth, as well, despite the "masks required" signs everywhere...but the visitor center was otherwise fairly empty on Labor Day. read more

Monocacy National Battlefield - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

Monocacy National Battlefield has a lot to see. We first went to the very nice Visitors Center, which has a little shop and kids area on the first floor and a great museum exhibit about the battle on the second floor. There is a lot of information, plus artifacts and a light up talking map that walks you through the major action during the battle. The friendly ranger who greeted us also provided a very helpful map that included the directions for the driving tour, which was our next step. You can visit the major sites, some still with historic buildings, and plenty of informational signage to see the key points. There are also multiple trails available throughout. We opted for the Gambrill Mill trail, which was a lovely, easy walk along a boardwalk next to a creek. It was really amazing to learn about this battle, which we were unfamiliar with prior to our visit. The site offers a Junior Ranger program. read more

Monocacy National Battlefield in Frederick County, Maryland, is one of the best preserved Civil War sites I've seen, with many structures and fields remaining. One can get a real sense of the topography and surroundings of that era. In July 1864, Union troops under Lew Wallace (who would later write Ben-Hur) sought to delay Jubal Early's Confederates from crossing the Monocacy River and marching towards Washington, DC. (The Confederates were stalled, though they would subsequently advance as far as Fort Stevens in the District.) At the time of writing, the battlefield visitor center was closed due to the Covid pandemic. However, this is the place to begin a visit. Park rangers have place a supply of brochures at the outdoor interpretive displays. There are numerous hiking trails through the battlefield, on both sides of the Monocacy River. There is a 5-stop battlefield driving tour, which we took. The Park Service really wants you to follow the stops in numerical order, as the highway signs pointing to them are arranged only in one direction. Each stop is excellently interpreted. First is the Best Farm, also known as L'Hermitage. The house dates in stages from the 1790s. There is also an outbuilding and a stone barn dating to the 18th century. The site is also notable as having been once owned by a French family from Haiti who brought their slaves with them. Visitors learn that this farm contained one of the largest communities of enslaved people in Maryland. The second stop, at the New Jersey Monument, was closed at time of writing due to road construction. The third stop--after passing the fifth and fourths stops--is the Worthington Farm. The house is preserved. Union forces located here fought Confederate forces at the neighboring Thomas Farm, stop four. The Thomas Farm site has the original house (still occupied and not part of the battlefield park), a stone outbuilding and a bank barn. There is also a reconstructed wooden covered bridge, perhaps meant to represent the one present during the battle. Between the forth and fifth stops, one encounters the Pennsylvania and Vermont Monuments. Gambrill Mill is the fifth stop. The stone mill building has been adapted as the park administrative offices, but the setting next tot eh mill pond still gives the impression. A board walk leads to the Monocacy River where both the highway and railroad bridges can be seen spanning the river at the location of the originals. A very scenic spot. Monocacy is one of the best of the Civil War battlefield parks and is well worth a visit. Amenities including convenience stores, fast food, gas and restaurants are close by in the suburbs of Frederick. read more

I've been driving (or was driven as a child) past this National Park for over 30 years and never even noticed it!! My grandparents lived just over the PA line and we would travel often from Southern MD to visit them. Now I'm grown and have my own son who is interested in earning junior ranger badges. So anytime we are traveling I look up and keep my eye out for any National Parks where he can earn a new badge and of course, learn something along the way. The volunteer at the front desk was so kind, informative and friendly. They had an awesome little children's area where they could try on soldier uniforms and prairie bonnets. They had little puzzles, books, a toy train set...so nicely done. The little gift shop area had quite a few unique and interesting things in it. We enjoyed browsing and even bought a canon knickknack that was also a pencil sharpener! Upstairs they have a wonderful museum area. There's lots of information and some interactive things and there's also a outdoor balcony type area where you can overlook a lot of the battlefields and oversee the area. We really enjoyed it here and I'm so thankful that we stopped. My eight-year-old learned a lot and I did too! read more

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Very well done. The only northern battlefield where the confederates actually won. Great personnel and exhibits. Best of all the price was right - free. Love what they're doing even if I do have great difficulty pronouncing the word monocacy read more

Great visitor center with wonderful and knowledgeable staff. I'd recommend this to anyone with an interest in Civil War history. read more

Monocacy National Battlefield - Visitor center - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

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My 4 stars is entirely due to the amazing story telling of the park ranger who described the battle. The battlefield itself isn't much to look at - basically open fields with a historic barn in the far background - so if you're going to visit, make sure you take part in the ranger tour (really just a 30 minute talk in front of the visitor's center/museum). This was a battle that never should have happened. The Union had reports the Confederates were moving up the Shenandoah Valley, but failed to mobilize in time to stop Jubal Early's advance. But despite lacking specific orders to fight, General Lew Wallace gathered as many troops as he could and delayed General Early's advance at Monocacy. While the Confederates won the battlefield, it delayed Early enough for Grant to rush reinforcements to Washington. Without this delay, Early may have seized Washington DC right before the 1864 election, which almost certainly would have changed US history. The museum itself is pretty standard; some historic curios, maps of the battlefield, taped recordings voicing people who fought in the battle. Well done, but not especially different from what you see at other battlefields. read more

Monocacy National Battlefield - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

Nice NPS battlefield site. Very large. Nice hiking trails. Good interpretative signage. Nice junior ranger program. I wouldn't drive out of my way to visit, but am glad it exists and would stop by if in area. read more

The visitor center was closed due to Covid-19. Despite this I decided to check out the battlefield, knowing I knew little about this particular battle. Turns out there's billboards at each stop giving details on what events took place. These boards gave more than enough details to understand the battle. The stops can little tricky to find without a map but thankfully I had Google Maps on my phone. read more

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This is a hidden gem that can easily be overlooked if you don't check out the signs for it. I knew it was here and made a special trip to Fredrick just so I could see it, and I am glad I did! The visitor's center offers a detailed insight on the Monocacy Battle. Make sure to bring your NPS Passport Book to get a stamp too! The field is massive. There are several markers detailing the information about the field along with an old home that was on site during the battlefield, the slave house, and old barn. I will admit that this is very scenic and might be a good place for engagement photos when the light is right. If you're into Civil War history - this is a must see when in the area. read more

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My main interest in the Monocacy Battlefield is hiking, not history, so if you are a history buff--well, you've probably already researched it on your own! I really enjoy the Ford Loop trail at the Worthington House off Baker Valley Rd., which winds alongside the Monocacy River for 1.6 miles. It's an easy hike--very scenic and not crowded. There are many paw paw trees along this trail. I also saw 2 green herons and some geese. There are wildflowers and meadows, and you can walk down to the river. I also saw hickory nuts and horse apples/hedge apples. You will pass a cow pasture, with cows that stand right up by the fence. You can also do the 1.9-mile Brooks Hill Loop if you want a longer hike...the two trails meet up by the cow pasture. I walked Brooks Hill around 8 in the morning and saw at least 15 deer. The Ford Loop is more scenic in my opinion, but I think if you want a longer hike, it's nice to start with the more difficult Brooks Hill trail and then take your time on the Ford Loop trail and enjoy walking down to the river and seeing the scenery. I also like Gambrill Mill, the site of the original visitor center (which has now been moved to the other side of the Monocacy). This section offers a short system of boardwalks that allow you to walk over the marshy areas near the river and view several sites where defining events of the battle took place. A small but very scenic pond near the mill is home to a number of turtles and snakes. The new visitor center is really cool. There is a large balcony on the top level where you can step out and view the battlefield. Exhibits are interesting (even for children and non-history buffs) and staff is friendly. Also, since the battlefield is spread out and info can be hard to find if you go to just one part, I really think it is best to hit the visitor center first. read more

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Clean, well kept facility with a cool interactive area upstairs above the gift shop. The tour guide/ ranger person was not very engaging during his guided talk outside the facility. The front desk person was very informative about what they offered in the facility. read more

Hidden??? Yes, you could say that. Most people would just drive on by... Not knowing the gem that they have past. This was very important in saving DC from capture... As you drive up, it really doesn't look like much. A big field. Train tracks. A bridge. A few farm houses in the distance. But all these elements were important. Join a ranger tour if possible. It really brings it all to life. Or go on upstairs of the visitors center to learn about the battle. This battle was all about planning and menu other factors. So much to consider. The display upstairs is well done and engaging at times. As there is an overlook to get a better perspective. Then talk to the rangers and they can provide a map of the driving tours to see the important sights of the battle. A great memory in history... If you have time or just like learning about the area! read more

Monocacy National Battlefield - From the tracks! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

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Great place to go if you are in the town of Frederick. This hidden gem has an interesting visitor center with lots of gifts to bring back home with you. The front desk people were very informative and suggested we take our time even though it was end of day and about to close for the day. read more

Monocacy National Battlefield - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

Tough to complain about a national park! A great place to spend a Saturday or Sunday and learn some history. Hop on the website and take the guided audio tour! Passport stamp is in the gift shop! read more

Enjoyed the site of the July 1864 battle that saved Washington DC. This was also where General Lee lost his orders outlining his plans to divide His army into 3 separate and independent parts during his Sharpsburg (Antietam) campaign. The snow covered battlefield was peaceful and mostly vacant as the smithsonian group toured it under the guidance of Ed Bearss. The park staff were very friendly and welcoming. S read more

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This was a nice stop. I didn't know much at all about this Civil War battle before visiting. The visitor's center was great. The staff was more than willing to talk and answer questions. The small museum they have upstairs was laid out very well and very informative. My only complaint is that the park isn't all that well preserved. Gambrill Mill and house have been turned in to administrative buildings. You can't enter the buildings on the Best Farm. Perhaps that's because the battle at Monocacy is less well known. Despite all that, though, I would recommend a visit. It's worth the trip. read more

Can't write about the tours / buildings because they were closed during the coronavirus. Auto tour was good - it was free and informative. I also started to walk the Gambrill Mill Trail but it was covered with horse poop. Nope!!!!!!!!!! read more

Monocacy National Battlefield memorializes several small locations (fields, farms, bridges) where a Civil War battle took place. The battle is little known to most historians, but prevented the war from turning in the Confederacy's favor. The Union soldiers lost the battle at Monocacy, but burned a crucial bridge that might have allowed Confederate troops to surround Washington DC. Battlefields are an odd national monument since they are essentially a cemetery where the dead share a common story. And this park gets 5 stars for the exceptional Interpretive Center. The Interpretive Center offers lots of different angles on the battle, wildlife in the area, and other history of the area. The National Park Service has done an excellent job of telling the story of the battle for all ages -- with historical videos for everyone, exhibits for kids (with things to touch and manipulate), and details of the battle for Civil War enthusiast. read more

Fairly little known park about fairly little know battle that took place on the outskirts of Frederick. Interesting historical exhibits (the dude that wrote Ben Hur fought here). The new visitor center is open. Head down to the Ford Loop trail at the Worthington Farm and you can wade all the way across the Monocacy. Water is pretty swift and bottom is rocky, but shouldn't come up any farther than your waist, normally. But be careful. I always enjoy wading out in the river. read more

Monocacy National Battlefield - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

My friend and I share an interest in the Civil War so while planning a road trip that would take us to Frederick, Maryland we decided to stop at Monocacy National Battlefield (about 15 miles from Frederick) for a little history. I'm glad we did. We started with a stop at the visitor center. It's not just a place to ask questions and pick up maps. The second floor offers an elaborate history of the battle that took place over the surrounding farms and how local families were affected. Neither of us realized how significant this battle was in saving DC during the Civil War. Following our stop at the visitor center, we ventured out to the battlefield itself. There are some walking tours/hikes, but given our time constraints we opted for the driving tour. Maps directing us to specific sites and buildings made this easy enough. Some of the farm houses still stand and one of the current park office buildings (Gambrill Mill) was used as a field hospital during the war. It seems Monocacy is less well known than other Civil War battles as we saw only one other group touring around. The battlefield itself is a serene setting along the Monocacy River. After reading some of the first hand accounts from the local farming families and then being on the same land where they saw soldiers marching, fighting and dying while they themselves were hiding from gunfire is humbling to say the least. Given the vivid description of what they witnessed makes one appreciate what so many families had to sacrifice. read more

Very nice hiking spot, down the long gravel road (just west of the 270-bypass). The historic Worthington House still stands. This battle was very interesting, as the Union managed to stave off the Rebels, though outnumbered. There are two hikes to choose from, one takes you down by the river, very scenic. The other, takes you up a large hill/woods. The river hike will take you right by where the Rebels crossed the river to try and flank the union. Look for ghosts as you walk! Don't bother with the visitor center, unless you like that type of thing. read more

Absolutely wonderful people at the welcome center. They are the nicest people we have met at a battlefield welcome center. Super helpful and knowledgeable. They did a presentation with artifacts that we were able to hold (with gloves) so we could see them up close. The battlefield itself is small but it still has a lot to see. The houses are beautiful. We loved it. read more

This is a wonderful, beautiful park to go for a nice walk/hike. My other half and I bring our dog and get a great workout. We usually don't see many people there too. read more

Monocacy National Battlefield - So pretty - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

Love the civil war? This is one of the lesser know battles dubbed as the one that saved Washington, and pushed the confederates out of the north for the final time. It's small and beautiful with an amazing visitor center and hands on exhibits! Great views, amazing standing 17th and 18th century buildings. Not the first Battlefield to go to in the area but definitely a interesting piece of the Maryland civil war picture. read more

Unfortunately, I couldn't really explore much of this battlefield. It was raining pretty hard so my son and I were able to visit the Museum which was really fun especially for my son. He had fun trying on the confederate uniform and pretending to be a rebel soldier. After leaving the museum we headed over to Best Farm, following up with a quick visit to the Worthington Farm but the heavy rain really spoiled the visit. This is still a must stop for all history and Civil War lovers. It was also famous since the Union General overseeing the fight was famous for writting Ben -Hur. read more

Monocacy National Battlefield - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

Loved the new center. History tour outside however given in hot sun on 99 degree day. Alas, the visitors center is air conditioned ! read more

Monocacy National Battlefield - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

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Do not expect a large monument filled battlefield like Gettysburg or Antietam. There is a nice visitor center and some pleasant walks available. I like that the National Park system protects all sort of locations not just the big dramatic sites. A pleasant way to spend an afternoon. They do have a junior ranger program for the young ones. read more

Excellent preservation of our nations history. You can see almost the entire battlefield from the top floor of the new visitors center and museum. A short drive will take you to three different farms that were involved in the battle, complete with gorgeous 150+ year old houses. Like stepping back in time. read more

One sentence review: The battle at Monocacy during the Civil War essentially saved Washington, D.C., thus if you enjoy living in the DMV nowadays, you owe it to yourself to visit this small but important national park that also has some lovely walking trails. read more

AWESOME!! For a Civil War Battlesite, this one is tops! First, you can drive it.. Great for those of us that aren't 100% enthusiasts but like a little history. The Visitor center is really good. They have a Civil War Uniform you can try on and a great interactive map to see the battle. This is First Rate! read more

Monocacy is an excellent battlefield very close to home! It's very detailed and more expansive than one thinks! Also, what a wonderful and unexpectedly amazing visitors center! Who woulda thunk! :) read more

Fantastic! My family and I loved stopping at the 5 spots and just enjoying the sights. We went in mid October and it wasn't busy at all. It took us about 1.5 hours to get through the different spots, but you could definitely spend less or more time. Highly recommend especially if you love history, old homes/buildings and open land. read more