Brunswick MarylandATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Brunswick, Maryland.
1. Brunswick Heritage Museum
RAILROAD HISTORY PRESERVED
Brunswick Heritage Museum tells the story of how the town was shaped by the railroad while also featuring a 1700 square foot HO scale model of the B&O Metropolitan Subdivision. The museum occupies the second and third floors of a building it shares with the Brunswick Visitor Center. Established in 1974, it preserves the rich railroad history of Brunswick, which was home to one of the longest railroad yards owned by a single company.
2. Smoketown Brewing Station
HISTORIC FIREHOUSE BREWPUB
Smoketown Brewing Station is a popular brewpub in Brunswick offering craft beers in a historic setting. The brewery is consistently rated as one of the top attractions in Brunswick by visitors. Guests can enjoy locally-crafted beers while soaking in the atmosphere of this converted historic building.
3. Antiques N' Ole Stuff
VINTAGE TREASURE HUNTING
Antiques N' Ole Stuff is a charming antique shop in Brunswick's historic downtown area. The store offers a variety of vintage items, collectibles, and unique treasures for shoppers looking for one-of-a-kind pieces. It's one of several antique stores that contribute to Brunswick's appeal as a destination for antiquing enthusiasts.
4. Brunswick City Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HUB
Brunswick City Park provides recreational facilities for residents and visitors alike. The park offers green spaces, sports facilities, and areas for relaxation in the heart of Brunswick. It serves as a community gathering place for various events and activities throughout the year.
5. Beans in the Belfry
HISTORIC CHURCH CAFÉ
Beans in the Belfry is a unique café located in a restored former First Evangelical and Reformed Church built in 1910. The café hosts live music performances many nights of the week, making it a cultural hub for the community. Visitors can enjoy coffee, food, and entertainment in this architecturally significant space.
6. Rivers Edge Trails
INTERMEDIATE BIKING PATHS
Rivers Edge Trails offers 2.9 miles of intermediate biking paths located on 13th Avenue, just a short distance from the C&O Canal towpath. The trail system consists of a single rolling track six miles in length with four route options for bikers to explore. Natural cuts, berms, and switchbacks enhance the experience, increasing momentum and intensity for cycling enthusiasts.
7. Lock 30 Remains
HISTORIC CANAL STRUCTURE
The remains of Lock 30 stand as a testament to Brunswick's canal history, featuring visible red Seneca sandstone and Patapsco granite rubble at mile marker 55 on the towpath. Adjacent to the lock, Route 17 crosses the Potomac on a bridge that replaced previous ferries and a wooden bridge burned by Confederate forces during the Civil War. These historical remnants provide visitors with a glimpse into the transportation systems that shaped the region's development.
8. Boxcar Burgers
RAILROAD-THEMED DINING EXPERIENCE
Boxcar Burgers offers a railroad-themed dining experience that pays homage to Brunswick's rich railroad heritage. The restaurant serves burgers and other American fare in a setting that celebrates the town's connection to the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. It's highlighted as a destination worth coming back for when visiting Brunswick.
9. Towpath Creamery
CANAL-INSPIRED ICE CREAM
Towpath Creamery is a local ice cream shop that draws inspiration from Brunswick's connection to the C&O Canal towpath. The creamery offers a variety of frozen treats for visitors looking to cool off after exploring the town or hiking along the nearby canal. It's mentioned alongside Boxcar Burgers as a reason to return to Brunswick.
10. C&O Canal Towpath
HISTORIC RECREATIONAL TRAIL
The C&O Canal Towpath runs through Brunswick, offering a historic recreational trail for hikers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts. The towpath follows the route of the 19th-century Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, providing access to natural beauty and historical sites. Brunswick markets its access to this recreational resource as one of the town's key attractions.
11. Historic Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Station
LANDMARK RAILWAY BUILDING
The historic Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Station, built in 1891, stands as one of Brunswick's most significant landmarks. This structure represents the pivotal moment when the B&O Railroad arrived in Brunswick in 1890, transforming the town and increasing travel to and from the area. The station serves as a physical reminder of the railroad yard that was once known as the longest owned by a single company, stretching 5 miles in length.
12. Railroad Days Festival
HERITAGE CELEBRATION WEEKEND
Railroad Days is Brunswick's largest citywide event, taking place on the first weekend in October each year. The festival celebrates the city's rich railroad heritage with various activities, exhibits, and entertainment. This annual tradition brings together locals and visitors to honor the railroad industry that played such a crucial role in Brunswick's development.
13. Veterans Day Parade
LONG-STANDING PATRIOTIC TRADITION
The Veterans Day Parade in Brunswick has been held annually since 1932, making it one of the town's longest-standing traditions. This patriotic event honors those who have served in the United States armed forces with a procession through the streets of Brunswick. The parade draws participants and spectators from throughout the region to commemorate the sacrifices of military veterans.
14. Wine and Chocolate Walk
GOURMET TASTING TOUR
The Wine and Chocolate Walk is a popular annual event held in September in Brunswick. Participants can stroll through the historic downtown area sampling various wines and chocolate treats from local vendors. This gourmet tasting tour showcases the culinary offerings of Brunswick while encouraging visitors to explore the city's historic commercial district along Potomac Street.
15. Brunswick Farmers' Market
LOCAL PRODUCE SHOWCASE
The Brunswick Farmers' Market offers fresh, locally-grown produce and handcrafted items from area vendors. This regular market brings together farmers, artisans, and community members in a celebration of local agriculture and craftsmanship. The market contributes to Brunswick's appeal as a destination for those seeking authentic local experiences.