Hurlock MarylandATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hurlock, Maryland.
1. Hurlock Fall Festival
ANNUAL COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
The Hurlock Fall Festival is a cherished annual event held on the first Saturday of October that begins with a parade featuring local school bands, volunteer fire companies, and antique cars. Vendors of arts, crafts, and food line the streets near the town's historic train station, where visitors can enjoy the Hurlock Express offering 1-hour round-trip rides to Federalsburg. Since its inception in 1992, this festival has become a cornerstone of community celebration in Hurlock.
2. Hurlock Express
HISTORIC RAILWAY EXPERIENCE
The Hurlock Express offers visitors a unique glimpse into Eastern Shore history with its 1-hour round-trip train rides between Hurlock and Federalsburg. The town owns the historic train station and two restored passenger cars, which are pulled by a locomotive provided by the Maryland and Delaware Railroad. This railway attraction is particularly popular during the Hurlock Fall Festival but operates on various dates throughout the year.
3. Hurlock Free Library
HISTORIC LITERARY LANDMARK
The Hurlock Free Library holds the distinction of being the oldest library on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and the second oldest in the entire state. This historic institution has served as a cultural and educational cornerstone for the community since its establishment. Visitors can appreciate both the architectural significance and the literary resources available at this venerable landmark.
4. Suicide Bridge Restaurant
WATERFRONT SEAFOOD DINING
Suicide Bridge Restaurant is a renowned dining establishment offering fresh seafood in a picturesque waterfront setting near Hurlock. The restaurant is named after the nearby bridge and features Eastern Shore specialties including Maryland blue crabs, oysters, and other local delicacies. Visitors can enjoy both excellent cuisine and scenic views of the surrounding waterways, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
5. Linchester Mill Campus
HISTORIC MILL COMPLEX
Linchester Mill Campus is a well-preserved historic site near Hurlock that showcases the region's industrial heritage. The restored mill complex offers visitors insight into 19th-century milling operations and rural life on Maryland's Eastern Shore. With its authentic machinery and educational displays, the site provides a fascinating glimpse into the area's agricultural and manufacturing history.
6. Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD HISTORY
The Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center celebrates the life and legacy of the famed Underground Railroad conductor who was born in nearby Dorchester County. The museum houses exhibits detailing Tubman's extraordinary journey from enslaved person to freedom fighter and her numerous missions to rescue others. Visitors can explore artifacts, educational displays, and artwork that illuminate Tubman's remarkable contributions to American history.
7. Dorchester County Visitor Center
REGIONAL TOURISM HUB
The Dorchester County Visitor Center serves as the primary information hub for tourists exploring Hurlock and the surrounding Dorchester County region. The center provides comprehensive resources including maps, brochures, historical information, and personalized recommendations for attractions throughout the area. Its knowledgeable staff can help visitors create customized itineraries to discover the natural beauty, history, and culture of Maryland's Eastern Shore.
8. Choptank River Lighthouse
MARITIME HERITAGE BEACON
The Choptank River Lighthouse is a replica of a historic screwpile lighthouse that once guided mariners on the Choptank River. Located at Long Wharf in Cambridge near Hurlock, this picturesque structure serves as both a navigational aid and a maritime museum. Visitors can climb the lighthouse for panoramic views and explore exhibits detailing the region's rich maritime heritage.
9. Sago Spa & Salon
LUXURY RELAXATION DESTINATION
Sago Spa & Salon offers a comprehensive range of wellness and beauty services for visitors seeking relaxation near Hurlock. The spa features professional massage therapy, skincare treatments, and salon services in an elegant and tranquil environment. Guests can indulge in personalized pampering experiences designed to rejuvenate both body and spirit during their Eastern Shore visit.
10. Long Wharf Park
HISTORIC WATERFRONT RECREATION
Long Wharf Park is a picturesque waterfront recreational area located on the Choptank River in Cambridge, a short drive from Hurlock. The park features beautiful river views, walking paths, fishing opportunities, and serves as home to the replica Choptank River Lighthouse. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities while experiencing the site's historical significance as a former commercial port that once connected the Eastern Shore to markets around the Chesapeake Bay.
11. Skipjack Nathan of Dorchester
TRADITIONAL SAILING EXPERIENCE
The Skipjack Nathan of Dorchester offers authentic sailing experiences aboard one of the Chesapeake Bay's traditional wooden sailing vessels used for oyster dredging. This historic skipjack, maintained and operated by volunteers, provides educational cruises that demonstrate traditional sailing techniques and highlight the ecological importance of the Chesapeake Bay. Passengers enjoy both the thrill of wind-powered sailing and insights into the region's maritime heritage and oyster industry.
12. Federalsburg Area Heritage Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Federalsburg Area Heritage Museum preserves and showcases the rich history of Federalsburg and surrounding areas including Hurlock. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents chronicling the region's development from Native American settlements through the present day. Visitors can explore exhibits highlighting local industries, notable residents, and the cultural heritage of this Eastern Shore community.
13. Supreme Boat Rentals
WATERWAY ADVENTURE PROVIDER
Supreme Boat Rentals offers visitors the opportunity to explore the magnificent waterways surrounding Hurlock and the broader Chesapeake Bay region. Their fleet includes various watercraft options allowing guests to experience fishing, sightseeing, and water recreation at their own pace. This service provides an excellent way for tourists to access the natural beauty of Maryland's Eastern Shore from a unique on-water perspective.
14. WAAI Radio Station
LOCAL BROADCASTING HERITAGE
WAAI Radio Station is a local broadcasting institution based in Hurlock that serves the Eastern Shore community. The station features programming that includes local news, weather, sports, and community announcements relevant to Hurlock residents and visitors. As one of the town's notable media outlets, WAAI contributes to the cultural fabric of the region by connecting listeners with local information and entertainment.
15. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
PRISTINE NATURE SANCTUARY
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 28,000 acres of wetlands and forest habitats near Hurlock, providing sanctuary for migratory birds, threatened species, and diverse wildlife. The refuge offers extensive hiking trails, wildlife observation platforms, and a visitor center with educational exhibits about the Chesapeake ecosystem. Photographers and nature enthusiasts flock to this pristine natural area to observe bald eagles, osprey, and countless waterfowl species in their native habitat.