Learn the history of the C&O Canal
Inside the former Western Maryland Railway train station is the Cumberland Visitor Center, operated by the C&O Canal National Historical Park. It features a spacious museum area documenting the history of the canal’s construction, cargo, mules, locks, and crew, as well as Cumberland’s commercial role in anchoring the canal’s western terminus. Of particular interest are a scale model of the Paw Paw Tunnel and an exhibit on canal boats and day-to-day canal culture. Outside, adjacent to the Trestle Walk in Canal Place, is a 93-foot replica canal boat, the Cumberland, built in 1976 and open on a limited basis for public tours during the summer. The visitor center distributes self-guided walking-tour maps of Cumberland’s historic downtown as well as pamphlets about regional attractions, including the Great Allegheny Passage.
Visitor Information
The Cumberland Visitor Center is open seven days a week from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (10:00 am to 4:00 pm during January, February, and March). Parking is available at the primary trailhead in Cumberland.