History
Canal Place is a designated district in Cumberland, Md. that contains the western terminus to the C&O Canal Towpath and “mile zero” of the Great Allegheny Passage. Centered around the historic Western Maryland Railway Station, the heritage area includes the station plaza with a statue of a canal worker and his mule, a picnic area, a full-size canal boat replica, a pedestrian bridge to the stone mile marker denoting the end of the canal and towpath, the Shops at Canal Place, and expansive festival grounds. It’s part of the Passages of the Western Potomac Heritage Area.
The Cumberland Visitor Center for the C&O Canal National Historical Park is located here, and features interactive and educational displays about the history of the canal and the city of Cumberland. Exhibits tell the story of the canal’s construction, cargo, mules, locks, and crew. The exhibit is operated by the National Park Service and is located on the first floor of the railway station.
The annual GAP Relay has its start or finish within the Heritage Area each year. The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad offers rides on historic trains from Cumberland to Frostburg, and departs from the railway station.
Visiting
Metered parking for day use is in the lot directly in front of the historic Western Maryland Railway Station, at 13 Canal Place.