CANAL PLACE HERITAGE AREA
Encompassing the western terminus of the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal and much of Downtown Cumberland, Canal Place features a number of historical and recreational attractions and services. Development of the Heritage Area began in the mid-1990s and will culminate with the future rewatering of the terminus of the Canal in Cumberland. Enjoy the many attractions that showcase Cumberland at the center of historic transportation routes.
Western Maryland Railway Station: This magnificent four-story 1913 structure has been restored to full use and now serves as the departure point for the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad’s regular excursions which take visitors through the beautiful mountains of Allegany County to historic Frostburg, Maryland and back again. The Station also houses the C&O Canal National Historical Park’s Cumberland Visitor Center, the Allegany County Visitor’s Center, several administrative offices, a gift shop, and a restaurant.
The Shops at Canal Place: This unique complex of ten shops features: a bike shop, fine arts gallery, a seafood restaurant, a candy shop, a café, ice cream parlor, toy shop, hobby and collectible shop, and gift shop. The shops are part of the Canal Place Crescent Lawn Festival Grounds, is the permanent location of the established CanalFest Railfest as well as a variety of new festivals and activities.
The Cumberland, a Full-Scale Canal Boat Replica: This unique replica canal boat offers visitors the chance to experience life in the heyday of the C&O Canal with guided tours of the living quarters, hay house, and stable aboard a typical canal barge. Tours are given on the weekends from May through October and, for groups, by appointment. Coupled with a visit to the C&O Canal NHP Cumberland Visitor Center on the first floor of the Railway Station, a tour of The Cumberland gives visitors a clear vision of what life was like along the C&O Canal. The Visitor Center features interactive exhibits, authentic canal artifacts, and informational displays about the western terminus of the C&O Canal.
In addition to these attractions, Canal Place hosts a variety of festivals and events, including CanalFest RailFest in July, honoring the transportation heritage of the Cumberland area. Throughout the summer months, Canal Place is the location of free summer concerts every Saturday night, and the calendar of events extends beyond the regular tourism season with holiday activities at Halloween and during the Christmas season. New events and attractions will continue to be added, making Canal Place an ever-evolving attraction worth visiting again and again.
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