After our bike ride at the WMRT, we went to our next park quest at Fort Frederick State Park where we hiked and learned about the history of the Fort itself and the Civilian Conservation Corps. The quest required us to use our navigational skills, following an unmarked path based on compass degrees, measuring out footsteps etc. leading us to each of our clues. For example: "Follow compass bearing 270 degrees from the southeast corner of stop #2. Along the way at each stop, we learned historical facts about the Fort. We had to collect a series of puzzle pieces which we had to put together at the end in order to receive our passport stamp!
This was an exciting one for our 4 year old - he was our designated "Captian" and learned how to use the compass to guide us to each stop. The most exciting part of this trip was watching the live "musket firing" demonstration within the walls of the Fort. The barracks within the Fort walls were also set up so that we could see just how these early soldiers were quartered during their time spent at the Fort.
The Park Quest itself focused on the Civilian Conservation Corps, a group that set up camp at the Fort to restore & preserve the historical value of the site. Along our journey we learned why they came, how they lived while on the premisis, and also had the opportunity to learn about the Fort's original purpose -- defense to defend Maryland's frontier against attack during the French and Indian war. This is one park that we probably would not have visited had it not been for Park Quest! So glad we did, this section of NW Maryland is beautiful. Our PQ passport stamp photo below!.JPG)
text from the park quest posted below:
Introduction To Quest
Your Park Quest adventure at Fort Frederick State Park will lead you on a trail of history and adventure around the park and to the fort. Travel back in time to experience the life of a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). You will explore the area of their camp and discover the work they did at the park. Along the way, you’ll need to follow compass directions and collect clues to help you on your Quest.
Quest Information
Your Park Quest adventure at Fort Frederick State Park will begin in the visitor center. Here you will be given a packet with your trail map, compass, and the materials you will need to collect the clues along your hike. Once you have left the visitor center you will go to the park store where you will start your CCC adventure. From there you will follow a trail that lead through the area of the CCC camp at Fort Frederick State Park. You will also visit buildings built by the CCC along the trail. Once the quest is complete you will report back to the store where you will complete the journey.
The Quest trail is approximately 1.5 miles long (round trip) and should take about 2 hours to complete. The terrain is varied and uneven in many places. Sturdy walking or hiking shoes are best for this hike. Park staff is available to help anyone with special needs but due to limited staffing you must call the park in advance to make accommodations. The Quest may be completed seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Before Memorial Day all quests must be completed on the weekends. All quests must be turned in by 4 p.m. weekdays and 5 p.m. on the weekend. Please allow yourself adequate time to complete your Quest. Your Park Quest Passport gets you into the fort for no extra charge. Make sure to bring a camera or digital recorder to capture the fun memories of your day, sunscreen, insect repellant, and water. Pets on a leash are welcome to accompany you on most of your Quest but they are not allowed in the buildings or in the fort.
There is also a Park Quest on the Western Maryland Rail Trail. If you chose to complete that one you can pick up your packet at Captain's Wort's Trading Post at Fort Frederick State Park or download it here. The packet prints on 8.5 x 14 paper. The Quest begins at the Big Pool Station parking lot of the Western Maryland Rail Trail located off I-70 at exit 12.
Park information
Come for Park Quest but stay for the day. There is plenty to do with trails to hike, several bodies of water to fish and a 22 mile long paved bike trail. We also offer a shaded picnic area with lots of tables and playground equipment for your enjoyment. Many different historical and natural programs are given throughout summer. You may call our visitor center for details or download a calendar of events.
If you like to camp we offer a peaceful campground with 23 unimproved sites situated on the banks of the Potomac River.
A little Fort Frederick History
American history from the colonial period to the present can be discovered at Fort Frederick State Park. Our 585 acre park features a unique stone fort that served as Maryland’s frontier defense during the French and Indian War. The fort is unique because of its strong stone wall, large size, and roomy barracks. Fort Frederick also saw service during the American Revolution as a prison for British soldiers. For the next 131 years, the fort and surrounding lands were farmed. During the Civil War, Union troops were often stationed near the fort to guard the C & O Canal. In 1922, the State of Maryland acquired the fort. During the Great Depression of the 1930's, a company of the Civilian Conservation Corps restored the fort and began development of the state park. In 1975, the park reconstructed two soldier’s barracks inside the fort. These barracks are open seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day and on the weekends in the spring and fall. You will find historic exhibits in the Fort barracks, CCC Museum and Visitor Center.
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