The year 2025 marks the 100th Anniversary of Deep Creek Lake, and January kicks off several of a year-long list of activities to commemorate this momentous happening. Numerous volunteers from local groups, including The Deep Creek Watershed Foundation, Deep Creek Lake Property Owners Association, Brookfield Energy, Maryland State Parks, Garrett County Government, and Chamber of Commerce, along with over one dozen sponsors, have been working for the past year to bring a slate of events and information to our area. The celebration honors the lake’s history, ecology, and recreational legacy. A centerpiece of this Centennial effort will be a series of interactive kiosks installed around the lake, each offering a unique perspective on the stories that make Deep Creek special. These kiosks are designed to educate visitors, encourage exploration, and highlight the lake’s significance to locals and tourists.
Events slated include a Lecture Series about various aspects of Deep Creek Lake to be held throughout the month of March. In April, organizers will host a picture party where you can share and see old photos of Deep Creek Lake. In May, the committee will host a Deep Creek Lake Day Adventure challenge.
Representatives will represent DCL100 at various parades and festivals throughout the county this summer, including local historical figures with ties to the lake speaking at this year’s Victorian Chautauqua, slated for July 12 & 13.
The culminating events for the year will include a DCL100 Birthday Bash at the Garrett County Fairgrounds, which will feature bands, a Kidzone, a parade, craft and art displays, food vendors, contests, plus a special surprise! On August 23, 2025, the DCL100 GALA will be held at Wisp Resort, featuring a Roaring 20’s theme with big band live music.
Exploring the Centennial Kiosks
One of the largest projects undertaken by The Centennial Planning Committee is a kiosk project that will detail historical events that shaped Deep Creek Lake. There will be 19 kiosks at key locations around the lake, ensuring visitors will experience both the natural beauty and the historical richness of Deep Creek Lake. Each kiosk will be themed, featuring engaging content and vintage imagery, while the Goosechase app adds an interactive element, tracking visits and rewarding participants who explore them all.
Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect:
● Deep Creek Drive (near Bill’s Marine): Boating Through the Years
Discover the evolution of boating on Deep Creek Lake, from vintage wooden crafts to modern speedboats. Historical photographs showcase the lake’s boating heritage.
● State Park Road Pulloff: Fishing on Deep Creek
Learn about the lake’s vibrant fishing scene, including its fish species, angler statistics, and the lure of vintage fishing traditions.
● Deep Creek State Park Boat Ramp: Safe Boating on the Lake
Highlighting the importance of safety, this kiosk shares the lake’s impressive boat traffic statistics and tips for responsible recreation.
● Arrowhead Cove: Caring for an Aging Lake
Explore the challenges of maintaining Deep Creek Lake, including sedimentation and water quality efforts, with a striking visual of dredging and preservation work.
● Mayhew Inn Road: The Construction of Deep Creek Dam
Dive into the lake’s origins with statistics and photographs of the dam’s construction, a feat that transformed the landscape.
● McHenry Community Park: Non-Profits and the Lake
Celebrate the community spirit surrounding the lake, from fundraisers like the Savageman Triathlon to the camp experiences for the blind and art festivals.
● Dutch’s at Silver Tree: Historic Cabins of the Lake
Visit the site of one of the lake’s original log cabins and delve into the history of Deep Creek’s early architecture.
● Hoyes Run and Oakland Sang Run Roads: Fly Fishing Paradise
Discover how the lake’s temperature enhancement supports thriving fly-fishing habitats, featuring vintage photographs of anglers in action.
● McHenry 219 Pulloff (Overlook): Before the Lake
Imagine the rolling farmlands and communities that existed before the lake’s creation, guided by a pre-lake map of the area.
● Sang Run Road Whitewater Parking Area: Whitewater Boating Adventures
Celebrate the whitewater releases that create world-class rafting opportunities with action-packed imagery of this exhilarating activity.
Building Connections Through History and Exploration
The kiosks will not only educate but also connect visitors to Garrett County’s heritage, showcasing stories from tourism to ecology. They are thoughtfully placed to encourage travel around the area, benefiting local businesses and inviting tourists to experience the diversity of the lake and its surrounding communities.
The project’s interactive element, powered by the Goosechase app, will gamify the experience in a sort of Pokemon-Go “Collect Them All” engaging adventure. Visitors who check in at every kiosk will be eligible for prizes, ensuring a memorable journey through Deep Creek Lake’s Centennial.
Join the Centennial Celebration
Deep Creek Lake’s 100th anniversary is a moment to honor the past while envisioning the future. The kiosk project is just one of many ways to engage with this iconic landmark, its history, and its enduring legacy.
Stay tuned for updates and get ready to embark on a journey of discovery in 2025. Whether you’re here for the first time or have been visiting for years, the Centennial offers an unparalleled opportunity to see Deep Creek Lake as never before. More info on the Deep Creek Lake Centennial including more events, projects, an interactive timeline and more are available at https://dcl100.com/