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Rose Hill Manor Park: A Historic and
Educational Destination in Maryland

If you want to visit and learn about Maryland’s history, culture, and ecology, consider checking out Rose Hill Manor Park. Located in Frederick, Maryland, this park is a historic site once the home of Thomas Johnson, the first elected governor of Maryland and a close friend of George Washington. The park features a 1790s manor house, a children’s museum, a farm museum, a log cabin, a blacksmith shop, a carriage collection, and more. Here are some of the highlights of Rose Hill Manor Park that you can explore and enjoy.

Picture Rose Hill Manor Park

History

Rose Hill Manor Park is a testament to Maryland’s rich and diverse history. The park’s main attraction is the manor house, built by Thomas Johnson in 1790 as his retirement home. Johnson was a prominent figure in the American Revolution, serving as a delegate to the Continental Congress, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, a member of the Constitutional Convention, and a Supreme Court justice. He was also the first governor of Maryland, elected in 1777. The manor house is furnished with period exhibits that showcase the life and times of Johnson and his family. You can see his personal belongings, such as his desk, chair, books, and portraits. You can also learn about his political career, friendship with Washington, and involvement in the nation’s founding. The park also preserves other historic buildings that reflect Maryland’s agricultural and industrial heritage. You can visit the farm museum, which displays various tools and equipment used by farmers in the 19th and 20th centuries. You can also see the log cabin, built by German immigrants in the 18th century and moved to the park in 1976. You can also admire the blacksmith shop, constructed in 1858 and operated until 1948. You can also explore the carriage collection, which features over 40 vehicles dating from 1790 to 1910.
Rose Hill Manor Park

The culture and ecology of Rose Hill Manor Park

Rose Hill Manor Park is a historic site and a cultural and ecological one. The park offers various programs and events that educate and entertain visitors of all ages. You can participate in hands-on activities like candle making, butter churning, weaving, and quilting. You can also enjoy live demonstrations, such as blacksmithing, woodworking, and cooking. You can also join guided tours, lectures, and workshops that cover topics such as history, art, science, and nature. The park is also home to several gardens that showcase the flora and fauna of Maryland. You can stroll through the formal garden, which features roses, boxwoods, lilacs, and other ornamental plants. You can also visit the herb garden, which contains medicinal, culinary, and dye plants. You can also explore the natural area with native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. You can also spot various birds, butterflies, and insects in the park.

Points of Interest

Rose Hill Manor Park has something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of the points of interest you should notice when you visit the park.

The Children’s Museum

This is a place where kids can have fun and learn simultaneously. The museum has interactive exhibits that teach about history, science, and art. Kids can play with toys, dress in costumes, make crafts, and experiment with gadgets.

The Ice House

This structure was used to store ice before refrigeration was invented. The ice house is a conical shape made of stone and wood. An underground chamber could hold up to 60 tons of ice.

The Smokehouse

This building was used to preserve meat by smoking it over a fire. The smokehouse has a brick chimney and a wooden roof. It has hooks inside where meat is hung to dry.

The Spring House

This is a structure that was used to keep water cool and fresh. The spring house has a stone foundation and a wooden roof. It has a trough inside where water flows from a nearby spring.

Rose Hill Manor Park

Interesting Facts

Here are some interesting facts about Rose Hill Manor Park that you might need to learn.

Rose Hill Picture

Advice for Visitors

If you plan to visit Rose Hill Manor Park, here are some tips to make your trip more enjoyable.

When is it open?

The park is open from April to October, Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The park is closed on major holidays and during inclement weather.

What to wear?

The park is mostly outdoors, so dress according to the weather and wear comfortable shoes. You should also bring a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Is it family-friendly?

Yes, the park is suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities. The park has wheelchair-accessible paths, restrooms, and parking. The park also has picnic tables, benches, and water fountains.

When is it best to visit?

The park is beautiful in any season, but you should visit in spring or fall when the flowers bloom and the leaves change colors. Avoid dwelling on weekends or holidays when the park is crowded.

Driving directions from Hampton Inn and Suites to Castle Floor Epoxy Frederick

Via W 14th St. 32 min. 90 miles.

Hampton Inn & Suites Frederick-Fort Detrick: 1565 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702, United States

  1. Continue to Opossumtown Pike
  2. Take Motter Ave to W 14th St
  3. Turn left onto W 14th St
  4. Turn left onto MD-355 N/N Market St
  5. Turn left

Rose Hill Manor Park & Museums: 1611 N Market St, Frederick, MD 21701, United States

  1. Head south toward MD-355 S/N Market St
  2. Turn right onto MD-355 S/N Market St
  3. Turn right onto W 13th St
  4. Continue straight onto Fairview Ave
  5. Turn right onto Rosemont Ave
  6. The destination will be on the left

Schifferstadt Architectural Museum: 1110 Rosemont Ave, Frederick, MD 21701, United States

  1. Head southeast on Rosemont Ave toward W 2nd St
  2. Rosemont Ave turns slightly left and becomes Dill Ave
  3. Turn right onto N Bentz St
  4. The destination will be on the right

Baker Park Bandshell: 21 N Bentz St, Frederick, MD 21701, United States

  1. Head south on N Bentz St toward W Church St
  2. Turn left onto W Church St
  3. The destination will be on the left

Downtown Frederick Partnership: 19 E Church St, Frederick, MD 21701, United States

  1. Head east on E Church St toward N Maxwell Ave
  2. Turn right onto N Carroll St

Carroll Creek Linear Park: Frederick, MD 21701, USA

  1. Head south on S Carroll St toward E All Saints St
  2. Turn left onto E All Saints St
  3. E All Saints St turns right and becomes East St
  4. The destination will be on the right

Frederick Visitor Center: 151 East St, Frederick, MD 21701, United States

  1. Take E South St to S Carroll St
  2. Continue on S Carroll St to S Market St
  3. Turn left onto S Market St
  4. Continue on Stadium Dr to your destination

Nymeo Field At Harry Grove Stadium: 21 Stadium Dr, Frederick, MD 21703, United States

  1. Take Stadium Dr to New Design Rd
  2. Turn right onto New Design Rd
  3. Continue on Executive Way. Take Macon St to Proclamation Pl

Castle Floor Epoxy – Frederick: 7180 Proclamation Pl, Frederick, MD 21703, United States

  1. You have arrived at your destination

Driving directions from Rose Hill Manor Park to Castle Floor Epoxy

Via US-15 S. 7.0 miles in 13 minutes.

  1. Get on US-15 S from W 14th St
    1. Head south toward MD-355 S/N Market St
    2. Turn right onto MD-355 S/N Market St
    3. Turn right onto W 14th St
    4. Turn right onto Motter Ave
    5. Turn left to merge onto US-15 S
  2. Continue on US-15 S. Take I-270 S to MD-85 S in Ballenger Creek. Take exit 31B from I-270 S
    1. Merge onto US-15 S
    2. Continue onto US-40 E
    3. Keep left to continue on I-270 S
    4. Take exit 31B for MD-85 S toward Buckeystown
  3. Follow MD-85 S and Executive Way to Proclamation Pl
    1. Continue onto MD-85 S
    2.  Pass by McDonald’s (on the right in 0.4 mi)
    3. Turn right onto Executive Way
    4. Turn right onto Macon St
    5. Turn left onto Proclamation Pl
    6.  Destination will be on the right