Back in the early 20th century, the Western Maryland area now generally known as Deep Creek Lake was dotted by farmsteads, houses of worship, general stores, schoolhouses and residences.
By 1921, the Pittsburgh area-based Youghiogheny Hydro Electric Corp. was granted permission to harness the power of Deep Creek, a tributary of the Youghiogheny River. Work began two years later and large swaths of land were purchased, a 1,300-foot dam was constructed and thousands of trees removed.
At 4 p.m. on May 26, 1925, the turbines were switched on and the hydroelectric plant officially became operational, with water from the lake pumped to a powerhouse through a 7,000-foot tunnel.
And thus, what locals affectionately call “DCL” was born.
Since then, the 3,900-acre, 13-mile DCL — Maryland’s largest freshwater lake — and its adjacent communities have become a defining feature and major tourism draw for Garrett County and the state in general.
Each year, approximately 1.4 million visitors enjoy the social and recreational opportunities offered in and around the DCL area, including boating, fishing, ziplining, camping, hiking, tubing, sledding, kayaking, rafting, minigolf, go-karts, spas and salons, restaurants and shopping, visits to nearby towns like Oakland and Accident, and more.
Among the most popular haunts on any DCL getaway are Swallow Falls State Park (with its spectacular, 54-foot Muddy Creek Waterfall), the Oakland B&O Railroad Museum, the Garrett County Historical Museum and the Herrington Manor State Park.
In addition, the area has become a major skiing destination, with the Wisp Resort in McHenry celebrating its 70th anniversary this January.
For the centennial celebration of DCL, there is no shortage of special events going on. Here are a few that we highly recommend:
Saturday, July 19 The DCL100 Birthday Bash at the Garrett County Fairgrounds (296 Mosser Road in McHenry), featuring live music, a kids’ zone, arts and crafts, a parade, food vendors, contests and a special ending surprise. (From noon until 10 p.m.)
Monday, July 21 Free admission to Deep Creek Lake State Park. Sponsored by the Western Garrett County State Park Volunteers.
Saturday, July 26 The DCL100 parade float will be featured in the annual Kitzmiller Homecoming Parade, in the Garrett County town of Kitzmiller.
Thursday, Aug. 14 Free admission to Deep Creek Lake State Park. Sponsored by the Western Garrett County State Park Volunteers.
Saturday, Aug. 23 The Deep Creek Lake Centennial Gala at Wisp Resort (٢٩٦ Marsh Hill in McHenry), featuring a “Roaring ٢٠s” theme with Big Band music.
Saturday, Sept 6 The Deep Creek Lake Art and Wine Festival, held by the HART for Animals facility in the town of Accident.
Sunday, Sept 7 A watersports exhibition on Deep Creek Lake.
September to end of October The Cove Run Corn Maze featuring a DCL100 theme. At Corn Run Farms, 596 Griffith Road in Accident.
For information about these events and others, visit dcl100.com/events.
Five Fun Facts about Deep Creek Lake:
1. Owned by the State of Maryland and managed by the Maryland Park Service’s Department of Natural Resources;
2. Sixty-five miles of shorelines and 75 feet at its deepest;
3. The area receives an annual snowfall of 116 inches;
4. Eight state forests and parks are situated nearby;
5. Located 177 miles from Baltimore and 161 miles from Washington, D.C.
For information about planning a getaway to DCL, visit visitdeepcreek.com.
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