Washington Monument State Park
Park Maryland park preserving the nation's first Washington Monument
Home to Maryland’s 1827 Washington Monument near Boonsboro, the park offers short trails, picnic areas and views across South Mountain’s ridgeline.
Washington Monument State Park in Maryland protects the early 19th-century Washington Monument and surrounding parkland on South Mountain. The monument at this site is among the earliest completed structures erected to honour George Washington.
Visitors come to see the historic stone monument, use short trails and enjoy panoramic views from the mountain ridge. The site includes picnic areas and a small network of walks that lead to the monument and viewpoints over the surrounding countryside. Interpretation panels describe the monument’s early-19th-century origins and local history.
The monument was raised by local citizens in the early 1800s as a commemoration of George Washington and has been preserved as a historic site within the state park. Over time the surrounding land was acquired to protect the setting and provide public access.
The park sits on South Mountain near Boonsboro in western Maryland, occupying a ridge that overlooks the Hagerstown and Antietam areas; the site is readily reached from nearby towns and regional roads.
- Principal feature: The park preserves the original Washington Monument located on South Mountain and includes short walking tracks and picnic facilities.
How to Get to Washington Monument State Park #
Washington Monument State Park is near Boonsboro, Maryland, off Route 40/US-40 in Washington County. From I-70 take the Boonsboro exit and follow local roads; the park is a short drive from downtown Boonsboro.
Tips for Visiting Washington Monument State Park #
- Bring a picnic and a hat - the park is picnic-friendly and exposed to sun.
- Combine a visit with a stop in nearby Boonsboro for local history and eateries.
- The Washington Monument in this park is distinct from D.C. and is best appreciated with local historical context: check interpretive signs for details.
Best Time to Visit Washington Monument State Park #
Spring and autumn are best for comfortable weather and for viewing the surrounding countryside from the monument.
Weather & Climate near Washington Monument State Park #
Washington Monument State Park's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1055 mm/year), wettest in May, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (107 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).
