Cunningham Falls State Park is located in the picturesque Catoctin Mountains. It is divided into two separate but unique areas. Outdoor activity is everywhere at Cunningham Falls State Park. Leisure opportunities like swimming, hiking, fishing and canoeing are available.
For those who wish to get away for either a night or longer there are campsites and camper cabins available for rental from April through October. Don’t forget about the Maple Syrup tapping every March! Located directly across from The Catoctin Mountain National Park.
The history of Catoctin Furnace represents Historic Catoctin Furnace microcosm the history of the Industrial Revolution in America. From 1776 to 1903 different iron companies mined the rich ore banks near Catoctin Mountain, smelted it in furnaces, and cast both raw pig iron and iron implements of every description.
The coming of industry at the furnace site resulted in a pattern of settlement in the immediate area which differed significantly from the distended pattern of farmsteads typical of the surrounding area. A village complex with a concentration of specialized workers developed.
Charcoal house, casting house, foundry, forge, stables, wagon sheds, sawmills, stores, churches, and workers' houses were all necessary to the iron operation. A number of specialized workers and craftsmen were also necessary. Miners dug the ore. Colliers prepared the charcoal. Fillers charged the furnace.
The Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, Inc. celebrates, studies, and preserves the rich history of this pre-revolutionary industrial village, including the architecture, cultural landscapes, lifeways, and foodways of the workers.
On this website you will find information about the history of Catoctin Furnace, Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, Inc. activities, who we are, directions to Catoctin Furnace, what to see and do at this unique, pre-Revolutionary village, volunteer opportunities, a way to donate and how your donation would be used, and our upcoming events.
Wonderful memories await you at Ole Mink Farm Recreation Resort, owned and operated by the Irons Family for five decades. We invite you to experience “Seclusion so close to home” in a beautiful resort, tucked in a true wilderness setting and located high atop the Catoctin Mountains in Thurmont.
At Ole Mink Farm, you will find so much to do that you won’t want to leave during your stay with us.Try to land a fish in our pond or mountain stream. Take part in our schedule of activities for both adults and children, or bring the kids to the playground where they’re sure to have hours of fun! Enjoy walks on our scenic nature trails or a refreshing swim in our large outdoor swimming pool. Enjoy our recreation pavilion or come inside to play in our indoor game room.
You’ll find what you need at our onsite camp store. At our resort, you can be as active or relaxed as you like!
The Thurmont Regional Library was completed in August 2008. During the building process, library staff worked with the Architectural Company, PSA Dewberry, in planning a building that would meet the information and literary needs of the community well into the future as well as a building that would provide a unique and interesting community space that citizens of all ages would enjoy visiting.
After much discussion it was determined that the exterior's entrance would be built to resemble Isabella, the second of three furnaces built to produce pig iron at Catoctin Furnace. Isabella, built in the 1850's, is the only remaining furnace tower still standing at Cunningham Falls State Park in Thurmont. Inside the library, patron's will see a glass etching of the original furnace.
In addition to incorporating this important historical feature, the building features representations of the area's agricultural heritage, a 'covered' bridge and an introduction to some of Frederick County's natural wetlands located just off the outdoor deck.
