About Brunswick, Maryland
Before it was a railroad town, this bend of the Potomac was known as Eel Town — a name the Susquehanna people gave for the abundance of fishing in the river. The B&O Railroad transformed it in the 1880s, buying land along the canal right-of-way, building one of its largest freight yards, and naming the new incorporated town in tribute to the German workers from Brunswick who had come to operate the line. For two generations, Brunswick lived by the rhythm of freight runs and shift schedules; the canal it displaced had run nearly the same hours for forty years before. Today the MARC Brunswick Line still stops here every morning, but the town has grown into a destination in its own right with a craft brewery in a restored fire station, a café inside a Gothic stone church, and a Heritage Museum that tells the full arc from canal era to railroad age and back again.
Getting There
Parking Access
Brunswick sits directly on the C&O Canal National Historical Park. From the Brunswick Heritage Museum on West Potomac Street, head south on South Maple Avenue, crossing over the railroad tracks, and continue to the end of the road to reach the canal access area at Mile 55. A large parking lot is available here for day and overnight use.
River Access
The Brunswick Boat Ramp is located at the southern end of South Maple Avenue, just past the railroad tracks. River & Trail Outfitters, based nearby, offers kayak and canoe rentals for those who want to explore this stretch of the Potomac. The river between Brunswick and Point of Rocks is known for smallmouth bass and catfish.
Where to Stay
While there’s no Canal Quarters lockhouse in Brunswick itself, the town is well set up for overnight visitors. Brunswick Family Campground sits right between the towpath and the river and includes showers — a welcome amenity after a day on the trail (be prepared for railroad noise). Hiker/biker campsites are available along the towpath on a first-come, first-served basis. For those wanting a roof overhead, the nearest Canal Quarters lockhouse is Lockhouse 28 in Point of Rocks, about seven miles east.
Town Highlights You Don't Want to Miss:
For History Lovers:
Brunswick Heritage Museum — The centerpiece of this railroad town’s story is the museum’s jaw-dropping 1,700-square-foot HO-scale model railroad, which recreates the B&O Metropolitan Subdivision from Brunswick’s rail yard all the way to Washington’s Union Station. Exhibits also trace the town’s Native American roots and its role in the C&O Canal era. Admission is a suggested $5/person.
For Outdoor Enthusiasts:
River & Trail Outfitters — Brunswick is one of the best-outfitted river towns along the entire canal. River & Trail offers kayak and canoe rentals on the Potomac, guided paddling adventures, and even a popular winery-by-water trip. The Appalachian Trail is also accessible here directly from the C&O Canal towpath, making Brunswick a rare triple-trail town.
Where to Eat & Drink:
Beans in the Belfry — A beloved Frederick County institution, Beans in the Belfry serves coffee, lunch, and live music in a soaring former church dating to the early 20th century. It’s become a destination in its own right.
Smoketown Brewing Station — Craft beers brewed and served inside a restored historic fire station — a fitting home for a town that takes its heritage seriously.
Box Car Burgers — 100% Maryland beef burgers and house-made ice cream, with a nod to Brunswick’s railroad roots in the name and decor.
Photos by Gary Anthes,