You can now create your own itineraries to guide your C&O Canal exploration, or you can copy one of ours! Learn more about Itineraries.
There’s nothing quite like a college to keep a town young and vibrant. Located on 325 acres in the picturesque Shenandoah Valley and on the banks of the Potomac River sits Shepherd University – a public university in West Virginia. Learn more.
There’s nothing quite like a college to keep a town young and vibrant. Located on 325 acres in the picturesque Shenandoah Valley and on the banks of the Potomac River sits Shepherd University – a public university in West Virginia.
A West Virginia Act of 1871 established a State Normal School “at the building known as Shepherd College.” Offering postsecondary education to prospective teachers, Shepherd College was coed from the beginning, when it had only 42 students and one building. By 1874 Shepherd was serving 160 students and in 1930 it expanded to a four-year college. Today Shepherd has about 4,300 students and 36 buildings.
Shepherd University, whose mascot is the Rams, was ranked as one of 2015’s Best Colleges. The university is a major influence in Shepherdstown, a town of 1,700. Visitors can take a historic tour of Shepherd University – more information here.
We know that to preserve something, you need to experience it, so we are proud to provide support to the C&O National Historical Park as their official philanthropic partner.
Please visit the National Park Service website for the following information:
For more information and nearby places to stay or grab a bite to eat, please visit our local tourism partners:
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There has been a lapse in appropriations, and a shutdown of the federal government is currently in effect. Much of the C&O Canal National Historical Park remains open to the public, however, the National Park Service is not able to operate as normal. Visitor services, including park visitor centers and other NPS-staffed facilities, will not be available. Inquiries to the National Park Service will not be received or responded to until the shutdown ends.
The C&O Canal Trust’s staff are currently working remotely. Scheduled Trust events and Canal Quarters reservations will continue as scheduled. While a federal government shutdown is in effect, visitors should not expect services typically provided by the National Park Service to be available. All visitors are urged to practice safety in the park and plan ahead. Be a good park steward by recreating responsibly and practicing Leave No Trace principles, respecting cultural and natural resources.
Information regarding the Department of Interior’s Operations in the Absence of Appropriations can be found here: https://www.doi.gov/shutdown.
When federal funding is restored, we look forward to continuing to work with our park partner to ensure the C&O Canal remains beautiful, safe, and welcoming for visitors today and for future generations. Love the Park? Help the Trust! Consider making a donation. Your support directly helps fund beautification, conservation, education, and preservation initiatives in the park.