Don't miss our extensive collection of pristine antique and collector grade automobiles and buggies. From the 1873 Deer Park Hotel Omni Bus to a custom 1976 Chevy Impala there are many intriguing modes of transportation displayed.

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Discover the brave heritage of Garrett County's firefighting tradition through our collection of historic fire department artifacts and equipment. Through photographs and memorabilia, trace the evolution of fire protection in Garrett County from bucket brigades to modern emergency response.

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On September 10, 1959, tragedy struck the small community of Loch Lynn when a school bus carrying 27 students stalled on railroad tracks at Route 560 while crossing from Loch Lynn to Mountain Lake Park. This heartbreaking event forever changed the fabric of the community and led to fundamental changes in railroad crossing safety standards across the nation. The Garrett County Museum of Transportation features an immersive exhibit dedicated to memorializing the victims and preserving the memory of this tragic day.

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This exhibit features an elaborate model train layout depicting downtown Oakland in the mid-70’s. The background has pictures of the 4 grand hotels from the 1870’s to the early 1920’s.

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Step into the heart of Oakland's industrial past at the A.D. Naylor and the Klotz Blacksmith Shops, two of the areas earliest and most prominent businesses. This authentic exhibit preserves the tools, techniques, and traditions of a trade that was essential to Garrett County's development. Experience the craftsmanship and ingenuity that powered Oakland's growth and see firsthand the blacksmith's crucial role in building early Garrett County.

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Step back to the golden age of the American roadside with our replica of Rud's Service Station, a beloved Garrett County landmark that once served motorists traveling through Maryland's mountain region. Explore the memorabilia and imagine a time when full-service meant checking your oil, cleaning your windshield, and knowing your mechanic by name.

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By 1923 plans were in place to change Deep Creek from a meandering stream to a hydroelectric dam providing electricity to the region. This became the economic engine that would change the region. Historic maps, documents, and photographs tell the story. Discover the remarkable transformation of Garrett County through historic maps.

Enjoy the rich heritage of our historic watercraft, celebrating the local boat builders and companies. These include the Gordon Douglas Boat Company and the Flying Scot, still made in Garrett County, the Wenzel and Matt Storey boat companies. Also see the wood-fired Turkey Neck Queen, a kit boat from the 1960’s that ran on steam, and a 1941 Old Town sailing canoe.

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Step back in time and discover how a cow pasture on Marsh Mountain transformed into Maryland's premier ski destination. This exhibit showcases the evolution of Wisp Resort through vintage photographs, original equipment, and artifacts from its founding in 1955. Experience the pioneering spirit of founder Helmuth "Ace" Heise and witness seven decades of winter sports history in Garrett County.

Discover the often-overlooked stories of Garrett County's African American community through this powerful exhibit chronicling resilience, struggle, and achievement across generations. From the experiences of enslaved peoples before and during the Civil War to the brave military service of Black soldiers who fought for their country, this collection honors those who helped build and defend our nation. Explore the realities of segregated neighborhoods and schools, the impact of Jim Crow laws, and the threatening presence of the Ku Klux Klan that African American families faced with courage and dignity. Learn about specific family histories, including the remarkable journey of the Banks and Denmark families from Africa to Western Maryland, and discover the vital role of Black churches as centers of faith, community, and resistance. Through photographs, documents, and artifacts, trace the employment opportunities—often limited and difficult—that African Americans pursued to provide for their families, and witness how this community persevered through discrimination to forge lasting legacies. This exhibit ensures that the full story of Garrett County includes the voices and contributions of all its people.