Union Mills Homestead Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Union Mills Homestead Park is a historic site located in the state of Maryland.


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Summary

It offers visitors a glimpse into the region's rich history and boasts several attractions that make it a must-visit destination.

One of the primary reasons to visit Union Mills Homestead Park is its historical significance. The park is home to the Union Mills Homestead, a well-preserved 18th-century mill complex that showcases the area's agricultural and industrial heritage. This living history museum allows visitors to explore the fully operational mill, blacksmith shop, and a variety of other historic buildings, providing a unique hands-on experience.

Among the points of interest in the park is the Shriver Grist Mill Museum, which houses exhibits detailing the process of turning grain into flour. Additionally, the Shriver-Weybright Gallery showcases local artwork and hosts various cultural events throughout the year. The park's serene and picturesque landscape also offers opportunities for outdoor activities, such as picnicking and hiking.

An interesting fact about Union Mills Homestead Park is that it has been in the Shriver family for six generations, making it one of the oldest continuously operated family businesses in the United States. The site has been carefully preserved, providing an authentic and immersive experience for visitors.

The best time to visit Union Mills Homestead Park is during the warmer months, particularly between spring and fall. This is when the park's gardens are in full bloom, creating a vibrant and colorful backdrop for exploration. Additionally, various events and festivals take place during this time, including the Annual Fall Harvest Days, which feature demonstrations of traditional crafts and skills.

To verify the accuracy of this information, multiple independent sources such as the official Union Mills Homestead Park website, travel guides, and historical references should be consulted.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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