Deep Creek is known for its all-season outdoor activities—swimming, skiing, boating, snowboarding, tubing, biking, rafting, and so much more. But every once in a while, the storm clouds roll in and put a damper on visitors’ plans. But, there’s absolutely no reason to worry. Deep Creek Lake is also full of indoor activities that you can enjoy inside, anytime, with friends and family of all ages and skill levels. Here’s how to spend a rainy day in DCL.
Morning
Woke up to the sound of raindrops? Start the day off with a warm, soothing cup of joe from Trader’s Coffee House and a morning treat from Deep Creek Donuts. Or brew/cook up a storm in your fabulous Railey Vacations rental kitchen! Then, with a fresh mind and a caffeine kick, why not start the day with a little education? Head over to the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park to learn about the wildlife and historical heritage of DCL through displays, hands-on exhibits, and live talks with some of the area’s top rangers and experts. If your interests are more industrial, head over to Oakland to the B&O Railroad Museum instead to learn all about the passage of the great Baltimore & Ohio Railroad through this historic city. You’ll even get to climb aboard some train cars yourself. While you’re there, you could also check out the Garrett County Historical Society Museum or the Transportation Museum.
Afternoon
Here’s where the day really gets fun! As we like to see it, there are two major ways to spend a rainy afternoon indoors in DCL: having a game-filled adventure or having a truly relaxing retreat. First, games. Did you know there are two arcades within a mile of each other on Route 219? Funland boasts a wide array of classic and new arcade games, plus bumper cars outside if the rain is light! Deep Creek Fun Zone also has tons of arcade games, plus indoor laser tag for the whole group to enjoy! To really get your heart rates up, you can also check out Deep Creek Lake Axe Throwing Co. for some adrenaline-boosting axe throwing.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to keep that heart rate down, head over to OMG Relax for a 30-minute hands-free massage in a life-changing massage chair! You won’t believe how much 30-minutes of pure bliss can do for your mind and body. Once refreshed, make your way down to Downtown Oakland for some antiquing in the many vintage stores in the city, and don’t forget to stop for a bite along the way!
And whether you’re looking to keep it calm or rev it up you can also head over to the Community Aquatic Recreation Center (CARC) for an afternoon in the indoor cool and warm swimming pools! (And you thought the lake was the only place for a dip in Deep Creek!) A CARC membership is included in many of the Raily Vacations rentals, but if yours does not come with it, you can easily purchase a day pass for the Aquatic Center for $15 (or $6 on Sundays). CARC also offers discounts for couples and groups.
Evening
Finally, a rainy day calls for one thing — comfort food. And when you’re on vacation, nothing says comfort like a hot, cheesy, gooey pizza. Luckily, DCL has a variety of top-tier pizza parlors that have options for every palette. If you’re in the mood for a social atmosphere, check out Mountain State Brewing Company for handcrafted specialty pizzas, local brews, and out-of-this-world cocktails. Mountain State has a great social scene with trivia nights and Sunday bingo, plus a list of other events. If you’re staying at one of Railey’s exceptional rental properties and would rather order in while you sit around the fire, watch a movie, or hang out in the game room, there are great options, too! Check out Brenda’s Pizzeria for the famous 26-inch Abbondanza (enough for a whole family and then some), or pick up a big, square, party pie from the famous Ledo Pizza. For a full list of pizza kitchens in DCL, plus other restaurant options, check out our dining guide.
Finally, if the rain hasn’t got you down and you’re still up for more evening adventuring, why not: a) check out one of the local bars (Black Bear Tavern even has a dance floor on weekends); b) catch the latest flick at the Garrett 8 Cinemas; or c) check out the Alley in Oakland for some wholesome family fun at the bowling alley. Whether you’re in town for a family vacation, wedding party, or corporate retreat, there are endless possibilities for a spectacular rainy day in Deep Creek Lake. You’ll be asking, “What rain?” in no time!
NOTE: We highly recommend checking hours and opening times for all of the activities above before heading out! Some locations have abnormal hours or hours may vary by season or occasion.