Lockhouse 28
Point of Rocks, MD 21777
Click here to see directions and a map.
Constructed in 1837, Lockhouse 28 stands as a testament to the fierce competition between the B&O Railroad and C&O Canal as they attempted to trounce the other and reach the Ohio River first. Today, the Lockhouse is the most remote in the Canal Quarters program, offering guests a quieter, more secluded experience, and the chance to explore the countryside of Frederick County.
Details
Towpath Mile: 48.93
Parking: Point of Rocks at towpath mile 48.2 (0.7 mile walk) or Lander at towpath mile 50.8 (1.87 mile walk)
Price Per Night: $110
Additional Fees: One-time $20 occupancy fee for groups of 6-8 only
Time Period Depicted: 1830s
Nearest Communities: Point of Rocks
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Use code “HOLIDAY25” at our rustic houses (22, 25, and 28) to pay just $75 per night! OFFER VALID ON RESERVATIONS TAKING PLACE BETWEEN DECEMBER 1-MARCH 31. CODE EXPIRES 1/7/25
Overview, Check-In, and Amenities
Check-In and Check-Out Policies
Check in: 3:00pm or later
Check out: No later than 10:00am.
Guests remain responsible for leaving the house better than they found it, including removing all food and evidence thereof, sweeping the floors, cleaning and returning any house dishes back to their locations, and taking all trash with them when they leave. Cleaning supplies are provided for guest use in each house. Please see the Arrival/Departure Checklist for more details.
Lockhouse Overview
Completed in 1837, Lockhouse 28 stands as a reminder of the fierce competition between the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal and the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in the race to reach the Ohio River Valley. At Point of Rocks the land between the Potomac River and the rocky outcropping becomes precariously narrow. Both companies knew ownership of this strip of land was imperative to winning the race to the Ohio. Adversaries in the courts for four years, both canal and railroad were given rights-of-way, with the C&O Canal allowed to build next to the river, and the B&O Railroad forced to carve its way through the hillside just above the canal.
Today, Lockhouse 28 is a rustic retreat, situated between the scenic Potomac and the still-active railroad tracks. It is the most remote of the Canal Quarters lockhouses, located roughly 1/2 mile from the nearest parking area.
All proceeds are used to fund the maintenance and stewardship of these historic structures, along with educational programming and outreach. Thank you for your support!
Main Room
- Place settings for 8 guests; dishes, utensils, water glasses.
- Basic cleaning supplies provided (sponges, cleaning spray, disinfectant wipes, brooms.)
- Basic implements for cooking outdoors.
- Battery operated lanterns and/or flashlights provided.
Bedrooms
- One bedroom with full sized bed, one bedroom with two single and “three quarters” beds and two trundles, cot available.
Bathroom Facilities
- Outhouse roughly 20 feet from front door.
- Additional restroom in Point of Rocks parking lot.
Nearest Water Source
- Non-Potable Water Pump at Bald Eagle Island Hiker Biker Campsite at towpath mile 50.3 (1.37 miles)
- Park pumps active from April 15-November 15 (closed during Winter.)
- Nearby Access to Potomac River. Water may be taken, but must be treated. Neither Park nor Trust can be held liable for non-potable water sources.
In the Backyard
- Fire ring.
- Picnic table.
- Firewood provided.
- Splitting axe in main room closet.
- Wheelchair ramp to first floor of lockhouse; no ADA compliant access to second floor bedrooms.
What is NOT Provided?
- Linens, such as towels, blankets, sheets, and pillows are not provided at any of the seven lockhouses.
- No heating or air conditioning.
- No electricity.
- No indoor kitchen or bathroom.
- No cooking indoors.
- Fireplaces are NOT functional
