Deep Creek Lake, McHenry, and Oakland

The lake was born in the late 20's when a dam was built to generate electricity for the area through the Youghiogheny Hydroelectric Company. Around the lake soon grew a community that has grown significantly in the last 20 years. Once a very well kept secret, the Deep Creek Lake area has become a regular recreation area for those living in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Deep Creek Lake is the largest inland body of water in the state of Maryland and is home to a wide variety of freshwater fish and aquatic birds. It covers approximately 3,900 acres (16 km²) and has 69 miles (111 km) of shoreline. Like all lakes in Maryland, it is man-made. McHenry is a small community located in Garrett County, Maryland on the northern most shore of Deep Creek Lake. Located on the outskirts of McHenry is the Garrett County Airport, Wisp Ski Resort, and Golf Club at Wisp. Oakland is a community just outside of the lake area that has history in its own. The National Historic Trust designated Oakland as a National Main Street Community in 1998, with its old victorian houses and a queen anne style railway station that has a small museum on the history of the B&O Railroad.