Sam Michaels Park

Welcome to Sam Michaels Park, a beautiful 130-acre destination conveniently located on Job Corps Road, equidistant from Harpers Ferry, Charles Town, and Shepherdstown. This expansive park offers something for everyone—from the well-shaded Mason Pavilion with its adjacent kitchen, restrooms, and nearby ADA-accessible playground, to the Veterans Pavilion featuring picnic tables, bathrooms, and close proximity to the large playground and the Jefferson County Community Center. Guests can also enjoy The Columns outdoor wedding venue, baseball and athletic fields, multiple playgrounds, walking and running trails, a dog park, disc golf course, versatile event spaces, and The AMP at Sam Michaels Park. Whether you're here to relax, celebrate, or play, Sam Michaels Park welcomes you to experience all it has to offer.

Sam Michaels Park History

Samual G. Michaels was born in 1885 and lived on the property now known as Sam Michael’s Park. He was a very intelligent, talented person who was sometimes described as “eccentric” by many. Sam attended Shepherd College and was a good friend of President Roosevelt. Sam Michaels’ property included 130 acres of woods and farmland. The original buildings included a barn, outbuildings and a spectacular mansion nestled in the woods. Fire overtook the mansion after Sam’s death in 1981 and only the “The Columns” and gateway remain. Sam had a love of nature and animals. Imagine his collection of exotic animals, including buffalo, peacocks, llamas, white deer, monkeys, a scarlet macaw, dogs, and flamingos wandering the grounds. At the time of Sam Michaels death, it was his will that his property “be repaired and placed in suitable condition for viewing of the public.” While we have certainly used the property for the community, we are very pleased to have had the opportunity to renew his home site for the enjoyment of many generations to come.