Westminster Is Home

And like all great homes, there’s something for everyone here. Something to make you smile. To make you feel safe. To make you feel like you belong. And to keep you coming back.

The Perfect College Town

Close your eyes and picture the quintessential college town. If you’re seeing cafés, coffee shops, and old brick buildings full of thriving small businesses—you're picturing Westminster.

Of course, we’re biased, but we really do feel like Westminster has it all. Just a short walk down the Hill from McDaniel and suddenly you’re in a charming town of about 20,000 people—rich in history, culture, and comfort.

Meeting up with friends off campus? Take your pick of coffee shops or pizza joints or the movie theater. Want to impress your parents with a great local lunch? You can’t go wrong—whether they’re café soup-and-sandwich types or national-chain restaurant types.

The Middle of Everywhere & Nowhere

Westminster really is the best of both worlds. It’s a picture-perfect, small-town setting for the serious academic mission we’re about—reflective, quiet, peaceful. And for our introspective, nature-minded outdoor enthusiasts, we’re a short drive from Deep Creek Lake, waterfalls, and the Appalachian Trail.

But we’re also just a quick trip from the major hubs of Baltimore and Washington, D.C.—where McDaniel students get great internships and rewarding jobs after college. And where we all go for lots of fun when we’re feeling the big-city itch.

Taking Your First Steps on the Hill

Students walking around downtown Westminster during McDaniel Local. — The City of Westminster welcomes new students each year.

18,590

That's our population. Not too big, not too small.

1764

That's when Westminster was founded. And we've only gotten better with age.

Places to grab a bite to eat, from fancy to super casual.

Hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts in Carroll County.

Students taking selfie around downtown Westminster during McDaniel Local.

Become a Local McDaniel Local Find Your Place

One of the hallmark experiences of the McDaniel Commitment, McDaniel Local is an overnight summer experience that every incoming student participates in. You'll make new friends, learn about what it means to be a Green Terror, and become a local in Westminster.

Learn More About McDaniel Local

Shop Local McDaniel Bucks Visit Main Street

As a Green Terror, you'll have the chance to support local business with your McDaniel Bucks. Nearly 20 businesses across town accept your McDaniel Bucks, and more are added all the time. The ability to use your Bucks off-campus gives you freedom to try new restaurants and shop at local business. You'll be a Westminster insider in no time.

See the Businesses That Accept McDaniel Bucks

Westminster Is Home

The Perfect College Town

The Middle of Everywhere & Nowhere

Taking Your First Steps on the Hill

Discover What Makes Westminster Special

Westminster Fast Facts

Become a Local McDaniel Local Find Your Place

Shop Local McDaniel Bucks Visit Main Street

Discover What Makes Westminster Special