A longtime gathering place in Gaithersburg has officially changed hands, with the State of Maryland purchasing the Forest Oak Lodge and its surrounding property at 11011 Game Preserve Rd. in Gaithersburg for $2.32 million.
The property, located adjacent to Seneca Creek State Park, was listed for sale in March 2025 for $2.95 million before ultimately being acquired by the state last month. The sale includes approximately 2.5 acres of land and a building that has served a variety of community uses over the years.
Forest Oak Lodge has long been home to the Knights of Pythias, a fraternal organization dating back to the Civil War that was founded to promote brotherhood and community service. The site has hosted meetings, bingo events, and other gatherings, becoming a familiar local fixture.
According to Maryland Newsletters, the Knights sold the property to the state as part of a March transaction that included the roughly 6,000 SF building they occupied. According to the original listing, the property includes a building of roughly 10,000 SF with large open rooms across two levels, along with two paved parking lots. It has previously operated as a place of worship, fraternal hall, and bingo parlor, and included a beverage license.
Per the report, the property will be incorporated into Seneca Creek State Park, where it is expected to be used for parking and improved access to the park. The Knights of Pythias are expected to relocate and continue their activities at a new site, as they look to maintain their longstanding mission of community service and fellowship.
