Glen Echo began in 1891 as a National Chautauqua Assembly "to
promote liberal and practical education, especially among the masses of
the people; to teach the sciences, arts, languages, and literature; to
prepare its patrons for their several pursuits and professions in life;
and to fit them for the duties which devolve upon them as members of society."
By 1900, Glen Echo was on its way to becoming a premier amusement park,
and it served the Washington area as such until 1968. Today the park has
come full circle, the land and the historic buildings a back drop for a
rich arts education program. Since 1971, the National Park Service at Glen
Echo Park has been offering year-round activities in dance, theater, and
the arts for the surrounding communities and for visitors from across the
country. The park also administers an artist-in-residency program providing
the public with an opportunity to see artists at work. There are concerts,
demonstrations, workshops, and festivals during the warm months as a part
of the Chautauqua Summer season. In addition, the antique hand-carved and
hand-painted Dentzel carousel, saved by community
effort, operates four days a week from May through September, and the Gallery
and Bookshop features park artists in its exhibits.
Glen Echo, Maryland, on the Potomac Pallisades, a few miles North West
of Washington, DC
Address:
7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, MD 20812
Telephone:
Main office: 301-492-6229
Events hotline: 301-492-6282
Operating Hours, Seasons:
Daily, 6am-1am. Closed Christmas and Thanksgiving.
Climate, Recomended Clothing:
Summers are generally hot and humid. Winters are generally cold with
variable precipitation. Recommend layers of clothing especially in spring
and fall.
Directions:
Accessible from the Capital Beltway I-495 and from The Clara Barton
Parkway. See our full details and maps.
Local signposting.
Transportation:
Washington, DC, is served by three major airports, a rail system and
interstate buses. Local transportation Ride-On bus
#29 from Bethesda and Friendship Heights metro stations. Good parking
for personal vehicles and for school buses. Hiker access from local C&O Canal
National Historic Park (ask for details). Bicycles welcome.
Fees, Cost, Rates:
There is no entry fee to the park or to the large parking area.
There is a $0.50 charge for a ride on the historic Dentzel
Carousel during the operating season of May through September, weekends
11:30am to 6pm and Wednesdays and Thursdays 10am to 2pm.
Fees for events are detailed in the extended pages,
which describe the programs at Glen Echo Park.
Visitor Center/Exhibits: The Dentzel
Carousel (1921), saved for the nation by the efforts of local people.
The Spanish Ballroom (1933). Gallery of historic photographs of Glen Echo
Park in the past. The old amusement park buildings.
Food/supplies: A refreshment concession operates during May
to September
Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:Gallery and Bookshop
Accessibility: Wheelchair access is normally available to most
parts of the park. However, extensive construction works are underway this
year making the ground very rough in places - call for details.
Special Needs: Some programs and events cater specifically to
people with special needs - call for details.
Recommended Activities/Park Use:
Ideal for family day out. See basic visit recomendations below.
Reservations/Permits:
Visitors mustregister for most classes
and workshops at least 5 days before the start of the class. Reservations
are recommended for the Puppet Co (301-320-6668) and Adventure
Theatre (301-320-5331) performances.
Basic Visit Recommendations:
A familiarization visit will help orient the first-time visitor. Park
rangers conduct guided tours every Sunday
at 2pm. Tours at other times can be arranged by calling the office in advance.
Many subsequent visits are recommended to allow the visitor to become familiar
with the techniques and products of the arts and crafts people who work
in the park and to actively participate in the park programs.
Families with children will want to visit again and again to attend
performances of the Adventure Theatre and of
the Puppet Co. and use the playground
