Rock Creek
Park

Welcome to Rock Creek Park

Established on September 27, 1890 Rock Creek Park is one of the oldest national parks in the National Park Service. It is also one of the largest forested urban parks in the United States, containing a wide variety of natural, historical, and recreational features in the midst of Washington, DC. There are opportunities for picnicking, hiking, biking, skating, horseback riding, tennis and golf. The main visitor center is the Nature Center which contains a Planetarium and is the focal point for activities related to the park's natural history. The area's cultural history can be studied through the Old Stone House (the oldest house in Washington), Peirce Mill (a gristmill where corn and wheat were ground into flour using water power from Rock Creek) and the remains of Civil War earthen fortifications, including Fort Stevens, the site of the only battle within the District of Columbia during the Civil War. The picturesque valley of Rock Creek is especially beautiful in the spring but this 1,754 acre forest, within 5 miles of the White House, offers a quiet respite from the bustle of urban life all year long for both Washingtonians and visitors to the Nation's Capital.

Visitation:

Highest in June, July, August and October. Lowest in January.

Location:

Washington, DC

Address:

Superintendent, Rock Creek Park
3545 Williamsburg Lane, NW
Washington, DC 20008-1207

Telephone:

Headquarters: 202-282-1063
Nature Center and Planetarium: 202-426-6829
Peirce Mill: 202-426-6908
Old Stone House: 202-426-6851

Operating hours, Seasons:

Climate, Recommended Clothing:

Summers generally hot and humid. Winters are generally cold with variable precipitation. Recommend layers of clothing especially in spring and fall and good walking boots.

Directions:

The Nature Center and Rock Creek Horse Center are easily accessible from Military Road, south on Glover Road and follow the signs to the Nature Center, about 1/4 mile.
Peirce Mill is easily accessible from Beach Drive, west on Tilden Street, cross the bridge and turn right into the parking lot. From Connecticut Avenue, east on Tilden Street to bottom of hill, turn left into parking lot.
Old Stone House is accessible from M street in Georgetown, between 30th and 31st streets.

Transportation:

For public transportation to the Nature Center, take the red metroline to the Friendship Heights Metro stop, transfer to the E2 Bus line to Glover and Military Roads.

Fees, Cost Rates:

• Park entry is free.
  
• Rock Creek Horse Center, near the Nature Center on Glover Road, offers trail rides, horse rentals and riding instructions.
  
  Call 202-362-0117 for more information.
• There is a public 18 hole golf course with a greens fee, golf cart and golf club rental at 16th and Rittenhouse roads.
  
  Call 202-882-7332 for more information.
• Reservations are required for the tennis courts.
  
  Call 202-722-5949 for more information.

Facilities and Opportunities:

Visitor Centers:

Nature Center and Planetarium:



• Visitor Center; information desk
• Planetarium
• Auditorium
• Exhibit Hall
• Self Guided Nature Trails
• Bookshop
• Discovery Room for younger visitors

Peirce Mill:



• Visitor Center; information desk
• Exhibits
• Bookshop
• Films

Old Stone House:

• Information
• Exhibits
• Bookshop

Other sites to visit:

• Meridian Hill
• Miller Cabin
• Glover Archbold Park
• Conduit Road School House
• Montrose Park
• Dumbarton Oaks Park
• Kahlil Gibran Memorial Garden
• Francis Scott Key Memorial
• Statues and Monuments
• Civil War Defenses of Washington, D.C.
  • Fort Stevens
  • Fort DeRussy
  • Battleground Cemetery

Regularly scheduled ranger guided walks, talks, and ranger-led planetarium shows are available.

Accessibility:

The Nature Center is accessible including the restrooms, the planetarium, exhibit hall, and auditorium. The first floor of the Old Stone House, the exercise course at 16th and Kennedy streets, the Carter Barron Amphitheater and Picnic Groves #1, #6, #23, and #24 are accessible. There is an accessible self guiding nature trail at the Nature Center.

Recommended Activities/Park Use:

Hiking the forest trails, horseback riding, biking on designated trails, picnicking, golf, tennis, exercise trails, running and jogging.

Reservations/Permits:

• Reservations for picnic grounds must be made in person. Call the D.C. Department of Recreation and Parks at (202) 673-7646 for more information.
• Tennis courts at 16th and Kennedy Streets, NW., must be reserved in person through Guest Services, Inc. Call 202-722-5949 for more information.
• Tennis courts located off Park Road, just east of Peirce Mill can be reserved through Guest Services, Inc. in person at the courts. A fee is charged for the use of these courts. Call 202-722-5949 for more information.
• Some of the playing fields which are suitable for soccer, football, volleyball, and field hockey can be reserved by calling the D.C. Department Recreation and Parks at (202) 645-3944.

Basic Visit Recommendations:

For nature lovers visit the Nature Center and take a hike on one of the many trails to escape the city. If history is your interest, visit Peirce Mill for insite into milling and early local history, or Old Stone House for early 18th century history of the D.C. area.

Special Events/Programs:

• Rock Creek Park Day September , 1999
  
• Newsletter for the General Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement, Rock Creek Park Update 11/20/98
• Application for Bell Atlantic's proposed telecomunication site in Rock Creek Park:
  
  • Fitzgerald Tennis Center Site
    
  • Maintenance Yard Site
    
  • Balloon Tests
  • Environmental Assessment- Bell Atlantic Mobile Applications for Wireless Telecomunications Facilities- Maintenance Yard & Tennis Center- Rock Creek Park
    
• Potomac Clean Up: Last weekend in March
  
• National Park Week in April
  
• Monthly Ranger lead programs.
  
• Special events for the National Capital Area
  
• Summer 1999 Carter Barron Amphitheatre Summer Schedule.
• Volunteer Opportunites at Rock Creek Park.