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Fort Washington Park

Fort Washington, MD

Picturesque Fort Washington sits on high ground overlooking the Potomac River and offers a grand view of Washington and the Virginia shoreline. Today, only one silent gun stands behind the masonry wall-the last armament of the powerful fort that once guarded the water approach to our Nation's Capital. The old fort is one of the few U.S. seacoast fortifications still in its original form.

When ocean-going warships had wood sides and carried smoothbore cannons, no enemy would attempt to ascend the river before destroying the fort. But changing technology made the fort useless. Our government built concrete emplacements to meet the threat of iron-sided ships and rifled guns. When they became obsolete the post was turned over to the infantry and finally became a military training facility. Over 200 years of army presence has left the park with a diverse group of military structures and a rich history of service to our country and the Nation's Capital.

The 341 acre park offers an assortment of recreational opportunities. Picnic areas can be reserved for group activities and fishermen try their luck along the shore. There are also hiking and biking trails and a playground for children. It is not unusual to see eagles circling the river or deer feeding in the park during morning and evening twilight. There are also a large variety of birds. You can always discover something interesting at Fort Washington Park.

CONTACTS

Email - NACE_Superintendent@nps.gov

Fax- 301-763-1389

Write to
13551 Fort Washington Road
Fort Washington, MD 20744

Phone
Visitor Information - (301)763-4600

TRAVEL BASICS

Operating Hours, Seasons
Historic Fort and Visitor Center 9:00am-5:00pm, daily April 1 thru September 30. 9:00am-4:30pm, daily October 1 thru March 31.

Park Grounds 8:00am-Dark

Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day

Getting There
CAR - From Washington DC: Capital Beltway (I-495) to Exit 3A (Indian Head Highway or MD210), continue to Fort Washington Road, turn right, follow to the park entrance.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - No Public Transportation to the park.

Accessibility
The Visitor Center is wheelchair accessible. Access is limited in certain areas of the fort.

FEES/PERMITS

Entrance Fee
FORT WASHINGTON ANNUAL PASS
$20.00 for Annual
This pass is non-transferable and non-replaceable. Pass may be purschased at the entrance during regular business hours. 

INDIVIDUAL
$3.00 for 3 Days
An individual is defined as any person walking, bus passenger, or person riding a bike.

PERSONAL VEHICLE
$5.00 for 3 Days
Privately owned vehicle is defined as any noncommercial vehicle that is being used for private recreational purposes.

Permits
RESERVED PICNIC AREAS
$25.00 for Day
$50.00 for Day
$75.00 for Day
There are nine picnic areas available. Several areas can be combined to accommodate up to 600 people. Please call the park for further information at 301-763-4600.

FACILITIES

HISTORIC FORT
Open All Year
Phone - 301-763-4600
Special Programs - Lving History Programs conducted throughout the summer months.

Visitor Centers
FORT WASHINGTON VISITOR CENTER
Open All Year
Phone - 301-763-4600
Location - The yellow house on the hill in front of the Historic Fort.
Closures - Due to staffing, the Visitor Center will be closed periodically without notice.
Exhibits - Exhibits include information and artifacts describing the history of Fort Washington as the Capital's Guardian. Audio-visual program explores the park's history and special exhibits from time to time depicted elements of the park's history.
Available Facilities - Restroom, water cooler, bookstore

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