Theodore Roosevelt Presidential LibraryPublic Lands Directory

Alerts and conditions

Information Waterside Drive NW Road Closure Temporarily Delayed

The planned construction and temporary closure of Waterside Drive NW have been postponed. There is no construction detour currently in place. Construction is now expected to begin in Spring 2027.

Read the full alert

Park Closure Nighttime Road and Trail Closures Begin Nov. 2

Beginning Nov. 2, Rock Creek Park will temporarily close some roads and trails at night for deer management. Closed areas will be identified by NPS staffed closures along with signage and/or temporary barricades. Please follow posted detours and never enter closed areas. This work helps protect the forest and wildlife. For closures, safety precautions, and answers, read our Deer Management FAQ (https://www.nps.gov/rocr/learn/management/white-tailed-deer-management.htm).

Park Closure Partial Closure of Meridian Hill Park Upper-Level

The upper-level grass panels at Meridian Hill Park will be temporarily closed to the public from October 13 through November 9, 2026, to facilitate restoration work and protect public safety. Fencing and signage will mark the closure. The upper plaza, other portions of Meridian Hill Park, and nearby park areas will remain open to the public, though access to the turf areas will be restricted.

Park Closure Nature Center and Planetarium Closure

The Nature Center and Planetarium building is closed until further notice due to continued remediation. Check the park's calendar for changes to ranger programs and locations.

Park Closure Part of Fort Totten Park remains closed for public safety

Out of an abundance of caution, Fort Totten Park will remain closed east of Fort Totten Drive, south of Gallatin Street/Metropolitan Branch Trail and north of Brookland Ave NE/Farragut St. due to the investigation involving two WWI-era munitions found.

Read the full alert

Overview

Rock Creek Park is truly a gem in our nation's capital. This 1,754 acre city park was officially authorized in 1890, making it the third national park to be designated by the federal government. It offers visitors the opportunity to escape the bustle of the city and find a peaceful refuge, recreation, fresh air, majestic trees, wild animals, and thousands of years of human history.

From the National Park Service

History

The designation history for this site (every law, proclamation and order, and the administration behind each) is being researched and checked by the Library’s historians.

The Roosevelt connection

T.R. was here

What to see and do

Activities

  • Arts and Culture
  • Live Music
  • Auto and ATV
  • Scenic Driving
  • Astronomy
  • Planetarium
  • Biking
  • Fishing
  • Food
  • Picnicking
  • Golf
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Hiking
  • Horse Trekking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Paddling
  • Canoeing
  • Kayaking
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Playground
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Park Film
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store

Browse hiking, biking and paddling routes on AllTrails

Plan your visit

Hours

Rock Creek Park lands: Unless otherwise designated, all park land is open sunrise to sunset. Roads are open 24 hours unless posted otherwise.

Getting there

Ample parking for hiking, biking and visiting the Nature Center is located at 5200 Glover Road NW. Rock Creek Park is a large urban park stretching from the Maryland - DC border to the Potomac River. Rock Creek Park also administers 99 separate neighborhood small sites. A large network of public roads provide access to all points administered by Rock Creek Park.

Visitor centers

Weather

Weather in D.C. is often erratic. Spring: Pleasant, Avg. High: 67° Avg. Low: 44.3°, Avg. Precipitation: 12.1” Summer: Hot & Humid, Avg. High: 87°, Avg. Low: 66°, Avg. Precipitation: 12.7”, July is the hottest month Fall: Pleasant, Avg. High: 69°, Avg. Low: 48.3°, Avg. Precipitation: 11.6” Winter: Mild, Avg. High: 45°, Avg. Low: 27.3°, Avg. Precipitation: 9.3”, Avg. Snowfall: 15.4” January is coolest month. Hurricanes may impact D.C. in late summer and fall. Light droughts are not uncommon in summer.

Phone: 202-895-6000

Whose lands these are

These lands are the ancestral and present-day homelands of Native nations. A section on whose lands these are is being prepared with tribal review. In the meantime, Native Land Digital offers a starting point.

Photos

Water swirls around large boulders in a creek. Trees in autumn colors line the bank
Rocks in the Creek · NPS Photo/ K. Cain
a one story building nestled among green leafy trees
Nature Center · NPS Photo
Dark boulders scattered through a narrow creek. Green trees rise up on either bank.
Rocks in Rock Creek · NPS Photo
A stone mill house
Peirce Mill · NPS Photo/Michael Zwelling

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