Photo: NPS Photo / Buddy Secor
On forested hills surrounding the nation's capital are the remnants of a complex system of Civil War fortifications.
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These strategic buttresses transformed the young capital into one of the world's most fortified cities. By 1865, 68 forts and 93 batteries armed with over 800 cannons encircled Washington, DC.
Today, you can visit 18 of the original sites now managed by the National Park Service.
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.
5 experiences from the National Park Service, plus every activity offered in the park. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
Start your stamp collection and celebrate every park you visit! Explore historic sites and scenic parks managed by National Capital Parks - East and collect a unique stamp at each one.
Learn more about Collect all the National Capital Parks - East Passport Stamps on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Hike or bike the 7-mile trail from Fort Stanton to Fort Mahan and take in scenery that ranges from urban greenspaces to forest ecosystems, all while recreating through a historic landscape.
Learn more about Explore the Civil War Defenses of Washington Hiker-Biker Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Enjoy an easy 5-mile round trip hike around the northern section of Rock Creek Park.
Learn more about Hike the Northern Loop in Rock Creek Park on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Become a Junior Ranger at parks across National Capital Parks – East! Explore, complete a booklet, and earn badges and certificates along the way!
Learn more about Junior Ranger Programs at National Capital Parks - East on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Ever wonder how Civil War cannons were fired? Visit the park the first Sunday of every month from May to November to watch the Fort Washington Guard demonstrate and explain the procedures used during…
Learn more about Watch an Artillery Demonstration at Fort Washington Park on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)Showing 5 of 5
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Daily, Sunrise to Sunset · Rock Creek Park sites
The park grounds at Battery Kemble, Battleground National Cemetery, Fort Bayard, Fort Bunker Hill, Fort DeRussy, Fort Reno, Fort Slocum, Fort Stevens, and Fort Totten are managed by Rock Creek Park These sites are open daily from dawn to dusk.
| Monday | Sunrise to Sunset |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Wednesday | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Thursday | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Friday | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Saturday | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Sunday | Sunrise to Sunset |
The park grounds at Fort Carroll, Fort Chaplin, Fort Davis, Fort Dupont, Fort Foote, Fort Greble, Fort Mahan, Fort Ricketts, and Fort Stanton are managed by National Capital Parks — East. These sites are open daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.
| Monday | 6:00AM - 10:00PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 6:00AM - 10:00PM |
| Wednesday | 6:00AM - 10:00PM |
| Thursday | 6:00AM - 10:00PM |
| Friday | 6:00AM - 10:00PM |
| Saturday | 6:00AM - 10:00PM |
| Sunday | 6:00AM - 10:00PM |
The park grounds at Fort Marcy are managed by George Washington Memorial Parkway. This site is open daily from 6 am to 10 pm.
| Monday | 6:00AM - 10:00PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 6:00AM - 10:00PM |
| Wednesday | 6:00AM - 10:00PM |
| Thursday | 6:00AM - 10:00PM |
| Friday | 6:00AM - 10:00PM |
| Saturday | 6:00AM - 10:00PM |
| Sunday | 6:00AM - 10:00PM |
No entrance fees listed.
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Check the weather forecast for each individual site for accurate information.
Join a ranger for a 30-minute, family-friendly walk through Battleground National Cemetery and discover the stories of the soldiers buried here. Learn who these men were and how their service helped shape our nation's history.
Uncover clues about the lives of the soldiers, and think about how we remember people who served long ago. Through stories, questions, and observation, children and families will gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made during one of the most important chapters in American history.
Perfect for families with children ages 6 and up. This easy walking tour lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Join a ranger for a 30-minute, family-friendly walk through Battleground National Cemetery and discover the stories of the soldiers buried here. Learn who these men were and how their service helped shape our nation's history.
Uncover clues about the lives of the soldiers, and think about how we remember people who served long ago. Through stories, questions, and observation, children and families will gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made during one of the most important chapters in American history.
Perfect for families with children ages 6 and up. This easy walking tour lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Join a National Park Service ranger for a guided walk-through Battleground National Cemetery to explore Civil War monuments, their symbols, and the stories they were built to preserve. Discover how art, memory, and history come together in this quiet landscape where Washington, DC’s past is written in stone. As a part of the Freedom 250 commemoration, this program invites visitors to reflect on sacrifice, citizenship, and the enduring power of public memory.
Please note that parking is limited to public streets.
Come cleanup Shepherd Parkway with Ward 8 Woods!
Meet at 555 Newcomb St SE at 10:30 AM to receive instructions and supplies (gloves, bags, and trash grabbers will be provided.) Please wear sturdy close-toed shoes, long pants, and bring water.
Sign-up here: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/global-search/shepherd%20parkway
Join us on Saturday, December 19 at 12 pm to honor the men and women who served our nation. After a brief ceremony, volunteers of all ages will lay fresh evergreen wreaths, each one placed with care and each veteran’s name spoken aloud to keep their memory alive.
This meaningful tradition invites us to reflect, remember, and teach future generations the importance of service and sacrifice. Whether you're a longtime participant or joining for the first time, your presence helps ensure their stories are never forgotten.
Come be part of a moment of unity, gratitude, and remembrance.
Directions vary based on your preference of site.
Mailing address: Civil War Defenses of Washington, Washington, DC 20008
Ask about trails, fees, weather, events, or planning your visit.
AI answers can be wrong. Check official NPS info before you go.
