Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

Visitors take photos in front of a historic house

Rangers guide daily tours of the historic house at scheduled times.

A tiny stone cabin surrounded by fall foliage

Frederick Douglass retreated to this stone cabin to read, write, and think in seclusion.

View of downtown Washington, D.C., including the Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol

Frederick Douglass's view from Cedar Hill continues to impress visitors today.

Hundreds of original objects, such as this bust, furnish the historic house.

A park ranger gestures to a group of people outside the Frederick Douglass home.

A park ranger speaks to park visitors.

Photos: National Park Service

About Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

Frederick Douglass spent his life fighting for justice and equality. Born into slavery in 1818, he escaped as a young man and became a leading voice in the abolitionist movement. People everywhere still find inspiration today in his tireless struggle, brilliant words, and inclusive vision of humanity. Douglass's legacy is preserved here at Cedar Hill, where he lived his last 17 years.

Quick Facts

State District of Columbia

Designation National Historic Site

State Code DC

Weather Winter: Temperatures usually range from 30 to 50 F. There is occasional snow. Spring: Temperatures usually range widely from 40 to 70 F. Rain is common. Summer: Temperatures usually range…

Location & Map

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site is located in District of Columbia.

Get Directions

Entrance Fees

Timed Entry Reservation - Location $1.00

The guided tour includes the upper and lower floors of the home and provides an intimate window into the life of Frederick Douglass. Space on each tour is limited. You are strongly encouraged to make a reservation to secure your spot on a tour. While walk-ins without a reservation are permitted if space is available, tours are frequently completely full well in advance. Plan ahead and reserve your tour today!

Operating Hours

The historic house is open for guided tours at scheduled times Tuesday through Saturday; hours vary by season, and reservations are strongly encouraged. The site is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on those days from October 1 through March 31, and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from April 1 through September 30.

Wednesday 9:00AM - 4:30PM

Monday Closed

Thursday 9:00AM - 4:30PM

Sunday Closed

Tuesday 9:00AM - 4:30PM

Friday 9:00AM - 4:30PM

Saturday 9:00AM - 4:30PM

Activities

Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store

Getting There

The site can be reached by car, public transportation, or on foot. See the directions page of the website for more detailed information. There is parking on site.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 1411 W Street SE, Washington, DC, 20020

Phone 771-208-1499

Email frdo_visitorservices@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

African American Heritage Enslavement Incarceration Reconstruction Social Movements Abolition Movement Civil Rights Voting Rights and Suffrage Wars and Conflicts Civil War

Things To Do

Junior Ranger Programs at National Capital Parks - East

Become a Junior Ranger at parks across National Capital Parks – East! Explore, complete a booklet, and earn badges and…

Participants complete a series of activities during a park visit, share their answers with a park ranger, and receive an…

Collect all the National Capital Parks - East Passport Stamps

Start your stamp collection and celebrate every park you visit! Explore historic sites and scenic parks managed by National Capital…

Become a Frederick Douglass NHS Junior Ranger

To become a Frederick Douglass National Historic Site Junior Ranger, you can either visit the site or download our Junior Ranger Book.…

Becoming a Junior Ranger is easy and fun! Even if you cannot visit the site, you can still become a Junior…

Places of Interest Related to Frederick Douglass

Visitors can explore nearby historical sites and parks in the Washington, D.C. area related to the life and legacy of…

Once visitors tour the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, they can venture out into the neighborhood and other parts of…

Frederick Douglass NHS Bookstore

Operated by America's National Parks, the bookstore sells unique educational products and books related to Frederick Douglass and African American…

Visitors can peruse and purchase merchandise inside at the Frederick Douglass Nationl Historic Site Bookstore. Items related to the Frederick Douglass…

Frederick Douglass NHS Visitor Center

The Visitor Center at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site is a single-level building at street level where you will…

Inside of the Visitor Center you will find an information desk where a ranger or volunteer is stationed, exhibits, artifacts,…

Visitor Centers

Frederick Douglass NHS Visitor Center

The Visitor Center of the Frederick Douglass NHS is located at the bottom of the hill near the parking lot. Inside of the Visitor Center…

Hours: The visitor center is open Tuesday through Saturday; hours vary by season. It is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on those days from October 1 through March 31, and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from April 1 through September 30.