About Rock Creek Park
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.
Quick Facts
Operating Hours
Unless otherwise designated, all park land is open sunrise to sunset. Roads are open 24 hours unless posted otherwise.
Activities
Getting There
Ample parking for hiking, biking and visiting the Nature Center is located at 5200 Glover Rd, 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.
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Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Multi-Park Loop
Park your car and stretch your legs! Visit four different National Parks in Washington, DC and begin logging miles on…
Explore the Georgetown Waterfront
Explore the Georgetown Waterfront and imagine the changes the space has gone through.
Horseback Riding in Rock Creek Park
For the horseback rider, 13 miles of dirt and gravel bridle paths crisscross the park.
The Horse Center offers riding lessons, trail rides, pony rides, summer camps, and therapeutic riding and has access to bridle…
Biking in Rock Creek Park
Bicycling is permitted on paved surfaces in Rock Creek Park.
Bicycle Use Areas/Routes: 36 CFR 4.30 prohibits the use of bicycles except on park roads, in parking areas, and on…
Red Line - DC Metro
Embrace the outdoors, explore interactive exhbits and stand where history happened by taking the Red Line to visit some of…
Boating in Rock Creek Park
Rent kayaks, canoes and stand up paddle boards from one of two boat houses along the Potomac River.
Visitor Centers
Nature Center
The Nature Center is home to our Planetarium and nature exhibit area which features displays of plants and animals that can be found in the…
Hours: As of April 8, 2026, 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. ----- The Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium is open Wednesdays through Sundays and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays as well as New Years Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Old Stone House
Built circa 1765, Old Stone House is the oldest structure on its original foundation in Washington, DC. Old Stone House is open for visitors at…
Hours: Old Stone House is partially closed for rehabilitation. The ground floor contains our America's National Park Store and exhibits in the kitchen. Hours may be reduced if staff is not available to open the building.
Peirce Mill
Peirce Mill, built in the 1820s, is the last operational grist mill along Rock Creek. The grounds are open according to general park hours.
Hours: The Peirce Barn/Peirce Mill complex buildings are open: April 1 - October 31: Friday through Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm. November 1 – December 31: Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm. Closed on Christmas Day. January 2 - February 28/29: Saturday and Sunday, 12 to 4 pm. Closed on New Year’s Day. March 1 – March 31: Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm. Hours are dependent on sufficient staffing. Peirce Mill hours may be reduced if a ranger is not available to operate the mill.
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