Glen Echo Park began in 1891 as a National Chautauqua Assembly "to promote liberal and practical education." By 1911, it transformed into DC's premier amusement park until it closed in 1968. Since 1971, the National Park Service has owned and operated the site and today, with the help of the Glen Echo Park Partnership
Free — you won’t need your pass here.
Free entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
- Fee type No fee — No fee is charged here.
- HoursThe grounds of Glen Echo Park are open daily from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. (the next day). No overnight parking.
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact 3013201400 · gwmp_glen_echo@nps.gov
By Car: Capital Beltway (I-495), Maryland outer loop exit 40 Cabin John Parkway to Clara Barton Parkway; Virginia inner loop exit 41 Clara Barton Parkway East; follow Clara Barton Parkway to MacArthur Boulevard and Glen Echo exit, left onto MacArthur Boulevard, straight across traffic circle at Gold
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Glen Echo Park — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
No Is there a fee at Glen Echo Park?
No — it’s free to enter, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Glen Echo Park. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Glen Echo Bridge, Glen Echo Path. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Yes What are the hours?
The grounds of Glen Echo Park are open daily from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. (the next day). No overnight parking.
Nearby sites
NPS Photo National Park Service Clara Barton National Historic Site
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
NPS National Park Service George Washington Memorial Parkway
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
