Rock Creek Park is truly a gem in our nation's capital. It offers visitors an opportunity to reflect and soothe their spirits through the beauty of nature. Fresh air, majestic trees, wild animals, and the ebb and flow of Rock Creek emanate the delicate aura of the forest.

Our country's history abounds within the park. Visitors walk in the footsteps of Piscataway Indians, the Old Stone House attests to a time when Washington, D.C. was a new capital, Peirce Mill reminds us how a new technology aided the economic growth of the nation, and Civil War remnants divulge stories of unrest. Ultimately, the establishment of Rock Creek Park in 1890, "...for the benefit and enjoyment of the people of the United States" served as an inspiration for the creation of future National Parks.

Rock Creek Park is also a place to play soccer, picnic, hike, bike and rollerblade, play tennis, fish, horseback ride, listen to a concert, or attend programs with a park ranger.

Although people come to the park for different reasons, they all have a common love for Rock Creek Park. The park fosters memories of the past while creating new memories for the future. You are encouraged to visit your national park, Rock Creek Park often, and to discover ways that you can help protect this special "common ground" for all who visit.

 Directions 

Plane - The local airports are Reagan National, Dulles International, and Batimore and Washington International.

Car - From downtown DC, take the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway north to Beach Drive. Exit onto Beach Drive, north, and take it to Broad Branch Road, make a left and then a right onto Glover Road, follow the signs to the Nature Center.

Note: The Parkway is oneway south on weekdays from 6:45 am to 9:45 am . During this time you can use 16th Street to Military Road west then turn left on Glover Rd., as an alternate. The Parkway is oneway north from 3:45 pm to 6:30 pm. You can take Glover Rd to Military Road east then south on 16th to downtown DC as an alternate.

Public Transportation - For public transportation to the Nature Center, take the red metroline to either the Friendship Heights or Fort Totten Metro stops. Transfer to the E2 bus line, which runs along Military/ Missouri/ Riggs Road) between the two stations. Get off at the intersection of Glover