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 along a tributary of the Potomac River, and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay. 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.
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. Come see how it serves as a true gateway to the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay.
The Park is open during daylight hours, 7 days a week.