fort washington park

PetePope1

This pre-Civil War stands on the Maryland side of the Potomac, guarding the river against an invasion of Washington. Nice commanding views of the river from the ramparts. Small museum in the gatekeepers house.

Misskeeks

I visited here with my 5 year old son two years ago. We live quite close but never bothered to stop by. I'm glad we eventually did. The grounds are well kept and the views of the river are amazing. My five year old had an imaginary battle in his head will touring the fort. The only downside is that the fort is large and it is a bit unsettling being out there with no security, park rangers, or staff in sight. The small visitor's center did have some artifacts and info. I think the site should be on everyone's to do list.

458WilliamW

During the war of 1812 the soldiers at the fort were tasked with stretching a chain across the river to keep any invading ships from sailing on up to Capital City (Washington). Unfortunately the British overran the fort and they proceeded on their way up the river to burn Washington to the ground..

TonyTTA

This is a nice park right along the Potomac river. Really nice views. The Fort is a bit run down and some of it is a little dangerous. The Visitor's center wasn't much more than a table with some pamphlets and restrooms. I would not want to take small kids to the Fort or the visitors center; too many places to fall into.

travelnmom12

During peak months it costs only $5 for a parking pass, which is good for 3 days, to enter the park. This is super cheap entertainment! (off season there is no charge at all for parking, so it is free!) We bring our 2 kids, ages 6 and 2 years old, and usually pack a picnic lunch. The kids love running around the old fort, visiting the small museum, running around the Potomac River and just burning some energy. This is a great place to fly a kite too, as it is almost always windy! Check out their website for activities. We showed up one day and got to see volunteers dressed up in full uniform, and they were giving out snacks!

Marylandboatman

I have been to this park at least weekly as I live in Fort Washington, we walk our dog there regularly. I always love the view of the Potomac River and never tire of that view. I have never taken the tour but imagine it to be nice. During the summer months people fish the river, and also enjoy the view.

LouET_79

FORT WASHINGTON National Park was a great find! Both of the Park Rangers were friendly and informative. They took time to explain all of the local/area Park locations and reasons to make those stops as well. There is a lighthouse at the waterfront, the Fort itself is well maintained and there are plenty of information boards that explain the Fort's activities. It was a beautiful day when we visited so the view out over the River was gorgeous. Take a day trip and visit this Park, it is well worth your time!

Tyjohn

Love this park to walk in, it is tucked away on the water. Quite, nice for just sitting or taking a walk.

Finnbot7

Fort Washington National Park is certainly the most under visited park! The park staff are outstanding and very well informed. The activities are great- we saw a Civil War Re-enactment where the characters were just superb, and we were two of five witnesses (not including a dog)What a great program! Why are not many people here? In Philly, this program would be over run with people! The fort is beautiful with limited signage- we had to guess what some things were. But it is a great place to picnic and hike away from the beaten path of DC. We learned a great deal, and still have more questions! Take time out from the over touristy National Harbor and Smithsonian to see some real history.

KarenP579

We happened upon a day with historic civil war actors in costume welcoming us and talking about living in the 1860's. Even without them, the Fort is beautifully situated above the Potomac and the several iterations of it explained on information boards strategically located. It's not huge but offers enough to look at and walk through that we were glad we went.

discjockey56

Not crowded as I visited in the middle of the week. No living history that I saw. Fairly well kept grounds and equipment (what little they had).

sragaines

Fort Washington is a very scenic fort with beautiful old buildings and a beautiful view. The history is very interesting as well. It was quite warm the day we visited, but although the gate had informed us that there were Ranger tours of the fort, no one offered any information about that. I've had some very good experiences at National Parks in the Northeast, so I was surprised. There is a short video you can watch that tells the history and walking around is fun as well. There is a bit of wildlife (groundhogs and evidently deer as well). I would definitely recommend seeing the site.

90joyful100

We stopped here since we like to hunt up lighthouses, and were delighted with the history and the scenery! We were too early for the visitors center to be open, which I think would really have added to the experience. The lighthouse is small, but being beside the Potomac, with Washington D.C. in the distant background, made it very impressive.

jeffl499

Perched on a hill overlooking the Potomac, Fort Washington has been a sentinel for numerous years for those traveling up the river to Washington. Outfitted to protect the Capital City, it has been an impressive bulwark against potential enemies from the early 19th century through the middle part of the 20th. A visit to the museum is a good starting point for tracing its lineage, followed by a tour of the fort and the grounds. Standing atop the walls brings Washington into view on the north and the roaring Potomac to the South. Both officer and enlisted quarters as well as a variety of artillery have been preserved in the courtyard. More modern bastions are recognizable outside the walls. A walk down to the Potomac leads to the Fort Washington lighthouse. A full array of picnic areas is available throughout the park.

richardmH8815RZ

This is the best kept secret within reach of the popular "National Harbor." Quiet and serene during the week, this little used park is the perfect place for a break from the crowds of sightseers. The Fort is huge and imposing and very interesting. You can stand on the wall and look fifteen miles to Washington D.C. The shop is small and quaint, but is full of interesting things, let your imagination take you back to the eighteen hundreds. Use it, love it.