Rock Creek Park - Washington DC

Rock Creek Park - Washington DC

Are you tired of seeing the stunning buildings in our nation’s capital?  How about taking a break and going for a little nature along with a little culture?  You can do this at Rock Creek Park.  The nature center and the planetarium are located at 5200 Glover Rd. NW.  Right there in the heart of DC, available for you to take a break and just enjoy nature for a little while.

While you are strolling through the park you may see deer, raccoons, foxes, coyote or even a beaver or two.  There are approximately 200 whitetail deer in the park so chances of seeing one are pretty good if you are quiet and don't scare them off.  Rock Creek Park has the largest density of raccoons in the US.  See if you can catch them eating so you can watch them wash their food, it's really neat.  There are red and gray fox in the park.  Not as many gray as red but still there for you to catch a glimpse of.  There are estimated to be between 6 and 8 dens scattered throughout the park so keep your eyes open for a chance to see one of these beautiful animals.
Along with the foxes you may see a coyote but they aren't as populous as the foxes. 

While at the park you can go horseback riding at the Horse Stables which is located next to the Nature Center. The Horse Stable does not rent horses; they give guided tours that last about an hour and cost $30. They have pony rides for young children at least 30" tall for $20.00. For more information call the Horse stables at 202-362-0118.

The park is the oldest natural urban park run by the National Park Service.  It was created and the land set aside in 1890. 

If you are looking to have a wedding in Rock Creek Park here are the requirements you must meet.  There are special use permits issued for small wedding ceremonies ONLY and for three different locations in the Park.  They are: Old Stone House (in the garden area only,) Montrose Park and Meridan Hill.

Weddings have to meet the following criterion:
1) a letter to the Superintendent (ROCR) seeking permission has to be on file, indicate in the letter the following: how many people, time, place, knowledge of unbudgeted fee approximately $200.00 a note of intention about leaving the park site in a good condition.
2) small wedding gatherings (a maximum of 50 persons)
3) wedding ceremonies (approximately 1 1/2 hours ceremony)
4) the wedding activity in no way can interfere with other regular NPS park activities
5) the wedding ceremony occurs between 9:15 AM and 4:45 PM
6) a special park use permit signed by the Superintendent has to be available when requested by park officials
7) fee of $200 to cover unfunded costs, NPS maintenance personnel working the activity, park vehicle, processing special park use permit, etc.

The Park does not allow WEDDING RECEPTIONS and Rock Creek Park only provides the site for weddings.

If you have any questions, please call the Special Park Uses Ranger at 202-895-6012. (notice, call them, don't email)

Although you may want to go swimming or wading all Rock Creek Park areas are closed to this.  Neither can you launch a boat within Rock Creek Park unless water levels are at least 2 fee deep.  Boats are not allowed to go over Peirce Mill dam under any conditions, Canoes, Kayaks or other similar HUMAN powered boats are allowed.

Rangers lead programs at the park. There are programs for children as well as Seniors.  You may enjoy the 2 12 mile hike to Rolling Meadow Bridge, this is for ages 8 and older. Ride your bike in the park along with a Ranger and learn more about the park as you travel  the Park up to Boundary Bridge.  Of course, bring your own bike and water!

Spend some time at the Planetarium. The planetarium serves as an astronomy laboratory for you to study the sky under ideal conditions.  It is the only planetarium in the national park system.  With a dome-shaped ceiling designed to reflect light, the planetarium can duplicate the motion of the stars and planets as they might be observed from any point on Earth using a Spitz planetarium projector. The majority of Rock Creek's planetarium programs show the night sky as it appears in the Washington, D.C. area for the specific date and time of the program. The projector can also be accelerated to allow visitors to witness phenomena which take months, years, or even centuries to occur. Programs are usually 45-60 minutes in length.

Free tickets for the planetarium shows can be picked up at the information desk in the Nature Center.

Hours of Operation:
Nature Center and Planetarium

Open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Wednesday-Sunday except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year days.

Old Stone House

Open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Wednesday-Sunday except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year days.

Group tours (10 or more) available by reservation.

Peirce Barn

Open Noon to 5:00 PM on the Weekends

Admission: FREE

Address:
5200 Glover Road NW
Washington DC 20015

Phone: Headquarters: (202) 895-6000
Visitor Information: (202) 895-6070
Carter Barron Information: (202)-426-0486