groups of families, adults and children strolling in Glen Echo Park near Carousel Building
Glen Echo Park and the Dentzel Carousel are enjoyed by children and adults. NPS Photo/Bruce Douglas

Glen Echo Park

Federal Recreation Area · Maryland · National Park Service

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 for Arts and Culture, offers year-round cultural and recreational activities.

Plan your visit

Know before you go

Phone
3013201400
Official site
www.nps.gov
Managed by
National Park Service

Getting there

Directions on Google Maps →

What's here

Highlights: African American Heritage · Music · Social Movements · Civil Rights

Activities & features: Arts and Culture · Craft Demonstrations · Cultural Demonstrations · Live Music · Theater · Guided Tours

Photos

  • outdoor scene of open dance pavilion illuminated and evening dance crowd inside.
    NPS Photo/Bruce Douglas
  • people walking around large room during art show
    NPS Photo
  • three children seated at a picnic table working on a Glen Echo Park Junior Ranger Booklet.
    NPS Photo/Bruce Douglas
  • people gathered at picnic tables enjoying a lunch in Glen Echo Park
    NPS Photo/Bruce Douglas

Nearby parks

Parks of Maryland

Elk Neck State ParkPiscataway ParkAntietam National BattlefieldClara Barton National Historic SiteOxon Cove Park & Oxon Hill FarmTuckahoe State ParkPoint Lookout State ParkGreenbrier State ParkHarriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical ParkBaltimore-Washington ParkwayFort Washington ParkSt. Mary's River State ParkGunpowder Falls State ParkHampton National Historic SiteStar-Spangled Banner National Historic TrailNew Germany State ParkNorth Point State ParkSusquehanna State ParkFort Foote ParkMonocacy National BattlefieldSandy Point State ParkMartinak State ParkPatapsco Valley State ParkGreenbelt ParkFranklin Point State ParkCunningham Falls State ParkAssateague Island National SeashoreJanes Island State ParkSeneca Creek State ParkCatoctin Mountain ParkRocks State ParkNewtowne Neck State ParkFort Frederick State ParkThomas Stone National Historic SiteRocky Gap State ParkHerrington Manor State ParkHarmony HallFort McHenry National Monument and Historic ShrinePocomoke River State Park

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Sources: National Park Service, Google Places · updated 2026-08-12