Glen Echo Park

A short history of Glen Echo Park is available for you to download.

Oral History Project

Share your memories Glen Echo Park with current and future generations through our oral history project.  Please read this article.

Edwin and Edward Baltzley

Twin brothers Edwin and Edward Baltzley invented a reversible egg beater and recevied $250,000 for their invention.  They invested in real estate and purchased over 500 acres of land. They named their new town "Glen Echo on the Potomac."

The Chautauqua Tower

The Chautauqua Tower is the only surviving building of the Chautauqua era at Glen Echo. Today the Chautauqua Tower is used as a residential art studio. Here is a picture of the Chautauqua Tower today.

The 1921 Dentzel Carousel

During Glen Echo glory days, as an amusement park the 1921 Denzel carousel was the jewel of the park and it still remains the most treasured centerpiece of the park. When the amusement park closed, its rides were sold, including the carousel.

But local residents mounted an energetic campaign to raise private funds to buy the carousel back and donate it to the National Park Service. On one condition: it, and the organ, would remain at Glen Echo Park and be operated for public enjoyment. Here is a picture of the 1921 Dentzel carousel today.

The Spanish Ballroom

The historic Spanish Ballroom plays host to swing, folk and ballroom dancers every weekend, when live music and dance lessons are offered.  A Medietrrian style art deco building opened in 1933 with 7,500 square feet of dance area to accommodate 1,800 dancers.

Its stage was graced by many of the era's great bands. Nationally-known bands like the Dorsey Brothers, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton and local groups like the Jack Corey Orchestra performed at the park. Even the early rock and roll band, Bill Haley and the Comets, played in the ballroom.

The beautifully restored Spanish Ballroom is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a formal and glamorous venue for wedding receptions, large corporate gatherings, private dance parties, bar/bat mitzvahs, and other events.

The Ballroom is available to rent throughout the year, but because it is neither heated nor air conditioned, peak rental times are from April through June and September through October. Please call 301.634.2233.  Here is a peek inside the Spanish Ballroom.