Last updated: April 24, 2025
Place
Glen Echo Park
Image Credit: Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture, Inc
Quick Facts
Location:
7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD 20812
Significance:
Glen Echo Park, a National Historic District, preserves rich cultural history, including civil rights milestones, and connects visitors to the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Designation:
National Historic District, Chesapeake Gateways Network Site
Amenities
5 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Internet/WiFi Available, Parking - Auto, Picnic Table, Playground
Nestled within the scenic George Washington Memorial Parkway, Glen Echo Park is a vibrant destination offering a rich mix of art, culture, and history. As part of the NPS Chesapeake Gateways Visitor Experience Network, the park connects visitors to the Chesapeake Bay watershed while offering a unique cultural and natural experience. Originally developed in 1891 as a Chautauqua Assembly, Glen Echo later became a popular private amusement park before playing a pivotal role in the civil rights movement, notably through the 1960 sit-ins that led to the desegregation of the park.
Today, Glen Echo Park invites visitors to explore a wide range of arts and cultural experiences. The park hosts classes and workshops in diverse visual arts media, including glassblowing and photography, while its social dance program offers swing, tango, and more. Visitors can also enjoy children’s theater performances, free summer concerts, and special performances at the park’s major festivals. The historic Dentzel Carousel and Spanish Ballroom provide nostalgic charm, while the park's interpretive tours explore its civil rights history, including the courageous protests that sparked change in the 1960s.
Glen Echo also features the Glen Echo Park Aquarium, where families can discover the aquatic life of the Chesapeake Bay, and three exhibition galleries showcasing local artists. This dynamic site embodies the spirit of community and creativity within the NPS Chesapeake Gateways network.Learn more about the park and its offerings by visiting https://glenechopark.org/
Today, Glen Echo Park invites visitors to explore a wide range of arts and cultural experiences. The park hosts classes and workshops in diverse visual arts media, including glassblowing and photography, while its social dance program offers swing, tango, and more. Visitors can also enjoy children’s theater performances, free summer concerts, and special performances at the park’s major festivals. The historic Dentzel Carousel and Spanish Ballroom provide nostalgic charm, while the park's interpretive tours explore its civil rights history, including the courageous protests that sparked change in the 1960s.
Glen Echo also features the Glen Echo Park Aquarium, where families can discover the aquatic life of the Chesapeake Bay, and three exhibition galleries showcasing local artists. This dynamic site embodies the spirit of community and creativity within the NPS Chesapeake Gateways network.Learn more about the park and its offerings by visiting https://glenechopark.org/