Rock Creek Park is a large public urban park located in Washington D.C. It is administered by the National Park Service and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Rock Creek Park runs along the Rock Creek Valley and has an area of 1,754 acres, and about 9.3 miles long and one mile wide. The park was established by an act of Congress in 1890 as one of the first federal parks. The legislation stated that the park with its natural beauty was a site of high public value, and efforts would be made for its preservation from spoliation and injury. Rock Creek Park’s establishment came just a few days before the legislation was passed for the founding of Yosemite National Park.
Rock Creek Park is an escape for Washingtonians and a great retreat for nature lovers. It is very popular with bicyclists and has over 25 miles of scenic bike trails which are also used for walking and hiking. During the weekends, Beach Drive is often closed to cars and allows joggers and bicyclists to use it. Dog owners also love to walk their dogs on the trails of Rock Creek Park, especially on the weekends. Many dog walkers unleash their dogs, so be aware if you’re afraid of dogs.
Besides its beautiful trails, Rock Creek Park offers many attractions such as the Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium which offers a lot of information and history about the park. There is also a library with many books about Rock Creek Park’s natural history. Also, be sure to check out the many exhibits about the park’s forest and wildlife and the hands-on activities in the Discovery Room. In the back of the planetarium, there is an observation room of a beehive where visitors can watch the bees at work. This is also the place to ask about guided nature walks.
Another great attraction in Rock Creek Park is the Carter Barron Amphitheatre, which is a 4,200-seat outdoor amphitheater in the woods of the park. It was opened in 1950 in honor of Washington’s 150th anniversary. Here you can come to watch excellent musical performances, but also film screenings, and many other events. Some performances are free while others are not, but even with free shows, you will usually need to get tickets from the box office.
Rock Creek Park also has many other attractions such as Pierce Mill, a historic mill dating back to the 18th Century which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. There’s also the Old Stone House Visitor Center where you can discover one of the city’s oldest structures, the Old Stone House built in 1765, and its beautiful flower garden.
Riding horses is also a popular Rock Creek Park activity, and you can register for trail rides and lessons at the Rock Creek Park Horse Center. If you like to play tennis or golf, check out the Rock Creek Tennis Center and the Rock Creek Golf Course. If boating is more your thing, Thompson’s Boat Center will let you go kayaking and canoeing and rent small sailboats and even bicycles.
Riding horses is also a popular Rock Creek Park activity, and you can register for trail rides and lessons at the Rock Creek Park Horse Center. If you like to play tennis or golf, check out the Rock Creek Tennis Center and the Rock Creek Golf Course. If boating is more your thing, Thompson’s Boat Center will let you go kayaking and canoeing and rent small sailboats and even bicycles.