Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Glen Echo Park adventure.
It's no coincidence that a visit to Glen Echo feels just like adult summer camp. The park's long and unusual story imbues Glen Echo with a character and history unlike any anywhere else. Just nine miles from downtown Washington, D.C., this bastion of culture and arts really does have it all.
Glen Echo became the site of a Chautauqua assembly, a religious and cultural education program for adults. Years later, the site was purchased and converted into an amusement park, and later acquired by the National Parks Service. The stone amphitheater, historic carousel, and Spanish ballroom all offer a peek into this storied history.
Today, what you'll find is a unique center for culture and arts. Events such as Family Day, the Washington Folk Festival and Winter's Eve bring visitors together for concerts, dancing, and festivities. There's also ballroom dance classes, art workshops, and exhibitions.
The park's extensive programming and close proximity to D.C. make it the sort of place you'll visit again and again. While there's always something to do, it's best to plan ahead, as exhibitions and classes change frequently. Glen Echo has a 120-year picnic history, so pack a lunch and enjoy the picnic grove in this scenic setting. The famous Dentzel Carousel isn't always open, but like all of the architecture and historic sites at Glen Echo, it offers a great photo-op and a unique look into America's past.