Glen Echo Park

Visitors enjoy the Labor Day Art Show which highlights pieces created by students from the Glen Echo Park art programs.
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.
Map showing location of park.
Map showing Clara Barton Parkway along the Potomac River. A stretch of the road through Glen Echo indicates 1,824 feet of retaining walls, 1,409 feet of cantilever structure, and another 224 feet of retaining wall.
National Park Service seeks public input on Clara Barton Parkway Cantilever and Glen Echo Overpass Environmental Assessment
The EA evaluates the potential environmental impacts from replacing the cantilever structure and adjacent retaining walls between Cabin John Parkway and the Macarthur Boulevard exit ramp, and demolishing the unused Glen Echo Overpass, an associated feature of Clara Barton Parkway. Comments on the EA will be accepted September 9, 2025 through October 9, 2025.
groups of families, adults and children strolling in Glen Echo Park near Carousel Building
Photo by NPS Photo/Bruce Douglas
outdoor scene of open dance pavilion illuminated and evening dance crowd inside.
Photo by NPS Photo/Bruce Douglas
people walking around large room during art show
Photo by NPS Photo
three children seated at a picnic table working on a Glen Echo Park Junior Ranger Booklet.
Photo by NPS Photo/Bruce Douglas
people gathered at picnic tables enjoying a lunch in Glen Echo Park
Photo by NPS Photo/Bruce Douglas