National Capital Parks-East

The red barns and outbuildings at Oxon Hill Farm — The Barnyard at Oxon Hill FarmPhoto: NPS photo

National Capital Parks — East invites you to explore more than 8,000 acres of scenic parkland, historic landmarks, and vibrant community spaces across Washington, D.C. and Maryland. From the riverside trails of Anacostia Park to the homes of American leaders like Frederick Douglass and Carter G. Woodson, each of our 17 nationally significant parks offers a distinct experience.

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News

National Park Service Announces Reopening of Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site 2026-10-14
The National Park Service, in cooperation with the National Park Foundation and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, will reopen the Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site to the public on Nov. 7 following a major rehabilitation of the historic home, expansion of the exhibit space and addition of a visitor center.
Fall Fun Returns to Oxon Hill Farm With Free Festival Oct. 17 2026-10-09
The National Park Service will host a free, family-friendly fall festival at Oxon Hill Farm on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will feature live music, sheepdog demonstrations, line dancing, pumpkin painting and a community showcase highlighting local organizations.
Find Your Fall: Explore National Parks Across the Greater Capital Region 2026-09-22
You don’t have to travel far to find spectacular fall color. National parks across the Washington, D.C., region offer countless ways to experience autumn, from mountain trails and Potomac River views to historic battlefields, urban forests and the National Mall.
National Park Service to Rehabilitate Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site 2026-09-08
The National Park Service will close the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site on September 9, 2026, to complete a rehabilitation project. The House is expected to reopen to visitors in early 2027, after rehabilitation of the home’s exterior and interior and cleaning of its historic artifacts.
Celebrate America’s Story in the National Capital Area During National Park Week, August 22-30 2026-08-21
The National Park Service is excited to welcome visitors to celebrate National Park Week from Saturday, August 22 through Sunday, August 30, as dozens of sites across the region mark the 2026 theme, “Celebrate America’s Story,” highlighting the 250th anniversary of American independence and recognizing our shared American heritage of national parks.

Photos

Photo of the outside of the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House — Mary McLeod Bethune Council House in Washington D.C.Photo: NPS Photo

Cars driving on the Baltimore0Washington Parkway — Baltimore-Washington Parkway is managed by National Capital Park-EastPhoto: NPS Photo

Image of a three red and white water lilies. — Water lilies that can be found at Kenilworth Aquatic GardensPhoto: NPS Photo

Photo of Cedar Hill, home of Frederick Douglass — Cedar Hill, Frederick Douglass' Washington D.C. home.Photo: NPS Photo

Image of Still Creek running through the trees at Greenbelt Park. — Still Creek at Greenbelt ParkPhoto: NPS Photo

Hundreds of audience member watching the Summer Theater program at Fort Dupont. — Summer Theater is an annual event at Fort Dupont Park.Photo: NPS Photo

A photo of the Urban Tree House. The tree house is a wooden outline of the United States. — The tree house is a wooden outline of the United States. Used as an outdoor classroom.Photo: NPS Photo

Photo of the parade ground inside the historic fort. — Fort Washington's parade ground facing the main entrance.Photo: NPS Photo

Photo of Accokeek Creek Site, as the fog rises in the early morning. — Accokeek Creek Site is a part of Piscataway Park. The boardwalk takes you over the wetlands.Photo: NPS Photo/MJ Garcia

Park information and photos come from the National Park Service. This is not an official NPS site.