Rock Creek Park

Peirce Mill
Rock Creek Park is truly a gem in our nation's capital. This 1,754 acre city park was officially authorized in 1890, making it the third national park to be designated by the federal government. It offers visitors the opportunity to escape the bustle of the city and find a peaceful refuge, recreation, fresh air, majestic trees, wild animals, and thousands of years of human history.
Map showing location of park.
a parking lot with cars
National Park Service to extend metered parking at Thompson Boat Center
Starting October 1, the National Park Service (NPS) will extend metered parking at the parking lot at Thompson Boat Center in Georgetown. The time limit will change to four hours.
A creek runs under a bridge made of large stones. There is fall foliage present in the trees with the background.
Celebrate 135 years of Rock Creek Park
Rock Creek Park turns 135 this month and the National Park Service is hosting a series of Punk Rocks! special events. Join us on Sept. 20, 21, 27 and 28 for two weekends of music, history and science as we celebrate the past, present and future of one of the nation’s oldest urban parks.
Little House in Rock Creek Park
Deadline extended for the Request for Proposals to lease Little House in Rock Creek Park
The National Park Service (NPS) is extending the deadline for proposals to lease Little House, a small but quaint single-family home, located at 3131 Nebraska Avenue NW in Rock Creek Park. Potential lessees are invited to submit proposals through Nov. 25, 2025. 
Pokey, the eastern box turtle
Celebrating 30 years of Pokey at Rock Creek Park!
Rock Creek Park invites you to a special celebration to honor Pokey's 30 years at the park. The event is August 9, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Nature Center.
black and white photo of a large crowd of people in a 4,000-seat amphitheater watching a theatrical performance on the stage
The Carter Barron Amphitheater turns 75
Join Rock Creek Park and Rock Creek Conservancy on August 7, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m., for the 75th anniversary of the Carter Barron Amphitheater. Bring your memories, photos, and memorabilia to share!
Stone bridge and fall leaves
Photo by NPS Photo
Water swirls around large boulders in a creek. Trees in autumn colors line the bank
Photo by NPS Photo/ K. Cain
a one story building nestled among green leafy trees
Photo by NPS Photo
Dark boulders scattered through a narrow creek. Green trees rise up on either bank.
Photo by NPS Photo
A stone mill house
Photo by NPS Photo/Michael Zwelling