· Washington, D.C., Maryland +1 more
Civil War Defenses of Washington
On forested hills surrounding the nation's capital are the remnants of a complex system of Civil War fortifications. These strategic buttresses transformed the young capital into one of the world's most fortified cities. By 1865, 68 forts and 93 batteries armed with over 800 cannons encircled Washington, DC. Today, you can visit 18 of the original sites now managed by the National Park Service.
Things to do
- Arts and Culture
- Theater
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Road Biking
- Food
- Picnicking
- Guided Tours
- Self-Guided Tours - Walking
- Self-Guided Tours - Auto
- Hiking
- Living History
- First Person Interpretation
- Junior Ranger Program
- Wildlife Watching
- Park Film
Weather & when to go
Check the weather forecast for each individual site for accurate information.
Operating hours
Rock Creek Park sites
The park grounds at Battery Kemble, Battleground National Cemetery, Fort Bayard, Fort Bunker Hill, Fort DeRussy, Fort Reno, Fort Slocum, Fort Stevens, and Fort Totten are managed by Rock Creek Park These sites are open daily from dawn to dusk.
National Capital Parks — East sites
The park grounds at Fort Carroll, Fort Chaplin, Fort Davis, Fort Dupont, Fort Foote, Fort Greble, Fort Mahan, Fort Ricketts, and Fort Stanton are managed by National Capital Parks — East. These sites are open daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.
George Washington Memorial Parkway site
The park grounds at Fort Marcy are managed by George Washington Memorial Parkway. This site is open daily from 6 am to 10 pm.
FAQ
- Is Civil War Defenses of Washington free to visit?
- Civil War Defenses of Washington does not charge a standard entrance fee. Check the official NPS page for the latest details on any activity or permit fees before you go.
- What are the hours at Civil War Defenses of Washington?
- The park grounds at Battery Kemble, Battleground National Cemetery, Fort Bayard, Fort Bunker Hill, Fort DeRussy, Fort Reno, Fort Slocum, Fort Stevens, and Fort Totten are managed by Rock Creek Park These sites are open daily from dawn to dusk.
- Do I need a reservation for Civil War Defenses of Washington?
- No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Civil War Defenses of Washington. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.
Keep exploring
More parks in District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia.