Rock Creek Park
Sign giving directions to landmarks in Washington, D.C., USA.
Welcome to Rock Creek Park, a hidden gem for tourists visiting D.C who are looking for a slower, more natural D.C attraction to enjoy. This ‘urban oasis’ is an absolutely excellent spot to hike, bike, play tennis, golf, relax, explore, picnic, or enjoy a ranger-led wildlife education program. The park bisects the Northwest quadrant of D.C and was first created by an act of Congress in 1890. A long and telling history resides within this park, seeing such things in its industrious past as tobacco farming, Native American rock quarrying, Civil War stations, and grist mill wheat production. Today the National Park Service watches over the 4.4 square mile park region (1,754 acres) and ensures its proper conservation and care, this being just the 3rd national park designated with such a title in the United States.
While here escaping the hustle and bustle of the city and finding a few moments of peaceful refuge and recreation be sure to explore all the park has to offer, holding both an onsite planetarium, the Rock Creek Park Planetarium, and a lively amphitheater, the Carter Barron Amphitheatre. The theater features regular popular acts as well as blues, jazz, and poetry performances, whereas the planetarium mostly runs on the weekends with a couple shows a day ranging from ‘Seasonal Skies’ to ‘Exploring the Universe’. The planetarium uses high-tech Spitz Software, making the show extra enjoyable. There is a Nature Center onsite, as well as several free, curriculum-based educational programs throughout the site for your benefit as well.
Remember there are also other outdoor recreation options available here such as biking, horseback riding, kayaking, and hiking, so be sure to plan plenty of time here if interested! So pack a lunch, bring your camera, and wear comfortable walking shoes, this is going to be one really enjoyable D.C stop!
