Glen Echo Park

Address:7300 MacArthur Boulevard
Glen Echo, Maryland
Tel: (301) 492-6229

Enjoy an old-fashioned, magical experience at Glen Echo Park in Glen Echo, Maryland. Active in the late 19th and early 20th century, first as a Chautauqua retreat, then an amusement park, Glen Echo Park captures the spirit of the time with its exquisite carousel and remnants of other rides. Today, the park serves primarily as a host for a variety of arts and history programs.

In its prime, Glen Echo Park had a variety of attractions, including bumper cars, shooting galleries, a roller coaster and the Crystal Pool, a large pool, the remains of which can be seen to this day. After a series of protests in the 1960s, Glen Echo Park was opened up to members of all ethnic groups. The influx of urban African Americans caused the surrounding community to complain, and in 1968, Glen Echo Park was forced to shut down, and was turned into a national park in 1977.

Today, visitors to Glen Echo Park can take a variety of fascinating educational programs, ride the carousel, or take a tour. Educational programs range from pottery to dance classes. The park's carousel, built in 1921, is open daily for rides. There are a variety of ranger-led tours of Glen Echo Park, including a 30-minute tour of the history of the carousel and a 45-minute tour of the park in general. After their tour, visitors can find plenty of places to eat within short driving distance of the park.

To get to Glen Echo Park from the Capital Beltway (Interstate 495), take exit 40 on the outer loop or exit 41 east on the inner loop. Take Clara Barton/Cabin John Parkway to the MacArthur Boulevard/Glen Echo exit. Make a left onto MacArthur Boulevard. Cross Goldsboro Road and then make a left onto Oxford Road where you will see the park's parking lot.