fort-washington | MD | Find park

Entrance way into historic Fort Washington

Fort Washington Entrance

Fort Washington Volunteers firing a cannon

Fort Washington Guard fires one of the park's cannons. Demonstrations are presented during the summer months April-October.

a green shoreline with small lighthouse along river at sunset

Fort Washington offers great views of the Potomac River, especially at sunset.

Picnic areas available to reserve.

Men in blue army uniforms pose by a cannon.

Check out the park's cannon demonstrations to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the past!

A female park ranger talks with a man and woman in a fort

A park ranger gives a tour of the fort

Physical Address:

13551 Fort Washington Road

Fort Washington, MD 20744

Mailing Address:

13551 Fort Washington Road

Fort Washington, MD 20744

contact-details

Phone Number: (771) 208-1555 Voice

Email Address: fowa_visitorservices@nps.gov
Description:

Fees

Entrance Fees

Entrance Passes

Built to defend the river approach to Washington, DC, Fort Washington has stood as silent sentry for over 200 years. As technologies advanced so did Fort Washington, from the brick and stone of the 19th century to the concrete and steel of the 20th century. Joining the National Park Service in 1946, the park continues to protect the Potomac River.

park designation:Park

Directions:

From I-95/495 take exit 3, Indian Head Highway South/MD 210. Travel about 4 miles to Fort Washington Road, turn right. The park is located at the end of the road. From Waldorf, MD: MD228 to Indian Head Highway/MD210 North. Turn left onto Old Fort Road. Continue to end of road, at the stop sign turn left onto Fort Washington Road, continue to park entrance.

For detailed directions, please visit this link.

Directions

Operating Hours:

Fort Washington Park grounds

The park grounds are open until sunset throughout the year. The park entrance gate opens at 6:30 am every day during the summer months. Beginning in October the gate opens at 6:30 am Monday through Friday and at 8:30 am Saturday and Sunday.

Exceptions:

Winter Hours (October 1, 2024 - April 30, 2025)

Thanksgiving Day (November 28, 2024 - November 28, 2024)

Christmas Day (December 25, 2024 - December 25, 2024)

New Year's Day (January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025)

Historic Fort

Access to the interior of the old fort is 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, Thursday through Sunday, except some holidays.

Exceptions:

Christmas Day (December 25, 2024 - December 25, 2024)

New Year's Day (January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025)

Weather Information:

Summers are generally hot and humid, with daytime highs frequently above 90 degrees Fahrenheit and scattered afternoon thunderstorms. Please carry water while participating in physical activity and be prepared to take shelter from lightning. Winters are generally cold, with nighttime lows frequently near freezing and occasional snowfall. Weather during spring and fall is generally moderate, but can change quickly.