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Fort Foote Park

Designation: Park

Location: Maryland

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

Fort Foote was constructed in 1863 atop Rozier's Bluff to strengthen the ring of fortifications that encircled Washington, D.C. Two of the Guns that protected Washington are still there along with the remains of the fort's earthworks.

🌤 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.

🚗 Directions

From the Beltway (I495/I95), take Exit 3, Indian Head Highway south (MD210/Indian Head Highway) and drive for approximately 3.5 miles to Old Fort Road. Turn right for 1 mile to Fort Foote Road S, turn left. Follow the winding road through the residential area to entrance sight on the left for the fort. If driving north on MD210/Indian Head Highway turn left onto the 2nd Old Fort Road you come to (Old Fort Rd cross 210 twice). There will be a McDonald's on your left at the correct traffic light.

Images

A cannon in front of fall leaves

Rodman gun at Fort Foote.

Credit: NPS / Rachel Hendrix

Drawing of Fort Foote Park, depicting the fort in 1865.

Drawing of fort in 1865.

Credit: NPS Image

A cannon in front of fall leaves.

Rodman gun at Fort Foote.

Credit: NPS / Rachel Hendrix

a small sandy beach with trees

At the southern end of Fort Foote Park lies a small beach.

Credit: NPS/Cindy LaBarge

a thin trail through a young forest

Hiking trails at Fort Foote Park traverse through diverse forest ecosystems

Credit: NPS/ Cindy LaBarge

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
6:00AM - 10:00PM
Monday
6:00AM - 10:00PM
Tuesday
6:00AM - 10:00PM
Wednesday
6:00AM - 10:00PM
Thursday
6:00AM - 10:00PM
Friday
6:00AM - 10:00PM
Saturday
6:00AM - 10:00PM

Entrance Fees

No entrance fees listed.

Entrance Passes

No entrance passes listed.

3-Day Weather Forecast

Tuesday, Jul 7

Patchy rain nearby

Patchy rain nearby

High: 87.6°F | Low: 73°F

Humidity: 88%

Wind: 5.6 mph

Rain Chance: 87%

UV Index: 9

Sunrise: 05:50 AM

Sunset: 08:35 PM

Moon: Last Quarter (39%)

Visibility: 4 mi

Dew Point: 74.9°F

Cloud Cover: 87%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Wednesday, Jul 8

Patchy rain nearby

Patchy rain nearby

High: 81°F | Low: 69.5°F

Humidity: 87%

Wind: 6.3 mph

Rain Chance: 83%

UV Index: 4.6

Sunrise: 05:50 AM

Sunset: 08:35 PM

Moon: Waning Crescent (28%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 71.1°F

Cloud Cover: 83%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Thursday, Jul 9

Patchy rain nearby

Patchy rain nearby

High: 93°F | Low: 69.3°F

Humidity: 85%

Wind: 11.6 mph

Rain Chance: 86%

UV Index: 8.9

Sunrise: 05:51 AM

Sunset: 08:35 PM

Moon: Waning Crescent (19%)

Visibility: 4 mi

Dew Point: 73.1°F

Cloud Cover: 86%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Park Alerts

Park Closed Due to Winter Weather: February 23, 2026 Park Closure
Due to winter weather, Fort Foote Park will be closed on Monday, February 23, 2026. We will reopen areas as soon as it is safe. For the latest updates, please continue to check our website.

Park Events

All Quiet Along the Potomac: The Civil War at Fort Foote
We have a living history tour coming to Fort Foote on Saturday, April 25th from 6 PM to 7:30 PM! Come explore the old fort and learn about the people who served there.   Throughout the Civil War, Rodman guns with their 15-inch diameter cannonballs were some of the heaviest guns in the entire US Army arsenal. They were too heavy to move around in the field, so they spent the war at fixed emplacements in fortifications.   They were never used in combat, but they did not stay silent. The soldiers of the fort fired them to train and also to demonstrate for visiting dignitaries, including Lincoln himself.

Fort Foote Park has limited amenities, so prepare before you go - bring water and keep in mind there are no restrooms available on site. Expect to walk less than a mile on flat terrain.

Date: Apr 25, 2026 12:00am to Apr 25, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
8915 Fort Foote Road
Oxon Hill, MD 20745

🏤 Mailing Address:
Fort Washington Park
Attn: Fort Foote Park
Fort Washington, MD 20744

📞 Voice Phone: 771-208-1536

✉️ Email: fowa_visitorservices@nps.gov

Park Location


👏 Fun Fact
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