đ Park Overview
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.
đ¤ 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.
đ 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.
Images
Fort Washington Entrance
Credit: NPS Photo
Fort Washington Guard fires one of the park's cannons. Demonstrations are presented during the summer months April-October.
Credit: NPS Photo
Fort Washington offers great views of the Potomac River, especially at sunset.
Credit: NPS/JGernatt
Picnic areas available to reserve.
Credit: NPS Photo/ C LaBarge
Check out the park's cannon demonstrations to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the past!
Credit: NPS / Marcey Frutchey
A park ranger gives a tour of the fort
Credit: (NPS/JGernatt)
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Wednesday, Apr 8
Sunny
High: 57.4°F | Low: 33.1°F
Humidity: 34%
Wind: 7.2 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1.5
Sunrise: 06:42 AM
Sunset: 07:39 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (70%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 32.5°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Thursday, Apr 9
Overcast
High: 53.2°F | Low: 34°F
Humidity: 81%
Wind: 7.2 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1.4
Sunrise: 06:40 AM
Sunset: 07:40 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (61%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 38.1°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Friday, Apr 10
Partly Cloudy
High: 70.7°F | Low: 36.9°F
Humidity: 72%
Wind: 8.3 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1.6
Sunrise: 06:39 AM
Sunset: 07:41 PM
Moon: Last Quarter (52%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 47.5°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Weather Alerts (4)
Frost Advisory issued April 8 at 12:57PM EDT until April 9 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Effective: Apr 8, 2026 12:57pm
Expires: Apr 8, 2026 9:00pm
* WHAT...Temperatures as low as 33 will result in frost formation,
especially away from the urban centers and tidal waters.
* WHERE...Washington DC, and portions of central and southern
Maryland, and central and northern Virginia.
* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 9 AM EDT Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive
outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered.
Freeze Warning issued April 8 at 12:57PM EDT until April 9 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Effective: Apr 8, 2026 12:57pm
Expires: Apr 8, 2026 9:00pm
* WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures in the upper 20s to lower 30s
expected.
* WHERE...Portions of northern Maryland, central and northern
Virginia, and the eastern panhandle of West Virginia.
* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 9 AM EDT Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other
sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor
plumbing.
Frost Advisory issued April 8 at 12:57PM EDT until April 9 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Effective: Apr 8, 2026 12:57pm
Expires: Apr 8, 2026 9:00pm
* WHAT...Temperatures as low as 33 will result in frost formation,
especially away from the urban centers and tidal waters.
* WHERE...Nelson, Central and Southeast Prince William, and Stafford
Counties, and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.
* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 9 AM EDT Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive
outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered.
Effective: Apr 8, 2026 2:28pm
Expires: Apr 8, 2026 2:38pm
Monitoring message only. Please disregard.
Park Alerts
Park Events
Fort Tour
Are you curious about the fascinating history behind Fort Washington? Join us for an enlightening guided tour that delves into the who, what, where, when, and why of this historic fortification! Discover the strategic significance of Digges Point and uncover the reasons it was selected as the ideal site for building the fort.
Whether you are a history buff or just looking to enjoy a scenic walk through the fort, this tour is perfect for all ages. Our knowledgeable guides will provide insights into the fortâs construction, its role in defense, and the stories of those who lived and served here.
If youâre interested in participating but the scheduled times donât work for you, please donât hesitate to reach out! Call the Visitor Center at 771-208-1555 or email us prior to your arrival, and weâll do our best to accommodate your request for a different tour time.
Location: Check in at the Visitor Center!
Date: Jan 1, 2025 12:00am to Jan 1, 2027 12:00am
Paid Event
Shoreline Cleanup at Fort Washington Park - CANCELLED
Come put in some hard work to beautify Fort Washington Park's landscape by cleaning up the shoreline from 9:30am-11:30am! Meet the park ranger at the lighthouse parking area. Gloves, trash pickers, and bags will be provided. This event also occurs on the second Saturday of every month.
Location: 13551 Fort Washington Rd Fort Washington, Maryland 20744
Date: Jan 11, 2025 12:00am to Jan 11, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Shoreline Cleanup at Fort Washington Park
Come put in some hard work to beautify Fort Washington Park's landscape by cleaning up the shoreline from 9:30am-11:30am! Meet the park ranger at the lighthouse parking area. Gloves, trash pickers, and bags will be provided. This event also occurs on the second Saturday of every month.
Location: 13551 Fort Washington Rd Fort Washington, Maryland 20744
Date: Jan 11, 2025 12:00am to Jan 11, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Garrison Life: Duties at Fort Washington
Enjoy stories around a fire, learn about garrison life at Fort Washington and 200+ years of history in one afternoon.
You can learn about the items, duties and life of a soldier in the 1860s from the talented team of volunteers that portray the 1st US Artillery, Company D.
Date: Jan 4, 2026 12:00am to Jan 4, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Shoreline Cleanup at Fort Washington Park
Come put in some hard work to beautify Fort Washington Park's landscape by cleaning up the shoreline from 9:30am-11:30am! Meet the park ranger at the lighthouse parking area. Gloves, trash pickers, and bags will be provided. This event also occurs on the second Saturday of every month.
Location: 13551 Fort Washington Rd Fort Washington, Maryland 20744
Date: Jan 11, 2026 12:00am to Jan 11, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Fort Washington Victorian Dance Society
Got two left feet? Donât worry, weâll help you learn period accurate dances of the 19th Century. Learn dances like the quadrille and skills like the ladiesâ chain. Open to all skill levels.Â
Date: Jan 24, 2026 12:00am to Jan 24, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Fort Tour
Are you curious about the fascinating history behind Fort Washington? Join us for an enlightening guided tour that delves into the who, what, where, when, and why of this historic fortification! Discover the strategic significance of Digges Point and uncover the reasons it was selected as the ideal site for building the fort.
Whether you are a history buff or just looking to enjoy a scenic walk through the fort, this tour is perfect for all ages. Our knowledgeable guides will provide insights into the fortâs construction, its role in defense, and the stories of those who lived and served here.
If youâre interested in participating but the scheduled times donât work for you, please donât hesitate to reach out! Call the Visitor Center at 771-208-1555 or email us prior to your arrival, and weâll do our best to accommodate your request for a different tour time.
Location: Check in at the Visitor Center!
Date: Feb 1, 2026 12:00am to Feb 1, 2027 12:00am
Paid Event
Garrison Life: Duties at Fort Washington
Enjoy stories around a fire, learn about garrison life at Fort Washington and 200+ years of history in one afternoon. You can learn about the items, duties and life of a soldier in the 1860s from the talented team of volunteers that portray the 1st US Artillery, Company D.Â
Date: Feb 1, 2026 12:00am to Mar 1, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Presidentsâ Day: Sparks of Revolution
As we mark 250 years of American independence, explore the area's pivotal role in the growing tensions that led to revolution.  This Presidentsâ Day lecture dives into the people and events that helped ignite the fight for freedom.  Learn about Washington, Digges, Marshall and others and their contributions to the movement.Â
Location: This talk will take place in the enlisted men's barracks within the historic Fort. Stop by the Visitor Center for directions.
Date: Feb 14, 2026 12:00am to Feb 14, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Presidentsâ Day: Sparks of Revolution
As we mark 250 years of American independence, explore the area's pivotal role in the growing tensions that led to revolution.  This Presidentsâ Day lecture dives into the people and events that helped ignite the fight for freedom.  Learn about Washington, Digges, Marshall and others and their contributions to the movement.Â
Location: This talk will take place in the enlisted men's barracks within the historic Fort. Stop by the Visitor Center for directions.
Date: Feb 15, 2026 12:00am to Feb 15, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
đ Physical Address:
13551 Fort Washington Road
Fort Washington, MD 20744
đ¤ Mailing Address:
13551 Fort Washington Road
Fort Washington, MD 20744
đ Voice Phone: 771-208-1555
âď¸ Email: fowa_visitorservices@nps.gov