Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
Designation: National Historic Site
Location: District of Columbia
📘 Park Overview
Frederick Douglass spent his life fighting for justice and equality. Born into slavery in 1818, he escaped as a young man and became a leading voice in the abolitionist movement. People everywhere still find inspiration today in his tireless struggle, brilliant words, and inclusive vision of humanity. Douglass's legacy is preserved here at Cedar Hill, where he lived his last 17 years.
🌤 Weather Information
Winter: Temperatures usually range from 30 to 50 F. There is occasional snow. Spring: Temperatures usually range widely from 40 to 70 F. Rain is common. Summer: Temperatures usually range from 70 to 90 F. Humidity is usually high. Be prepared and drink plenty of water. There is a water fountain in the visitor center. Fall: Temperatures usually range widely from 40 to 70 F. Humidity can remain high in the earlier part of the season.
🚗 Directions
The site can be reached by car, public transportation, or on foot. See the directions page of the website for more detailed information. There is parking on site.
Images
Rangers guide daily tours of the historic house at scheduled times.
Credit: NPS Photo / Nate Johnson
Frederick Douglass retreated to this stone cabin to read, write, and think in seclusion.
Credit: NPS Photo / Nate Johnson
Frederick Douglass's view from Cedar Hill continues to impress visitors today.
Credit: NPS Photo / Nate Johnson
Hundreds of original objects, such as this bust, furnish the historic house.
Credit: NPS Photo / Nate Johnson
A park ranger speaks to park visitors.
Credit: NPS / Rachel Hendrix
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Thursday, Feb 12
Sunny
High: 40.3°F | Low: 30.7°F
Humidity: 55%
Wind: 13.2 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 0.5
Sunrise: 07:03 AM
Sunset: 05:43 PM
Moon: Waning Crescent (28%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 25.6°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Friday, Feb 13
Sunny
High: 41°F | Low: 23.2°F
Humidity: 64%
Wind: 11.4 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 0.5
Sunrise: 07:02 AM
Sunset: 05:44 PM
Moon: Waning Crescent (19%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 24.6°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Saturday, Feb 14
Sunny
High: 56.7°F | Low: 30.7°F
Humidity: 62%
Wind: 8.3 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 0.5
Sunrise: 07:00 AM
Sunset: 05:45 PM
Moon: Waning Crescent (12%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 33.9°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Weather Alerts (1)
Effective: Feb 12, 2026 1:27pm
Expires: Feb 12, 2026 1:37pm
Monitoring message only. Please disregard.
Park Alerts
Park Events
Frederick Douglass Birthday Celebration
Celebrate one of the greatest Americans who ever lived!
When: Saturday, February 14th from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Location:
Capital Turnaround at 700 M St SE (entrance on 7th St), Washington, DC 20003
Highlights include music by the Jubilee Voices of the Washington Revels, performances by the student winners of the annual Douglass Oratorical Contest, and “Black History Jeopardy.” Featured speaker: Jeffrey Rosen, author and President & CEO of the Constitution Center in Philadelphia, who will highlight how Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln represent a second generation of America’s Founding Fathers.
Location: Capital Turnaround 700 M St SE (entrance on 7th St), Washington, DC 20003
Date: Feb 14, 2026 12:00am to Feb 14, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
1411 W Street SE
Washington, DC 20020
🏤 Mailing Address:
1411 W Street SE
Washington, DC 20020
📞 Voice Phone: 771-208-1499
✉️ Email: frdo_visitorservices@nps.gov