George Washington Memorial Parkway

📘 Park Overview

The George Washington Memorial Parkway was designed for recreational driving. It links sites that commemorate important episodes in American history and preserve habitat for local wildlife. The parkway and its associated trails provide a scenic place to play and rest in the busy Washington, DC metropolitan area.

🌤 Weather Information

Summers on the parkway 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 on the parkway are generally cold, with nighttime lows frequently near freezing and occasional snowfall. Please be alert for snowplows and icy spots on roadways. Weather during spring and fall is generally moderate, but can change quickly.

🚗 Directions

Directions to Parkway Headquarters From the south, take the George Washington Memorial Parkway north. Just past the CIA exit turn right into the parking lot for the US Park Police and parkway headquarters. Go through the chain link fence and take an immediate right. Follow the road down to a stop sign and turn right into the parking lot for the headquarters building.

Images

George Washington Memorial Parkway

Credit: NPS

A beautiful drive

Credit: NPS

United States Marine Corps War Memorial at night

Credit: NPS

Netherlands Carillon in Spring

Credit: NPS

The Navy and Merchant Marine Memorial

Credit: NPS

George Washington Memorial Parkway

Credit: NPS

A beautiful drive

Credit: NPS

United States Marine Corps War Memorial at night

Credit: NPS

Netherlands Carillon in Spring

Credit: NPS

The Navy and Merchant Marine Memorial

Credit: NPS

Activities

Arts and Culture
Wildlife Watching
Food
Birdwatching
Biking
Road Biking
Live Music
Picnicking

Topics

Roads, Routes and Highways
Wetlands
Wars and Conflicts
Military
Music
Trails
US Marines
Architecture and Building
World War II
Forts
Artillery
Monuments and Memorials
Transportation

Operating Hours

Sunday

Closed

Monday

8:15AM - 4:15PM

Tuesday

8:15AM - 4:15PM

Wednesday

8:15AM - 4:15PM

Thursday

8:15AM - 4:15PM

Friday

8:15AM - 4:15PM

Saturday

Closed

Entrance Fees

No entrance fees listed.

Entrance Passes

No entrance passes listed.

3-Day Weather Forecast

Thursday, Apr 16

Sunny

High: 98.2°F | Low: 68.5°F

Humidity: 36%

Wind: 11.4 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 2

Sunrise: 06:30 AM

Sunset: 07:47 PM

Moon: Waning Crescent (3%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 69.6°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Friday, Apr 17

Sunny

High: 82.8°F | Low: 66.7°F

Humidity: 58%

Wind: 11.9 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 1.4

Sunrise: 06:29 AM

Sunset: 07:48 PM

Moon: New Moon (0%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 65.7°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Saturday, Apr 18

Sunny

High: 84.7°F | Low: 62.1°F

Humidity: 67%

Wind: 10.5 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 2

Sunrise: 06:27 AM

Sunset: 07:49 PM

Moon: Waxing Crescent (1%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 64.3°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Weather Alerts (3)

⚠️ Special Weather Statement (Moderate)

▼

Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 3:33AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC

Effective: Apr 16, 2026 3:33am
Expires: Apr 16, 2026 8:00pm

The combination of 10 hour fuel moistures around 9 percent,
relative humidities around 25 percent, and wind gusts of 20 to 25
mph will lead to an increased risk for the rapid spread of
wildfires this afternoon.

Residents and visitors are urged to properly dispose of cigarette
butts, matches, and any other flammable items in appropriate
containers. Additionally, exercise caution if operating any
equipment that could create sparks and keep vehicles off of dry
grass. Most dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter could
easily ignite and spread fire quickly.

Lastly, remember to obey local burn bans. For more information about
wildfire danger, burn restrictions, and wildfire prevention and
education, please visit your state forestry or environmental
protection website.

For West Virginia, visit www.wvforestry.com
For Maryland, visit dnr.maryland.gov
For Virginia, visit dof.virginia.gov

⚠️ Test Message (Unknown)

▼

Effective: Apr 16, 2026 2:29pm
Expires: Apr 16, 2026 2:39pm

Monitoring message only. Please disregard.

⚠️ Red Flag Warning (Severe)

▼

Red Flag Warning issued April 16 at 9:43AM EDT until April 16 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC

Effective: Apr 16, 2026 9:43am
Expires: Apr 16, 2026 7:00pm

The National Weather Service in Baltimore MD/Washington has
issued a Red Flag Warning for the combination of hot, dry, and
windy conditions, which is in effect until 7 PM EDT this evening.

* TIMING...Until 7 PM EDT this evening.

* WINDS...Southwest 10 to 15 mph with frequent gusts up to 25
mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 20 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fire that develops will catch and spread
quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

* FUEL MOISTURE...7 to 8 percent.

Park Alerts

Intermittent Lane Closures at GW Parkway for Bridge/Pavement Preservation Information

Beginning on Monday, November 17, 2025, expect intermittent traffic impacts at GWMP. This Bridge and pavement preservation work is expected to extend into the Fall of 2026 and will make repairs to 24 GWMP bridges and over 30 paved roads and parking assets. To minimize traffic impacts, weekday lane closures on George Washington Memorial Parkway, Clara Barton Parkway, and Spout Run Parkway will NOT be allowed inbound to DC from 5:30am to 9:30am and outbound from DC from 2:30pm to 7:30pm Monday through Friday.

North Parkway Rehabilitation Information

To get more information about the North Parkway rehabilitation, sign up for our newsletter.

More Info

Multiple Park Areas and Facilities Remain Closed through February 17 2026 Park Closure

Multiple park areas and facilities of George Washington Memorial Parkway will remain closed through February 17 due to winter weather impacts. Click on "More" below for details on specific closures. Areas will reopen as soon as conditions are safe. For the latest updates, visitors should check www.nps.gov/gwmp and GWMP social media. Next update expected: February 17

More Info

Pothole Repairs Along the Parkway Information

The park is actively working to inspect road surfaces and repair potholes. To report a pothole or initiate a tort claim for personal property damage associated with a pothole, please e-mail GWMP_Superintendent@nps.gov.

More Info

All Parkway Areas and Facilities closing at 12noon Monday March 16 Park Closure

George Washington Memorial Parkway to close all park areas and facilities at 12noon Monday, March 16 due to impending hazardous weather. Areas will reopen as soon as conditions are safe. Alert will be removed when areas reopen. For the latest updates, visitors should check www.nps.gov/gwmp and GWMP social media.

DC Water Sewer Overflow Caution

DC Water is managing a sanitary sewer overflow from the Potomac Interceptor near Lock 10. Anyone with questions or in need of support can reach out to DC Water’s 24-Hour Command Center at (202) 612-3400.

More Info

Major Rehabilitation on the North Parkway Information

The rehabilitation work on the North Parkway may result in impacts to travel. Click the link to sign up for updates on the project.

More Info

Delays and Closures to Park Areas for Monday February 23 Park Closure

Due to winter weather, multiple park areas will be under delays and closures for Monday February 23 2026. * Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial, will be closed. * Great Falls Park will be opening at 3pm. Areas will reopen as soon as conditions are safe. For the latest updates, visitors should check www.nps.gov/gwmp and social media.

George Washington Memorial Parkway to close multiple park areas January 25 Park Closure

George Washington Memorial Parkway to close multiple park areas and facilities starting Sunday, January 25 due to expected winter weather. Click on "More" below for details on specific closures. Areas will reopen as soon as conditions are safe. For the latest updates, visitors should check www.nps.gov/gwmp and GWMP social media. Next update expected: Monday, January 26, once the storm event has concluded.

More Info

Temporary Closure of Right Lane of Clara Barton Parkway Park Closure

Temporary Closure of the Clara Barton Parkway Right Lane at Site 17, wooded areas between C&O Canal and Lock 10 parking lot, north to Lock 14, required to address ongoing safety concerns from DC Water emergency sanitary sewer overflow & bypass and pipe repair operations. Click on "More" below for specific details on the closure.

More Info

Park Events

50th Anniversary of the LBJ Memorial Grove on the Potomac

On-site pop-up interpretive programs, and children’s activities will be offered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the creation of LBJ Memorial Grove. LBJ’s desire to focus his presidency on his “Great Society” led to the passing of the Civil Rights Act in 1964, and other laws that helped Americans reach a new level of personal freedom.

Date: Apr 4, 2026 12:00am to Apr 4, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Tulip Festival at the Netherlands Carillon

Join the National Park Service and friends in celebrating Earth Day at the Netherlands Carillon. Each spring, hundreds of tulips bloom in flower beds that surround the carillon. This carillon was a gift from the Dutch people to the United Sates after WWII. It is not only a memorial of friendship and harmony, but it also plays music! Over 53 bells make up the carillon. On April 11 and 12, park rangers and friends will host live music played on the bells, free giveaways, and junior ranger activities for all ages. Bring a lawn chair and picnic on the grounds while you take in the beautiful tulips and the sweeping view of the National Mall. Attendance is free and no registration is required.

Location: The Netherlands Carillon

Date: Apr 11, 2026 12:00am to Apr 11, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Tulip Festival at the Netherlands Carillon

Join the National Park Service and friends in celebrating Earth Day at the Netherlands Carillon. Each spring, hundreds of tulips bloom in flower beds that surround the carillon. This carillon was a gift from the Dutch people to the United Sates after WWII. It is not only a memorial of friendship and harmony, but it also plays music! Over 53 bells make up the carillon. On April 11 and 12, park rangers and friends will host live music played on the bells, free giveaways, and junior ranger activities for all ages. Bring a lawn chair and picnic on the grounds while you take in the beautiful tulips and the sweeping view of the National Mall. Attendance is free and no registration is required.

Location: The Netherlands Carillon

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

Paid Event

Adopt a Tree: Earth Day Volunteer Event

In celebration of Earth Day, the National Park Service has partnered with Tree Friends to host a special Adopt-a-Tree volunteer event! Join NPS and Tree Friends as we work together to protect trees that are being threatened by invasive vines. Volunteers will have the opportunity to “adopt” a tree and make a commitment to help care for it by removing invasive plants whenever time allows. In order to continue to help with these efforts visit https://www.treefriendsunited.com/ for future events. This family-friendly event will include:
• Invasive vine removal to help protect park trees
• Fun educational and interpretive programming
• Interactive games and activities
• Opportunities to learn about tree stewardship and conservation By adopting a tree at Glen Echo, you’ll be helping preserve the health and beauty of the park for years to come. Come celebrate Earth Day, learn about protecting our forests, and make a difference—one tree at a time!

Date: Apr 22, 2026 12:00am to Apr 22, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Carousel Day at Glen Echo

Meet the Park Ranger at the mobile visitor center for the annual Carousel Day celebration at Glen Echo Park.

Visitors will learn about how the Glen Echo carousel is more than a beautiful historic ride and how it became a symbol of the fight for equality during the Civil Rights Movement.

The carousel stood at the center of the 1960 Glen Echo Protest, when local students and community members organized peaceful demonstrations to challenge the park’s segregation policies.

More information: CAROUSEL DAY | Glen Echo Park

Date: May 2, 2026 12:00am to May 2, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Bells of Freedom at Netherlands Carillon

Carillon concerts will be held on May 4th and 5th. May 4th is Netherlands Memorial Day and May 5th is Netherlands Freedom Day. (Carillon concerts are also held every 2 weeks in May/June)

Date: May 4, 2026 12:00am to May 4, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Bells of Freedom at Netherlands Carillon

Carillon concerts will be held on May 4th and 5th. May 4th is Netherlands Memorial Day and May 5th is Netherlands Freedom Day. (Carillon concerts are also held every 2 weeks in May/June)

Date: May 5, 2026 12:00am to May 5, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
George Washington Memorial Parkway Headquarters
700 George Washington Memorial Parkway
McLean, VA 22101

🏤 Mailing Address:
George Washington Memorial Parkway Headquarters
700 George Washington Memorial Parkway
McLean, VA 22101

📞 Voice Phone: 7032892500

✉️ Email: gwmp_superintendent@nps.gov

George Washington Memorial Parkway

📘 Park Overview

🌤 Weather Information

🚗 Directions

Images

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Entrance Fees

Entrance Passes

3-Day Weather Forecast

Weather Alerts (3)

Park Alerts

Park Events

Visitor Center & Contacts

Park Location