Parque Glen Echo

Experiencia fantástica: The Dentzel carousel is wonderful

Experiencia fantástica: Great place to meet up with family, or friends, from out-of-town to have a picnic. The carousel was a plus.

Experiencia fantástica: I got the good fortune to visit friends in Chevy Chase, Maryland this weekend, and was taken to Glen Echo Park, for the first time, to see the falls and they're remarkable but abandoned canal. It's an absolutely spectacular site, and I recommend it to everyone who has a love of nature and enjoys a bit of awe!

Experiencia fantástica: Kids had a good time at the small aquarium, carousel, and playground, even though they inadvertently submitted a 1-star review while playing with my phone, lol

Experiencia positiva: Parking situation could be better but there's a lot of this here to enjoy with young kids

Experiencia fantástica: It was pretty cool I enjoyed the art exhibit they were holding and bought some jewelry for a friend

Experiencia positiva: Did not know it was operating. Nice to see all the children enjoying the carousel. Nice and clean , some events did not have clear directions where they were located.

Experiencia fantástica: The Hospitality and food was great!!

Experiencia fantástica: Lots of activities, artist shops, function spaces, and programs are available here. A vibrant, historical park minutes from downtown DC and right off the Towpath bike path.

Experiencia fantástica: My band just performed at The Red Hot Blues & BBQ by Capital Blues! Great at The Bumper Car Pavillion.

Experiencia fantástica: The Spanish ballroom is gorgeous and hosts some really fun and engaging dances!

Experiencia fantástica: Lovely spot. Great activities for young and old.

Experiencia fantástica: Recently started swing dance lessons here and it's a very cool place. They also have other types of dance lessons like bachata. Check online. The venue has lots of History!

Experiencia fantástica: Everyone wants their wedding day to be memorable, and without a doubt, Glen Echo Park played a part in making ours a wonderful day we will never forget. You can’t pick a more fun and photogenic venue. Around every corner is another amazing location. So many of our guests commented on how great a place it was and how they can’t believe they had never visited it before. But beyond the Art Deco and neon, the hidden gem of Glen Echo is the staff that helped make our day a reality. Mikea, our event manager, was great to work with. She was very accommodating throughout the process, worked closely with all our vendors, and handled our stress with a relaxed calm. Everything came together as wonderfully as we hoped it would, from the ceremony in the Cuddle Up, to the photos at the Carousel, and the reception in the Bumper Car Pavilion. The look of Glen Echo Park is woven into the pictures and memories of our big day, but enough can not be said about the positive impression the people of Glen Echo made on us.

Experiencia fantástica: Spanish ballroom is the biggest dance floor you've ever imagined.

Experiencia fantástica: Spanish ballroom is lovely, with a great dance floor.

Experiencia fantástica: Shadow of its former glory but still impressive

Experiencia fantástica: Beautiful park filled with interesting buildings and talented artists. A great place to explore creative activities

Experiencia fantástica: We had an amazing wedding day at Glen Echo Park in March 2025! Guests and vendors alike raved about the experience, and we couldn't be happier with the service provided by the GEP team (especially Mikea, who worked with us from day one to set up and execute a perfect day, and LaShea, who was there on our wedding day assisting with everything we needed and keeping spirits high!) The scenery at Glen Echo is amazing - you hardly need to decorate to have a fabulous and beautiful day. We held our ceremony in the Cuddle Up pavilion, which was so fun and unique, and our reception in the Bumper Car Pavilion. The Bumper Car Pavilion had heaters in place, so even on a chilly March evening, it ended up being perfect and comfortable. Our photographer was spoiled for choice when it came to locations, and our guests enjoyed meandering the park taking photos as well. Whether just looking to visit for a day, to enjoy the carousel over the summer, to shop from the local artists, to attend a dance class, or to host the most important event of your life - look no further than Glen Echo Park. We can't wait to visit in the years to come after the wonderful wedding day memories!

Experiencia fantástica: A very active artistic community offering high quality classes and exhibitions

Experiencia fantástica: Cousin got married here and it was stunning

Experiencia fantástica: We went to a Waltz Time dance here at the Spanish ballroom. Very nice dance place, Large and with a nice wood floor. And they have live music. Glen echo Park has lots of other things to look at as well, art galleries, glass galleries. Very nice place to visit, and they have events every weekend.

Experiencia fantástica: Beautiful park with beautiful buildings all preserved. It is a must see! Contra dancing was a really fun. Everyone was welcoming!

Experiencia fantástica: (from Bolivia) when i was a little boy in grade school, 1960s, my father always took me to the rifle shooting gallery.

Experiencia fantástica: Love this park, it’s unique. It’s not just a beautiful outdoor area with playgrounds, picnic area, and clean restrooms, it’s an arts and culture center, with resident artists & studio classes, children's theater, puppet show & activities, the Spanish Ballroom dance studio, and - a highlight for kids in summer - the historic carrousel!

Experiencia positiva: I didn’t want to give this place zero stars being I don’t know what it’s like when everything is open, but the aquarium IS NOT AN AQUARIUM. It’s more of a home with 5 fish tanks. Nice people.

Experiencia positiva: Was there during the off-season, so not much was open.

Experiencia fantástica: Beautiful Park, once you find the parking, it's great. Check the website

Experiencia fantástica: The place was nice but was hard to find the actual NPS visitor center and the ranger. Eventually found inside the candy corner.

Experiencia positiva: Good except it has no heat and wound up Dancing in my winter coat!

Experiencia fantástica: Awesome dance calendar! Check it out! Historic park with an amazing restored carousel and Spanish ballroom.

Experiencia fantástica: Amazing! Have so much to see and do in a small space. Loved it

Experiencia positiva: Seems really nice, but I don't have a car so it's hard for me to get there.

Experiencia positiva: It is a pretty place, but not much was going on when I was there for a small reitement party.

Experiencia fantástica: A truly special place. Wonderful park. I attended the MTC Musical theater on this visit.

Experiencia fantástica: Nice venue for birthday picnics and such. Lots to do, parking can be a challenge tho.

Experiencia fantástica: A class venue with a carousel, ballrooms, and exhibits. They regularly host cultural events for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Experiencia positiva: Great memories from 60s with my dad who used to take us there after firetruck parades

Experiencia positiva: Great old park....oldest carousel Ive seen ever one of the first built ....also great music in the ballroom!

Experiencia positiva: Cute little national park that houses a few art exhibits and an operational early 20th century merry-go-round.

Experiencia fantástica: Went to a 1920s dance with a live band. I'm not a good dancer, but it was a lot of fun. Also fun to people watch, especially the ones who really can dance. The hall was built in the early twentieth century. It is gorgeous, but it's not air conditioned, so it was quite warm in August. I'm very grateful that the park holds these types of events. Everyone should go some time. Just a whole lot of fun

Experiencia fantástica: I find Glen Echo to be laid out to be easily accessable to the buildings. My last visit was to see various glass works & other media on which was very enjoyable.

Experiencia fantástica: I love Glen Echo Park. It has such a whimsical character. Spanish Ballroom is an interesting building that hosts many dance events. They are fun and affordable! Some feature life bands.

Experiencia positiva: Very small, but great for little kids. The sand area is amazing and you can watch glassblowing.

Experiencia fantástica: We have decided to go to Art Walk on Friday evening. It was very hot outside but art execution and it was interesting to attend. At the end we had a chance to attend very nice jazz concert at music conservatory

Experiencia negativa: So the carousel was cool, it is covered and reading about the history was cool. However it was $2 a ride per person as well as if you have a child under 6 you have to ride with him and pay for a separate ticket for the adult. So one ride is $4…

Experiencia fantástica: A truly magnificent place. The carousel is an amazing piece of history with its remarkable marksmanship, woodwork and music. The staff was extremely accommodating for the mobility challenged amongst us.

Experiencia fantástica: Friendly park rangers were very helpful. Nice playground and the old carousel was a highlight for my young son. One small complaint was that the music on the carousel was too loud.

Experiencia fantástica: it’s a fun, offbeat collection of real amusement park activities from early to mid 1900s. Great colorful architecture. Lots of people were there just to take photographs. I’ve heard this place is great to rent out for a wedding or other large event.

Experiencia fantástica: Visited the Arts Walk, exhibit of artisans like potters, glass blowers, painters, stone sculptors. Very varied and wonderful exhibit of creativity. A great place to pickup unusual gifts for special people or occasions. One of a kind, not made in China.

Experiencia fantástica: Things to do in Maryland: Glen Echo Aquarium Affordable, and if you're in need, try @groupon ️ Free : Everything was closed, but check before you go and take a lunch. A quick stop to @gepaquarium in Glen Echo MD was quite interesting. We've seen fish we've never encountered before. Some were clear, and some did flips and some hid in the sand. Overall, we really enjoyed ourselves. The children made sand castles indoors and outdoors. They were able to pump water from the well and even took a walk in the back and had a carousel ride. It was $2 per person and the fastest carousel ride I ever had There were guys to make pottery (we missed that) and information about the trail tying back to the indigenous ppl. . We also saw a pool back there. It's relatively affordable and ample parking. Grab a lunch and take you and your loved ones, school or camp in a day trip, learn something new, and have a ball. I know we did. There appears to be more things to do that weren't open yet, but you'll still come out with a great experience. Book ahead due to capacity and go explore. Definitely on my list of places to return to. #glenechoaquarium #thingstodoinmaryland #aquarium #fish #sandcastle #carousel #beyond1solutions

Experiencia fantástica: Very well preserved. Recall the parks days as an amusement park in the late 60s up through its “funky” days as an arts park while the Crystal Pool was still briefly in operation. Fell into disrepair but is now clearly “back” Spanish Ballroom has been lovingly renovated to its former glory

Experiencia fantástica: We organized a birthday party for our son here. It's a great location with good outdoor and indoor space. Having a carousel ride after the party was an added bonus in addition to the play area next to it.

Experiencia positiva: Beautiful Pavillion and park. I wonder if they ever open the aquarium? If you're scared of heights, don't stand on the bridge over the creek too long. Vertigo is brutal.

Experiencia positiva: This is a throwback of nostalgia and history. Great outing for families with small children. Be sure to ride the Merry-go-round. It is the best part of the park. If you collect passport stamps for National historical sites, the stamps are located in the "Arcade," just across from the bathrooms. It is a very tiny table. Don't blink because you could miss it. Also, before stamping, be sure to check the dates.

Experiencia positiva: Cool place to walk around. Some cool art shops there, a little restaurant at the back, and a playground for the kids.

Experiencia positiva: Nostalgic Glenn Echo theme park has been around since 1911. It’s now owned by the National Park Service with artistic cultural and recreational events weekly. Plenty of parking but you must pay to park here

Experiencia negativa: I wish there should be a small store to sell some water or a small Cafe, that can people use and get something when they need! It's a waste that it is closed and all families are around during the weekend!

Experiencia positiva: Maps will guide you to the parking lot closest to the site, which is permit only. There's a large public lot just down the road at the intersection of McArthur Blvd and Oxford Road.

Experiencia positiva: This is a interesting place that is a bit eerie with some buildings empty or closed. I do understand that they are trying to restore this place to its former glory I suppose. We came to see the aquarium but explore around a bit. Be prepared to be tad bit disappointed. Majority of this place is geared towards classes of various activities . Nice little picnic area with a small Cafe. Some things are left to be desired. I would pack some food and bring it. Aquarium was okay but like I said, left to be desired. Hopefully when the vegetation grows back, it will look beautiful there. Here is my video of me and my family walking through: https://youtu.be/95CcFAuV1f0

Experiencia positiva: To increase participation, a bus from the park to a metro when there are night events. I wish there was a second, well lit bridge to the Spanish ballroom area from the large parking lot.

Experiencia fantástica: Love this place. I’m a teaching artist and had my work for sale and their gallery during the holiday. They offer a great selection of classes as well as social activities. Highly recommend!

Experiencia positiva: Very nice ambience though the structures look quite old. Some of them may need some maintenance. History of the park is fascinating and is well organized in presentation for visitors. Periodic events at the park provide excellent recreation and entertainment opportunities for the whole family.

Experiencia fantástica: The community is very, very fortunate that this park / land was saved from being turned into a housing development. Once the amusement park closed in the late 1960's, the park lay dormant for many, many years. The fact that we have the Ballroom, built in the 1930's, still operating as a place for dancing is amazing - though it would be nice to have SOME HVAC for the ballroom. The 'back ballroom' (about 1/4 the size of the Ballroom) DOES have HVAC. While the Bumper Car place is used for events (no bumper cars), the Building looks as it did in the 1930's. Of course, the roller coaster, pool, and midway are long gone. It took an active group of citizens to save the carousel (also original from the 19030's). Most artists work out of yurts, adding a bit of whimsey. Often, you can see the artists at work; often this art is for sale. I am NOT a fan of the Aquarium, as it CHARGES to access the grounds; to me, ALL outdoor space at Glen Echo Park should be open to the public. The puppet theatre puts on shows for kids. Classes across many different genres are offered in the park. Weekends, the Praline snack bar is open, carrying wine, beer, snacks.

Experiencia fantástica: I had read about this place but never gone until now. It's like going back in time! Like time stood still. You have to check this place out. It's a hidden gem of history! Make the stop! They scenery driving there was beautiful.

Experiencia fantástica: Was a really cool venue. Use of the space for a wedding was pretty awesome.

Experiencia negativa: Fabulous home for community events such as dancing in the Spanish Ballroom, the annual Washington Folk Festival, the upcoming Art Deco show, galleries and workspaces for crafts people, etc. Events and playground for kids and families. Also the scenic wooded gorge, the carousel, etc etc etc. So thankful this historic place has been preserved for all to enjoy long into the future !

Experiencia fantástica: I am grateful for Glen Echo allowing organizations to host swing dance events. Swing dancing is a passion of mine, and the Spanish Ballroom is an incredible and breathtaking space for these events.

Experiencia fantástica: Fantastic NPS site that used to be a theme park. NPS conserved it and now there is a small aquarium, dance groups, and different types of artisans, as well as a bakery. So with the artisans and the dance groups - you can actually take classes, and in the case of the different artisans, you can also buy their expertly made wares. This place was also known as one of the famous Chataquas - bastions of liberal thought and education. It was also the site of some major civil rights desegregation activity in the early 60s. Tons of history and cultural learning are here at your fingertips in a venue that has significant historical and cultural meaning - it’s awesome - definitely check this out! Check their website first (nps)and learn what is going on and the programs you can get involved in before you venture out to get the most out of this enriching experience.

Experiencia fantástica: Glen Echo is one of the best-kept secrets of the Washington DC area. It's a step back in time to the Chautauqua Society's days of yore. Good, clean fun in an outdoor oasis tucked right into suburbia. Close to the C&O Canal, towpath, and Potomac River. Easily accessible off Clara Barton Parkway. Adjacent to Clara Barton's historic home, which is open at times, for tours. Ride the historic Carousel, even if you're not a kid. Photo and selfie ops abound. Dancing most evenings of the week at the Spanish Ballroom - good clean fun, no booze. Folklore Society of Greater Washington sponsors (my favorite) Contra Dancing on Friday nights, and the Washington Folk Festival annually in June. Artist studios in yurts and other buildings offer classes in pottery, glass blowing, art, silver smithing. The puppet theater performs regularly. The old bumper car pavilion is rentable for large outdoor functions. Visit the aquarium. Glen Echo's historic significance during integration is worth learning about. Large parking lot near Clara Barton House, then walk across a bridge and along a shaded pathway.

Experiencia fantástica: There is plenty to see & do at Glen Echo Park. Plenty of art, dance classes, and events. It's best to check their website to see all the things going on!

Experiencia fantástica: Hot, hot day, but all is cool inside the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo. Beautiful art shown by lo al & regional artists for sale!

Experiencia fantástica: I love this park great for the kids to get away. Lots of history and back there by the park, Canal road on the side they have lots to park free and there are nice trails by the canal. The park is wheelchair and stroller friendly but the trails by the canal not really. Is beautiful ❤️

Experiencia fantástica: Such a beautiful place for an afternoon walk or for fun events! I love the contra dancing on Friday nights with live music!

Experiencia fantástica: Small but friendly and interesting Aquarium. Great people working there. Really enjoyable day.

Experiencia positiva: Really not much to do there except for maybe go on a merry-go-round ride, If you like arts and crafts you might want to visit. You should definitely look at their website to see what they do nowadays, it's not the place it used to be many years ago.

Experiencia fantástica: One of the most amazing places I have visited. Old amusement park from the 60s/70s , still has the original neon lights on. If you're into art of any form, history, nature, etc. Check it out. Can't wait to see what they do with the old pool. I'm hoping for a cool mural (like at my work) and maybe a Serenity Garden.

Experiencia positiva: Wonderful carousel, classes, galleries, park and picnic area, dances, history, and bunches of parking. Classes I've taken - glass blowing, painting, writing, belly dance, and zydeco dance. And, as a child, I went to summer camp!

Experiencia fantástica: Like stepping back in time! The Merry-go-round has been meticulously preserved! (And it’s quite fast, so hold on!)

Experiencia fantástica: I absolutely LOVED photographing this small colorful small wedding here. The location is really lovely, there are tons of backdrops for photographs which is so helpful. The ceremony space if covered which is great if you need to have your wedding easier in the day and you don't have to stress about rain. PLUS there is lots of free parking for you and your guests. I hope I get to photograph many more weddings here.

Experiencia fantástica: The park is lovely, a little something for everyone. Art classes, trails, galleries and more. Watch out for poison ivy, there is some so established that they look like trees. Stay on trail and you should be fine.

Experiencia fantástica: This is the perfect little park with a merry-go-round, playground, glass blowing studios, pretty gardens and woodland trails. Looks like they put on theatre productions and other functions in a ballroom dancing building. Plenty of parking in a lot across the stream. Walk through the woods on the paved pathway to all the buildings & play areas.

Experiencia fantástica: Glen Echo is a jewel in the park system of the greater Washington area. The restored art deco buildings are wonderful. There's plenty of open space for kids to play, in addition to the beautifully restored carousel. The Spanish ballroom is a functioning dance hall, with a variety of musical acts and dances each week. I went recently on a Sunday, a trio played music for several hours while people did ballroom dancing in the afternoon. Other activities at Glen Echo include photography, glass, blowing, pottery, theater, and art classes.

Experiencia positiva: It's a fun park for young kids with a carousel ride and playgrounds. The park itself isn't too big. My issue is with the wheelchair accessible bathroom, the ramp leading to the bathroom from the road is one inch off the ground, which makes it impossible to push over. So this bathroom is only accessible for people that can move a short distance and can lift the wheelchair a bit to get on the ramp.

Experiencia fantástica: We attended a great art show for a local artist, who showed her paintings as well as her fathers. Great venue for these types of shows or other intimate private events such as birthday parties, meetings or corporate trainings.

Experiencia fantástica: Carousel Day is fun for the whole family, including adults. Cute, retro vibe, and small enough not to be overwhelming. Enjoyed the pottery studio/gallery and riding the carousel.

Experiencia fantástica: Dancing is always fun here. Beautiful space! Also has art classes and a lot of different activities.

Experiencia positiva: A little hard to rate as we visited in the off-season. Most everything was closed, but it looks like a fun place to hang out at during the summer. Will definitely head back later this year to visit.

Experiencia fantástica: Talk about an amazing place for a wedding! As a wedding photographer, I LOVE non-traditional off-beat place for a couple's big day that really reflects personality. Glen Echo is 100% a venue like that. Peep these photos of a wedding last Fall that was glorious and make me want to return!

Experiencia fantástica: Glen Echo Park is absolutely enchanting. Especially the lovingly restored Spanish Ballroom, where dancers have enjoyed twirling to live music for nearly 100 years.

Experiencia positiva: Lots of fun to come here any day— even on Christmas when everything is closed! Great walks around and a fun playground with swings.

Experiencia fantástica: Cute place!!! I love this park. The carousel is fixed and I love that they let adults without kids ride. I had a wonderful time.

Experiencia positiva: A Very nice walk from the parking lot. Some artist showing ceramics, jewelry and art. Benches to sit and relax. Lots of families having picnics and children on the playground.

Experiencia fantástica: Glen Echo is an active, revitalized arts & play park built on the bones of a one-time theme park. The carousel still operates, and you can visit the galleries housed in various structures to view and buy artwork as well as take classes. There are dance nights, an aquarium, and a hidden draw in the bridge to the parking lot that crosses a small stream, from which you can view an old train trestle in the woods. Great place to explore.

Experiencia fantástica: Awesome experience you really feel like you are stepping back in time. Only downside was most everything was closed on weekdays but that also meant it was empty and peaceful.

Experiencia fantástica: Love it here. Love the history, love the carousel, love everything. It's come alive again with art studios and a theater, and the carousel is always the main draw for us. We were absolutely tickled that two of the old mini golf holes were uncovered. (My mom says her uncle used to give her and her sister a quarter for every hole in one!) Four generations of our family have been coming here, and hopefully more will continue to!

Experiencia fantástica: Great social dance venue with wood floors and a full calendar of various dance classes and events. The puppet theater is good for school field trips. Playground and eating areas are perfect for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. Handmade crafts on display for sale with the artists available for questions (and compliments). Check schedule for open hours of art kiosks.

Experiencia fantástica: This place is honestly a hidden gem. The people are nice, the vintage architecture is beautiful, the history of the place is fascinating and the Carousel is a lot of fun. I’ve been here Twice; once when a lot of it was closed and was practically empty and then again during the annual Labor day weekend Art show when it was more busy and both times i had a lot of fun. A lot of the buildings have been very well maintained and look just as Amazing an I assume the did back when it was a full on amusement park, and even the fenced off areas that aren’t as well maintained evoke this almost Jurassic Park-like energy of Nature reclaiming it in a beautiful way. Also the Spanish Ball Room is absolutely Stunning! Just as much of a masterpiece as the art that was displayed in it for the art show. Honestly if you wanna see what’s here, I particularly recommend coming on a weekend or during an event when their hours are longer, but either way you should definitely check this place out if you’re in the area. It would probably work great if you’re into taking photographs in unique settings. Oh and one more thing, hidden away in a little board walk area deep into the parking lot of the Clara Barton house next door there’s a little plaque or something giving interesting history on the massive collapse that lead to a part of the park disappearing, so that’s definitely worth seeking out. Either way, like i said, this place is cool. A little piece of amusement park history not that far from DC, but seemingly in the middle of nowhere.

Experiencia fantástica: It's a beautiful park. Take a day off and go enjoy the outdoors!!!

Experiencia positiva: It's ok to walk around for a bit, but the park has seen better days. National park stamps are in the arcade. There are bathrooms though