Glen Echo Park

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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. 😉

Glen Echo park was a hidden gem along the Potomac River!
I went twice.
Once to a free outdoor jazz concert, which my dad loved!!
And then again to a puppet show with my granddaughter, which was really fun and entertaining.

The park is clean, parking is free, admission is free too!

There are artists activities, a playground, a carousel, snacks and drinks, an aquarium...

Lots of shade and places to picnic.

Love it!

There's an unmistakable magic clinging to this place. An Art Deco sanctuary masquerading as a theme park tucked away on the banks of the Potomac, where it's evaded the passage of time. I went on a Friday night when nothing was happening and saw four or five people trickle through in two hours. Glen Echo Park is a peach, a gem, a must-see, with little wonders in every direction

Hidden gem and throwback to old DC, Glen Echo Park is a gorgeous vintage "amusement " park with vintage mid century buildings, attractions and grounds. The carousel, Spanish Ballroom and shops all give a seaside, Catskill, old time movie set vibe that is kid friendly and very walkable. Free to the public.

There are threatres, shows and rentable spaces for just about any occasion.

Great experience. Dancing in the evening is a fun time. The aquarium is amazing for it's size. With a variety spanning turtles to seahorses, and a large selection of crabs, it is a great slection to occupy kids. Agreat experience for children, and they love the pirate ship play thing to climb on. The carousel is fun and nostalgic. The party rooms are good for average sized parties. The only downside is no hiking/nature trails. Overall, had a great time and look forward to going back.

Glen echo is a park that seems to be a bit outdated. Most of everything is open during the weekends. Its very pretty though as youd want to sit and have a picnic lunch. Its definitely a place youd want to visit on weekends and check out. Its definitely a throw back

Loved being here especially after learning the history. Would be cool if they rebuilt this entire amusement park. But my son and I enjoyed the carousel and the beautiful trails.

Such a beautiful historic park that is fun and alive with community! Art and dance classes to enjoy just about every day of the week!

Came for a Saturday night swing dancing event, and was blown away by the community feel, quality instruction, and the Spanish ballroom is beautiful. Be sure to wear a jacket or dress in layers in the winter because it was quite chilly in the ballroom. Once you start dancing though it’s perfect! There was heating in the snack bar. Only negative was the coffee was not good haha.

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 ❤

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

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