National Park Service-Glen Echo Park

Description

The National Park Service (NPS) preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of current and future generations. The NPS cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout the U.S. and the world.

What is now known as Glen Echo Park began in 1891 as an idealistic attempt to create a National Chautauqua Assembly "to promote liberal and practical education." Later, the site became Washington, D.C.'s premier amusement park from 1898-1968.

Today, the park has come full circle, offering year-round educational activities, while two amusement-era destinations (the Spanish Ballroom and Dentzel Carousel) remain major attractions. Glen Echo Park is jointly managed by the NPS as part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway and the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture, Inc.