Fort Washington Park has always been on our radar — after all, we’re working our way through every site in the National Park Service system — but it wasn’t one we expected to stand out the way it did. The sweeping views over the Potomac were reason enough to visit, but catching a live cannon firing turned the day into something special.
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Location
Fort Washington Park sits along the Maryland side of the Potomac River, about 12 miles south of Washington, D.C. The fort overlooks the river with clear views toward Alexandria and National Harbor. It’s easy to reach, tucked just off MD-210 (Indian Head Highway), and the drive in gives you a nice sense of how strategically important this spot once was.
A Fortress That’s Seen Two Centuries of Change
Set just south of Washington, D.C., the fort dates back to the early 1800s and was built to defend the capital after the War of 1812. These days, it’s peaceful—grassy fields, walking paths, and that familiar National Park Service balance of history and scenery. But when you’re standing inside the massive stone walls, it’s easy to imagine soldiers preparing the cannons, watching for ships coming up the Potomac.
Why Fort Washington Park Is Worth the Stop
If you’re working your way through National Park Service sites like we are, this one is absolutely worth putting on your list. A few things that stood out to us:
- Sweeping, unobstructed views of the Potomac River
- A beautifully preserved 19th-century fort you can actually explore inside
- Occasional live cannon demonstrations that are genuinely impressive
- Plenty of open space and riverside trails for an easy, relaxing visit
- A great balance of history, scenery, and photography opportunities
Walking the Grounds
The fort itself is beautifully preserved. You can walk through the old officers’ quarters, peer into powder magazines, climb up the ramparts, and look down on the moat that once protected the structure from land attack. The grounds stretch along the river, making it a great place for both photography and slow wandering.
For photographers, the views across to Alexandria and up the river toward D.C. are fantastic. The geometry of the old fort walls, the texture of the bricks, and the contrast between history and modern skyline make for a fun range of shots.
The Cannon Firing Demonstration
We showed up at just the right time: a ranger-led historic weapons demonstration was underway. They don’t do it every day, so catching it felt like hitting a National Park jackpot.
Watching the cannon crew go through the full drill—ramming, sponging, loading—was impressive enough. But when that cannon fired, the sound thumped straight through your chest. Smoke rolled over the moat, echoes bounced across the river, and for a moment, it felt like stepping into another century.
When They Typically Do the Cannon Demonstrations
If you’re hoping to see the cannon fire for yourself, the National Park Service usually schedules historic weapons demonstrations on select weekends, especially during the warmer months. The exact dates shift year to year, so it’s worth checking the Fort Washington Park page on the NPS website before you go. These programs aren’t guaranteed on every visit, which is why stumbling into one feels like such a win.
Exploring Beyond the Fort
Beyond the main fort, you’ll find riverside trails, open green spaces, and plenty of quiet corners to sit and watch the Potomac flow by. It’s a great spot to unwind, have a picnic, or just soak in the history of the place.
Nearby NPS Sites to Pair With Your Visit
Fort Washington Park sits in a sweet spot along the Potomac, surrounded by several other National Park Service sites that make for easy add-ons to your day.
- Piscataway Park – Directly across the river from Mount Vernon, this park protects the historic viewshed that George Washington valued so much. It’s quiet, scenic, and great for bird photography.
- Oxon Cove Park & Oxon Hill Farm – A working farm with walking paths, historic buildings, and a glimpse into agricultural life from the past. It’s low-key but surprisingly enjoyable if you like slower-paced NPS sites.
- National Mall and Memorial Parks – If you’re already exploring the D.C. area, visiting the major monuments and memorials is a natural pairing. It’s a completely different vibe from Fort Washington, but that contrast is half the fun.
It’s a good region for “park collecting,” and if you’re trying to check off every site like we are, it’s easy to build a satisfying little cluster of visits around Fort Washington.
Final Thoughts
Fort Washington Park delivered far more than we expected — history, scenery, and a cannon blast that made the visit unforgettable. And as part of our mission to visit every National Park Service site, this one was absolutely worth the stop.
If you’ve been to Fort Washington Park, I’d love to hear what stood out to you. Did you catch a cannon firing, too? Drop a comment and share your experience, and if you’re working your way through the National Park Service sites like we are, let me know which one you think we should visit next.
Other Parks to Visit
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