The Nature Center & Planetarium is the main visitor center for Rock Creek Park. Besides exhibits on park flora, fauna and history, it can provide hiking information, maps and field guides. A ‘touch table’ is set up for kids, and rangers lead child-oriented nature walks. Free ranger-led astronomy programs happen inside the planetarium at 1pm and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday; there's also a kids program at 4pm on Wednesday.

If you’re coming via public transportation, take the E4 bus to the intersection of Military and Glover roads. Look to your left and follow the trail up to the Nature Center.

A bit further north of here, on the west side of Beach Dr, is Joaquin Miller Cabin, a log house that once sheltered the famed nature poet.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Rock Creek Park

0.36 MILES

At 1700-plus acres, Rock Creek is twice the size of New York’s Central Park and feels wilder. Terrific trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding…

2. Soapstone Valley Trail

1.06 MILES

This rugged 1-mile trail follows along Soapstone Creek and makes a nice add-on to a hike in Rock Creek Park. Access the trailhead on Ablemarle St NW,…

3. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

1.14 MILES

The former estate of Marjorie Merriweather Post of Post cereal fame, this lavishly decorated 1920s mansion showcases her extraordinary collections of…

4. Fort Stevens Park

1.23 MILES

In a raid on July 11, 1864, Confederate General Jubal Early attacked Fort Stevens, the northernmost of the defensive ramparts ringing DC. A small but…

5. Peirce Mill

1.32 MILES

Alongside Rock Creek, the 1829 Peirce Mill is a beautiful fieldstone building that houses a recently restored gristmill – the last of the mills that once…

6. Battleground National Cemetery

1.53 MILES

The 41 Union men who died defending Fort Stevens are buried at this tiny, poignant cemetery, a half-mile north of the old fortification.

7. Smithsonian's National Zoo

2.07 MILES

Home to more than 2700 animals and more than 390 species in natural habitats, the National Zoo is famed for its giant pandas, Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Bei…

8. Mt Pleasant Street

2.2 MILES

Mt Pleasant St is the corazón (heart) of DC’s Latino, largely Salvadoran community. Many businesses advertise money-transfer services to San Salvador or…