Fort Dupont Park

Rate this place

Parks

District-Of-Columbia

Nearby: Fort Davis Community Playground Pope Branch Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fort Dupont Park is a 376-acre park located in the state of District of Columbia.

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

There are several good reasons to visit this park, including its beautiful natural scenery, historical significance, and recreational opportunities. Some of the park's main points of interest include the Civil War-era Fort Dupont, hiking and biking trails, an amphitheater, and a community garden.

Fort Dupont Park has a rich history, having served as a critical defensive position during the Civil War. Visitors can explore the park's historic fortifications, including the earthworks and trenches that were used to defend the nation's capital. The park also offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, and picnicking.

Interesting facts about Fort Dupont Park include its status as one of the largest green spaces in Washington, D.C., and its role as a hub for community events and programs. The park hosts a variety of festivals, concerts, and other events throughout the year, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

The best time of year to visit Fort Dupont Park varies depending on your interests. Spring and fall are popular times for hiking and biking, while summer is ideal for outdoor concerts and other events. Winter can be a good time to visit for those who enjoy snowshoeing and other winter sports.

Overall, Fort Dupont Park is a unique and interesting destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or recreation, this park is well worth a visit.

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

Related References