Fort Mahan Park

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Parks

District-Of-Columbia

Nearby: Watts Branch Park Benning Community Playground

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fort Mahan Park is a historic site located in the state of District of Columbia.

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Summary

It is a popular destination for visitors due to its rich history, scenic views, and recreational opportunities. The park was originally a Civil War-era fort that was instrumental in defending Washington, D.C., and today visitors can explore the fort's original earthworks and learn about its role in the war.

In addition to the fort, Fort Mahan Park also offers visitors a variety of other interesting attractions, including a playground, picnic areas, hiking trails, and a nature center. The park is home to a diverse range of plant and animal life, making it an ideal spot for nature-lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Some interesting facts about Fort Mahan Park include its designation as a National Historic Landmark, and its status as one of the few remaining Civil War-era forts in the country. In addition, the park is named after Civil War General Dennis Hart Mahan, who was instrumental in the development of military education in the United States.

The best time of year to visit Fort Mahan Park is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the park's natural beauty is at its peak. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy its many attractions and amenities throughout the year.

Overall, Fort Mahan Park is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, nature, and outdoor recreation. With its rich history, scenic views, and diverse range of attractions, it is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors of all ages.

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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.

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