Mcmillan Park Reservoir

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Parks

District-Of-Columbia

Nearby: Edgewood Community Playground Langley Community Recreational Area

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mcmillan Park Reservoir is a popular attraction located in the District of Columbia.

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Summary

The park is well-known for its stunning views of the city skyline, the reservoir, and the surrounding natural beauty. Visitors to Mcmillan Park Reservoir can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, cycling, and picnicking. The park is also home to several interesting points of interest, including the Mcmillan Sand Filtration Site, which was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1991.

One of the most interesting facts about Mcmillan Park Reservoir is that it was originally built in 1902 as a water filtration plant. The plant served as a critical source of clean drinking water for the city for many years before it was decommissioned in 1985. Today, the site has been transformed into a beautiful park that attracts visitors from all over the world.

The best time of year to visit Mcmillan Park Reservoir is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the park is at its most beautiful. Visitors can enjoy the colorful foliage, the blooming flowers, and the pleasant temperatures during these seasons.

Overall, Mcmillan Park Reservoir is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature, history, and stunning views of the city. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor to the area, this beautiful park is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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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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