Benjamin Banneker Park

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Parks

Virginia

Nearby: East Falls Church Park Madison Manor Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Benjamin Banneker Park is located in the state of Virginia and is a great place to visit due to its rich history and natural beauty.

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Summary

The park is named after Benjamin Banneker, a self-taught African-American mathematician, astronomer, and surveyor who helped to design the layout of Washington, D.C.

One of the main attractions in the park is the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, which showcases the life and accomplishments of Banneker. Visitors can explore exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays that highlight his contributions to science, mathematics, and astronomy.

In addition to the museum, the park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and picnicking. Visitors can also enjoy the park's beautiful natural surroundings, which include forests, wetlands, and streams.

Other points of interest in the park include the Banneker Overlook, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, and the Banneker Burial Ground, which is the final resting place of Benjamin Banneker and his family.

The best time to visit Benjamin Banneker Park is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most vibrant. However, the park is open year-round and offers different activities and events throughout the year, making it a great destination for all seasons.

Overall, Benjamin Banneker Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, nature, or outdoor recreation. Its unique blend of educational exhibits and natural beauty makes it a truly special place to explore and enjoy.

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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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