Fort Foote Play Ground

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Parks

Virginia

Nearby: Betty Blume Park Fort Foote National Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fort Foote Playground is a historic site located in Prince George's County, Maryland, just across the Potomac River from Virginia.

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Summary

The site was originally created as a Civil War fortification by the Union Army to protect Washington D.C. from Confederate attacks. Today, the site has been transformed into a playground and picnic area for visitors to enjoy.

One of the main reasons to visit Fort Foote Playground is to explore its rich history. Visitors can walk through the fort's original gun emplacements and explore the underground magazines and powder rooms. There are also interpretive signs throughout the site that provide information about the fort's history and significance.

In addition to its historical significance, Fort Foote Playground is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors. The playground area includes swings, slides, and climbing structures for children, and there are plenty of open spaces for picnics or games. The site also offers beautiful views of the Potomac River and is a popular spot for fishing and birdwatching.

Interesting facts about Fort Foote Playground include that it was one of 68 forts built to protect the nation's capital during the Civil War, and that it was named after Rear Admiral Andrew H. Foote, who commanded the Union Navy during the war. The site was also used for military training during World War I and World War II.

The best time of year to visit Fort Foote Playground is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its peak. The site is open year-round, however, and visitors can enjoy the playground and picnic areas even in the winter months.

Overall, Fort Foote Playground is a fascinating and fun destination for anyone interested in history or outdoor recreation. With its scenic location, rich history, and family-friendly amenities, it's a great spot to spend a day exploring.

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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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