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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / Parks and outdoors

Theodore Roosevelt Island

A 91-acre wooded sanctuary in the Potomac River, dedicated to the 26th President's legacy as a conservationist and outdoorsman.

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Theodore Roosevelt Island
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What is Theodore Roosevelt Island known for?

It is a 91-acre wooded sanctuary and memorial dedicated to the 26th U.S. President, honoring his legacy as a naturalist, outdoorsman, and early champion of conservation.

How much does it cost to visit?

Admission to the park is free.

What are the hours?

The island is open daily and year-round from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

What can I do there?

Visitors can explore between 2 and 2.5 miles of trails through woodlands, marshes, and swamps, visit the memorial plaza featuring a 17-foot bronze statue of Roosevelt, and engage in activities like bird watching and kayaking.

How do I get to the island?

The island is located in the Potomac River and is accessible via a pedestrian footbridge from the parking lot in Arlington, Virginia.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Theodore Roosevelt Island is a 91-acre wooded sanctuary located in the Potomac River between the Key Bridge and Roosevelt Bridge. Once neglected, overgrown farmland known as Mason’s Island, the site was transformed in the 1930s into a memorial for America's 26th president. This transformation was supported by the Civilian Conservation Corps, whose work is documented in photographs at the site. Public interest in creating a memorial intensified after Roosevelt's death in 1919. The Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Association purchased the island in 1932, and after funding was approved by Congress in 1960, the memorial was officially dedicated on October 27, 1967. The island also holds deeper historical significance, having served as a Union Army training area during the Civil War, including for the First U.S. Colored Troops. Today, the park is interpreted as a tribute to Roosevelt's legacy as a naturalist and conservationist. Visitors can explore over 2.5 miles of trails through woodland, marsh, swampy bottomlands, and forested riparian edges. The experience is designed to evoke the American wilderness, evoking the spirit of the spirit of the outdoorsman. At the heart of the island is the memorial plaza, which features a 17-foot bronze statue of Theodore Roosevelt. Surrounding the statue, stone pillars bear quotations from Roosevelt, providing a reflective space for visitors to contemplate the president's vision for the same nature preservations.

Visitor tips

  • The island is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Admission is free, making it a convenient stop for any budget.
  • Access is limited to foot traffic; cars and bikes are notle allowed on the island itself.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes for the 2.5 miles of trails through woodland and marsh.

Nearby context

Situated on the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Arlington, Virginia, the island sits between the Roosevelt Bridge and Key Bridge, connected to the mainland by a pedestrian bridge.

Sources

Evidence and links