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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / Activity

Thompson Boat Center

A historic Georgetown boathouse established in 1961, offering non-motorized watercraft rentals and serving as a vital hub for regional rowing athletes and regattas.

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Thompson Boat Center
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What is Thompson Boat Center known for?

It is a boathouse and boat-rental facility located in Georgetown that serves as a regional hub for racing and regattas. It is also a major center for high school rowing in Washington, DC, supporting approximately 1,200 athletes from various high schools, colleges, and a club program.

What can I rent at the boat center?

The center offers rentals of non-motorized watercraft, including kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.

Does Thompson Boat Center offer lessons?

Yes, the center provides lessons in addition to its boat rentals.

Where is it located?

It is located at 2900 Virginia Ave NW in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, DC, situated on the Potomac River near the intersection of Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway and Virginia Avenue.

Is there parking available and does it cost money?

Yes, there is a parking lot available, but there is a fee for parking there.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

The Thompson Boat Center is a recreational boating venue located in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, DC. Situated at 2900 Virginia Ave NW, the site sits on the Potomac River where Rock Creek flows into the river, near the intersection of Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway and Virginia Avenue. Established in 1961, the center has long served as a critical hub for high school rowing in the city. The venue supports approximately 1,200 athletes from 17 high schools, two colleges, and a club program, including serving as the home of the Georgetown Crew for nearly fifty years as of 2018. Beyond competitive athletics, the facility is a regional hub for regattas and racing. It is identified by the National Park Service as a boathouse and boat-rental facility, providing the public with rentals of canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, as well as boating lessons. Historically, the center's importance was marked by a dedication ceremony on May 27, 1961, which took place below Key Bridge with Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall delivering a speech.

Visitor tips

  • Check the Boating in DC website for current rental and lesson information.
  • Be aware that there is a fee for parking in the Thompson Boat Center parking lot.
  • Wear comfortable, water-resistant clothing if you plan to rent a boat.

Nearby context

The center is located near the bustling Georgetown waterfront, where the natural flow of Rock Creek meets the Potomac River, providing a scenic transition from the urban environment to the water.

Sources

Evidence and links