Glen Echo Park

The site of Washington's oldest amusement park (1911-68) is preserved here, as is a stone tower from the village of Glen Echo, founded in 1891 by Edwin and Edward Baltzley, brothers who made their fortune from the invention of the eggbeater. The brothers were enthusiastic supporters of the Chautauqua movement, a group begun in 1874 in New York as a way to promote liberal education among the...

This former amusement park changed its focus from thrilling rides to artistic amusements, many of which are directed at families. A beautiful hand-carved carousel is the only ride still operating in the park, now administered by the National Park Service. Visitors will find plenty of entertainment ranging from performances at the Puppet Company Playhouse to children's stories at the Adventure...