George Washington Memorial Parkway

08/13/2026

Roadwork scheduled for August 14-17 and August 21-24 on the southern part of the Parkway at Little Hunting Creek Bridge.

Three of the four lanes on the George Washington Memorial Parkway at Little Hunting Creek Bridge will close from 6 a.m. Friday, August 14, to 8 a.m. Monday, August 17, and from 6 a.m. Friday, August 21, to 8 a.m. Monday, August 24. Only one lane will remain open during these periods. Flaggers will alternate northbound and southbound traffic through the open lane.

Drivers should expect major delays during the Friday morning and evening commutes and the Monday morning commute. Allow extra time or use another route. At 8 a.m. each Monday, one northbound lane and one southbound lane will reopen. The work is weather dependent.

These repairs will strengthen the bridge and extend its service life.

08/10/2026

Twilight comes earlier in August and makes the US Marine Corps War Memorial even more dramatic! Come to the last US Marine Corps Evening Parade on Tuesday, August 11 at 7:00 p.m. The Evening Parade features the US Marine Band, Silent Drill Platoon and evening formation. The ceremony is free.

08/10/2026

The National Park Service will temporarily close all northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway between Spout Run Parkway and Route 123 beginning August 10 through September 1, 2026. These closures will occur Mondays through Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The closures will allow crews to safely inspect, prune and remove trees as part of ongoing maintenance efforts on the recently rehabilitated George Washington Memorial Parkway’s north section. Ongoing tree maintenance supports that investment and helps preserve a safer and more beautiful parkway.

More information can be found on our website:

Northbound George Washington Memorial Parkway Lane Closures Begin Aug. 10 Between Spout Run Parkway and Route 123

08/07/2026

Today, on National Purple Heart Day, we honor the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of the men and women who were wounded or killed while serving our nation. The Purple Heart traces its origins to General George Washington, who established the Badge of Military Merit on August 7, 1782. This was the first military decoration in the United States created to recognize enlisted soldiers for their faithful service and extraordinary valor.

As the only U.S. military award with roots in the Revolutionary War, the Purple Heart carries forward Washington's belief that merit and sacrifice should be recognized, regardless of rank. In 1932 (the same year that the Parkway opened), the Badge of Military Merit was revived as the Purple Heart, continuing that legacy for generations of service members.

The George Washington Memorial Parkway commemorates the life and leadership of our nation's first president while connecting visitors to places that tell America's story. Today, we invite you to reflect on Washington's enduring legacy and remember those who have earned the Purple Heart through extraordinary sacrifice in defense of our country.

Their courage has helped shape our nation's history. We are grateful for their service, honor their sacrifices, and remember those who gave everything in the pursuit of liberty.

08/06/2026

Happy 6th Anniversary to the Great American Outdoors Act!

Thanks to funding, the North Parkway Rehabilitation project has delivered long-overdue upgrades to a stretch of the George Washington Memorial Parkway that had gone without major work since it first opened in 1962. Rehabilitated bridges, improved drainage and upgraded roadside infrastructure have restored this historic corridor and strengthened its reliability for all who travel it.

Today, we’re proud to welcome visitors and commuters to a renewed roadway — one that offers smoother travel, safer conditions, and a more dependable route into the heart of the nation’s capital.

08/02/2026

Tonight's Fort Hunt concert with The Hot Lanes Live has been canceled due to anticipated poor weather.

08/01/2026

Keeping DC Safe and Beautiful continues daily at George Washington Memorial Parkway!

Last week the Navy and Marine Memorial flagstones received a much-needed repointing and additional masonry work. Hats off to skilled National Park Service masons who have the specialized talent and training to perform this work.

This memorial honors all those lost at sea - not only from enemy action but storms and accidents as well. The seven seagulls symbolize the seven seas as well as the souls of the mariners rising above the waves. https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/learn/historyculture/navy-and-marine-memorial.htm

Photos (NPS): National Park Service employee completing masonry work on the Navy and Marine Memorial; Memorial with red tulips surrounding it during spring 2026

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07/29/2026

Summer nights are the best times to do some stargazing! In 2 weeks, join us for a special night sky program!

Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Time: 9:00 PM
Location: Fort Hunt Park (Area C)

Every August, stargazers around the world look forward to the Perseids, one of the most prolific annual meteor showers. The Perseids are known to leave persistent streaks of color on their journey across the sky.

Join park rangers at Fort Hunt Park on August 12 and October 4 for ranger talks, constellation tours and telescope viewing! Bring a camp chair or blanket and a red flashlight if you have one. A telescope will be provided to share. Each event may be cancelled due to inclement weather. Call (202) 439-7325 with questions.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1EVFTEV5rn/

07/28/2026

"First you p*e, then you see!"
(Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs)

Hikers and sightseers know that bathrooms play an important role in the enjoyment of the outside world! And we are excited to announce that we have new comfort stations at Areas A & B in Turkey Run Park!

Looking for somewhere to go to enjoy the beautiful summer weather? Visit our new bathrooms and then embark on a Turkey Run adventure! https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/turkeyrun.htm

A big thank you to the Parkway's Professional Services Division for their project management! And another big thank you to the contracted company, Ritz Construction!

*Note: There is construction equipment still in Area B while supporting parkway projects. But the comfort station is open!

Photos (NPS): Turkey Run Loop Trail; new comfort stations at Turkey Run A & B

07/26/2026

National Park employees worked hard at freshening up waysides and tactile elements at the US Marine Corps War Memorial this week!

Here the NPS staff member strikes a similar pose as sculptor Felix DeWeldon as she works on the tactile representation of Private Rene Gagnon. Pvt. Gagnon served as a runner and delivered the second flag that was raised over Mount Surabachi on Iwo Jima.

Don't forget, the next Evening Parade will be Tuesday, July 28 at 7:00 pm! Blending music, drill and pageantry, each parade features a grand performance by the US Marine Corps with the Memorial as a backdrop. The new USMCWM Junior Ranger badges are available at the visitor contact station starting at 6:00 pm.

More information about visiting the Memorial and the Sunset Parades: https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/usmc_memorial.htm

Photo (NPS): NPS employee cleaning sign with Iwo Jima monument in the background.

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