Theodore Roosevelt Island
In the 1930s, landscape architects transformed Mason’s Island from neglected, overgrown farmland into Theodore Roosevelt Island, a memorial to America’s 26th president.
Photo: NPS / NPS
About Theodore Roosevelt Island
In the 1930s, landscape architects transformed Mason’s Island from neglected, overgrown farmland into Theodore Roosevelt Island, a memorial to America’s 26th president. They conceived a “real forest” designed to mimic the natural forest that once covered the island. Today miles of trails through wooded uplands and swampy bottomlands honor the legacy of a great outdoorsman and conservationist.
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Driving times from Theodore Roosevelt Island, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Hours
Theodore Roosevelt Island Trails and Parking Lot
- Mon
- 6:00AM - 10:00PM
- Tue
- 6:00AM - 10:00PM
- Wed
- 6:00AM - 10:00PM
- Thu
- 6:00AM - 10:00PM
- Fri
- 6:00AM - 10:00PM
- Sat
- 6:00AM - 10:00PM
- Sun
- 6:00AM - 10:00PM
Activities
Getting there
Outdoor trails and memorial plaza subject to weather for Washington, D.C. and Arlington, VA.
Frequently asked questions
- What is there to do at Theodore Roosevelt Island?
- Popular activities include Birdwatching, Canoeing, Guided Tours, Hiking, Kayaking, Paddling.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Theodore Roosevelt Island?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach LBJ Memorial Grove on the Potomac (5 min), Vietnam Veterans Memorial (6 min), Constitution Gardens (6 min), World War II Memorial (7 min), Lincoln Memorial (8 min), Korean War Veterans Memorial (8 min).