GENERAL INFORMATION
The Rock Creek Nature Center serves as the main visitor center for Rock Creek Park. It is located at 5200 Glover Road, NW in Washington, D. C.
OPERATING HOURS
The Nature Center is typically open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Times can always change, so be sure to get the latest schedule on the official National Park Service Nature Center and Planetarium web page for Rock Creek Park
AMENITIES
- Ranger-staffed information desk where you can pick up a free park brochure, trail maps, and other information about the sub units of Rock Creek Park
- Large nature museum
- Book and souvenir store
- Planetarium
- Restrooms
- Picnic tables and two short nature trails are outside
PLANETARIUM
The Rock Creek Planetarium is located in the same building as the Nature Center. While the shows vary from month to month, the schedule remains consistent. On Wednesdays there is a 4 PM show geared specifically for children ages 4 to 10. On weekends there is a 1 PM program for those 5-years-old to adult and a show at 4 PM that gets a little more scientific and is for those 7-years-old to adult. All shows are free, but you must get a ticket at the Nature Center at least a half-hour before show time. See Rock Creek Park’s Planetarium web page for the current schedule.
NATURE MUSEUM
The Nature Center Museum is a general nature-oriented museum that focuses almost exclusively on animals, insects, and plants, though not necessarily those found at Rock Creek Park. Here you will find dozens of information panels filled back and front with sketches of plants and animals, and in many cases, preserved, taxidermic specimens both large and small. This museum is identical to the museum found in Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Sugarlands Visitor Center.
The information is presented in the first person, as if you are reading excerpts from some naturalist’s journal. There is way more information presented in the museum than most people would care to read, but much of it is fascinating, so take some time to browse through the exhibits. If you see a plant, insect, or animal that strikes your fancy, read up on it.
There are live animals in the museum as well. Aquariums hold fish, snakes, and turtles.
SCHEDULING YOUR TIME
Most people stop at the Rock Creek Nature Center to get information, meet for a Ranger program, or watch a show at the Planetarium. The only other activity is the museum. It took me about an hour to read everything, though as mentioned, not many people are going to do that. For the typical person, plan to spend fifteen minutes at the Nature Center, not counting time spent on shows and other programs.
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Last updated on January 12, 2022