




Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
Washington D.C.
Frederick Douglass spent his life fighting for justice and equality. Born into slavery in 1818, he escaped as a young man and became a leading voice in the abolitionist movement. People everywhere still find inspiration today in his tireless struggle, brilliant words, and inclusive vision of humanity. Douglass's legacy is preserved here at Cedar Hill, where he lived his last 17 years.
About Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site is a national historic site located in Washington D.C.. Winter: Temperatures usually range from 30 to 50 F. There is occasional snow. Spring: Temperatures usually range widely from 40 to 70 F. Rain is common. Summer: Temperatures usually range from 70 to 90 F. Humidity is usually high. Be prepared and drink plenty of water. There is a water fountain in the visitor center. Fall: Temperatures usually range widely from 40 to 70 F. Humidity can remain high in the earlier part of the season.
The site can be reached by car, public transportation, or on foot. See the directions page of the website for more detailed information. There is parking on site.
π° Entrance Fees & Passes
The general entrance fee for Frederick Douglass starts at $1 (which commonly covers entry for a single private vehicle and passengers for up to 7 consecutive days). The park offers several fee options: Timed Entry Reservation - Location ($1). If you plan to visit multiple national parks this year, purchasing the America the Beautiful National Parks Annual Pass ($80) is highly cost-effective, as general entry to most parks will quickly offset the pass cost.
π₯Ύ Things to Do
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Junior Ranger Program, Park Film, and 3 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
π¦ Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Frederick Douglass
π Visitor Planning Tips for Frederick Douglass
- βBeat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Frederick Douglass before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- βVerify Conditions: Weather and trail accessibility inside Frederick Douglass can change rapidly. Always verify the latest road conditions and local weather advisories before starting your trek.
- βLeave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Frederick Douglass. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
Frederick Douglass spent his life fighting for justice and equality. Born into slavery in 1818, he escaped as a young man and became a leading voice in the abolitionist movement. People everywhere still find inspiration today in his tireless struggle, brilliant words, and inclusive vision of humanity. Douglass's legacy is preserved here at Cedar Hill, where he lived his last 17 years.
Frequently Asked Questions about Frederick Douglass
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer β National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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