Skip to content
The Green Adventures
Find my parkMapGreat Smoky MountainsZionYellowstoneSee all: ParksCaliforniaAlaskaUtahSee all: By stateNational monumentsSeashores and lakeshoresAll 412 Park Service sitesSee all: All sitesWhich park should I visit?Pass calculatorCampground finderSee all: Trip toolsAnnual pass 2026International visitorsFree days 2026See all: Fees and passes

National Historic Site · District of Columbia

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

National Historic Site in District of Columbia. No entrance fee.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Historic Site
StateDistrict of Columbia
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkShenandoah (77 mi)
Closest airportDCA (3 mi)
Visitors take photos in front of a historic house
Rangers guide daily tours of the historic house at scheduled times. Photo: NPS Photo / Nate Johnson

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site is a national historic site run by the National Park Service in District of Columbia.

In the park service’s words

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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

  • Junior Ranger Programs at National Capital Parks - East (30 to 90 Minutes): Become a Junior Ranger at parks across National Capital Parks, East! Explore, complete a booklet, and earn badges and certificates along the way!
  • Collect all the National Capital Parks - East Passport Stamps (5 to 10 Minutes): Start your stamp collection and celebrate every park you visit! Explore historic sites and scenic parks managed by National Capital Parks - East and collect a unique stamp at each one.
  • Become a Frederick Douglass NHS Junior Ranger (30 to 60 Minutes): To become a Frederick Douglass National Historic Site Junior Ranger, you can either visit the site or download our Junior Ranger Book. Once completed, mail your book to 1411 W Street, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20020 or you can email it to douglassnhs@nps.gov. A Park Ranger will sign your certificate and mail your official
  • Discover Frederick Douglass’s Home (30 to 120 Minutes): Explore the home of Frederick Douglass, a leading voice in the abolitionist movement.
  • Places of Interest Related to Frederick Douglass (1 to 4 Hours): Visitors can explore nearby historical sites and parks in the Washington, D.C. area related to the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass, African American History, and Women's History.
  • Frederick Douglass NHS Bookstore (30 to 60 Minutes): Operated by America's National Parks, the bookstore sells unique educational products and books related to Frederick Douglass and African American History.
  • Frederick Douglass NHS Visitor Center (5 to 60 Minutes): The Visitor Center at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site is a single-level building at street level where you will find an information desk where a ranger or volunteer is stationed, exhibits, restrooms, and other information.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee. To tour the home, book a reservation in advance online. Same-day tickets may be available at the visitor center desk. Tours frequently fill to capacity. Tickets are not required to visit the visitor center.

Hours: Mon Closed; Tue 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Wed 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Thu 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Fri 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Sat 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Sun Closed. The historic house is open for guided tours at scheduled times Tuesday through Saturday; hours vary by season, and reservations are strongly encouraged. The site is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on those days from October 1 through March 31, and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from April 1 through September 30.

Getting there

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.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) Washington, DC No road route 3 Large hub
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) Dulles, VA No road route 26 Large hub
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) Baltimore, MD No road route 27 Large hub

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

  • Frederick Douglass NHS Visitor Center: Mon Closed; Tue 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Wed 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Thu 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Fri 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Sat 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Sun Closed. The visitor center is open Tuesday through Saturday; hours vary by season. It is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on those days from October 1 through March 31, and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from April 1 through September 30.

Weather

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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Shenandoah, about 77 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Frederick Douglass National Historic Site?

No entrance fee.

Where is Frederick Douglass National Historic Site?

In District of Columbia. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, about 3 miles away.

More sites nearby

Bronze statue of African American Civil War soldiers. Other Park Service sitesAfrican American Civil War Memorial Park Service site in District of Columbia. No entrance fee. Engine House and tavern Historic sitesAllegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site National Historic Site in Pennsylvania. No entrance fee. 5 hikes listed. A water tower on the horizon next to trees Historic sitesAmache National Historic Site National Historic Site in Colorado. No entrance fee. Aerial view of Anacostia Drive and the playground Other Park Service sitesAnacostia Park Park in District of Columbia. No entrance fee. A cannon sits out in front of a replica of part of the wooden stockade walls once at Andersonville Historic sitesAndersonville National Historic Site National Historic Site in Georgia. No entrance fee. Andrew Johnson Homestead with snow Historic sitesAndrew Johnson National Historic Site National Historic Site in Tennessee. No entrance fee.