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National Historic Site · District of Columbia

Mary McLeod Bethune Council House 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 (76 mi)
Closest airportDCA (4 mi)
MAMC
Bethune Council House in Spring time full bloom! Photo: NPS Photo/Kenneth Chandler

Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site is a national historic site run by the National Park Service in District of Columbia.

In the park service’s words

Mary McLeod Bethune achieved her greatest recognition at the Washington, DC townhouse that is now this National Historic Site. The Council House was the first headquarters of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and was Bethune’s last home in Washington, DC. From here, Bethune and the NCNW spearheaded strategies and developed programs that advanced the interests of African American women.

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 Bethune Council House Junior Ranger (30 to 60 Minutes): Come to the site to obtain a Junior Ranger book and complete it. When you complete it, you can mail or email it and a Park Ranger will sign your certificate and mail your official Junior Ranger badge
  • Places of Interest Related to Mary McLeod Bethune (1 to 4 Hours): Explore nearby historical sites and parks in the Washington, D.C. area related to the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS
  • Explore the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House (30 to 90 Minutes): Learn about the life and legacy of Mary McLeod Bethune as well as the work of the organization she established, the National Council of Negro Women, and how she used the power of education, political activism, and civil service to achieve racial and gender equality throughout the United States and the world.
  • Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS Bookstore (5 to 30 Minutes): Visitors can purchase educational products and books related to Mary McLeod Bethune, the National Council of Negro Women, the Civil Rights Movement, and Women's History.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Thu 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Fri 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Sat 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Sun Closed. The Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS is open to the public for ranger-guided tours Wednesday, Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Getting there

From Baltimore and Points North: Take the Baltimore-Washington Parkway south to US Route 50 west (which becomes New York Avenue). Take New York Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue and continue west. Turn right onto 13th Street. Go one block and turn left onto 'N' Street. Go another block and turn right onto Vermont Avenue. 1318 is one half block up the street on the left. Street parking is limited and restricted. Please read the street signs carefully.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) Washington, DC No road route 4 Large hub
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) Dulles, VA No road route 23 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.

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 76 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site?

No entrance fee.

Where is Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site?

In District of Columbia. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, about 4 miles away.

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