Clara Barton National Historic Site

Clara Barton National Historic Site
Image credit: picture by presmd licenced under Attribution-ShareAlike License.

Clara Barton National Historic Site is located in Glen Echo, Maryland, just outside of Washington, D.C. It is the former home of Clara Barton, who is known for her pioneering work as a nurse and humanitarian during the Civil War and as the founder of the American Red Cross.

The historic site preserves the house where Clara Barton lived for the last 15 years of her life. Built in 1892, the three-story structure serves as a museum showcasing Clara Barton's life and accomplishments. Visitors can explore various rooms, including her bedroom, office, and the Red Cross headquarters room, which displays artifacts and exhibits about her humanitarian efforts.

The site also features a small museum that provides a deeper understanding of Clara Barton's impact on American history. Visitors can learn about her work during the Civil War, organizing hospitals and providing aid to wounded soldiers. The museum also highlights her role in providing relief and assistance during situations such as the Johnstown Flood and the Spanish-American War.

In addition to touring the Clara Barton House and Museum, visitors can enjoy the beautiful surrounding grounds. The property includes a garden that Clara Barton created herself, featuring various plant species and a charming gazebo. The site offers guided tours, allowing visitors to learn more about Clara Barton's fascinating life and the historical context of her work.

If visitors wish to explore beyond the Clara Barton National Historic Site, there are attractions nearby in the Glen Echo Park. This park offers a variety of recreational activities, including art classes, dance performances, and picnicking. Furthermore, nearby Washington, D.C. is within easy reach and offers countless historical and cultural attractions, including the Smithsonian museums, the White House, and the Lincoln Memorial.

The Clara Barton National Historic Site provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and learn about the life and achievements of an extraordinary woman. Through exhibits, tours, and the peaceful surroundings, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for Clara Barton's dedication to nursing and humanitarian work, as well as the impact she had on the nation's history.

Location

Clara Barton National Historic Site is nestled in the heart of Maryland, in the scenic and historic county of Montgomery. Situated along the picturesque Eastern Seaboard, the site is conveniently located just outside the bustling city of Washington, D.C. The park is esteemed for its idyllic setting amidst lush greenery, with an array of towering trees and peaceful meadows. Surrounded by the serene neighborhood of Glen Echo, visitors to Clara Barton National Historic Site are treated to a tranquil retreat from the urban buzz, where nature and history harmoniously intertwine.

Address & Contact

5801 Oxford Road
Glen Echo, MD 20812
Driving Directions
Phone: 3013201400
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Clara Barton National Historic Site would be in the months of May, June, July, and August. During this time, the average maximum temperatures range from 76°F to 89°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. The average minimum temperatures during these months range from 55°F to 69°F, ensuring comfortable conditions throughout the day. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation during this period ranges from 4.3 inches to 5.1 inches, which is relatively moderate compared to other months.

Things to do and learn in Clara Barton National Historic Site

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Clara Barton National Historic Site are: Guided Tours Museum Exhibits

Topics

Learn about these topics at Clara Barton National Historic Site: Tragic Events Women's History Wars and Conflicts Civil War Social Movements

Amenities

Visitor Centers

Bonita Canyon Campground

Bonita Canyon Campground is a small, historic campground with many trees. It has 23 sites ALL by reservation only. The campground has flush toilets, running water, and picnic tables. No ground fires, hook ups, showers, or dump station. Vehicle length limit is 29 feet (dip in road damages longer vehicle). Read all info and regulations before booking on Recreation.gov Bring everything you need! Food, beverages, ice, charcoal, wood, fuel, and many camping supplies are not available at the park store.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Bonita Canyon Campground.

Campsites within or near Clara Barton National Historic Site

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Clara Barton National Historic Site

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Days Inn by Wyndham Washington DC/Connecticut Avenue

With a stay at Days Inn by Wyndham Washington DC/Connecticut Avenue in Washington (Northwest), you'll be a 4-minute drive from Smithsonian's National Zoo and 6 minutes from George Washington University. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, limo/town car service, and express check-out. Planning an event in Washington? This hotel has facilities measuring 250 square feet (23 square meters), including a meeting room. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 4400 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20008
Web: Link

Omni Shoreham Hotel

With a stay at Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington (Woodley Park), you'll be a 2-minute drive from Smithsonian's National Zoo. Featured amenities include a business center, limo/town car service, and express check-out. Planning an event in Washington? This hotel has facilities measuring 99998 square feet (9290 square meters), including a conference center.
Address: 2500 Calvert St Nw, Washington, District of Columbia 20008
Web: Link

Inns Of Virginia - Arlington

Located in Arlington (Maywood), Inns Of Virginia - Arlington is within a 5-minute drive of Georgetown Waterfront Park and Watergate Complex. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, multilingual staff, and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3335 Lee Highway, Arlington, Virginia 22207
Web: Link

Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington DC Chevy Chase Pavilion

A stay at Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington DC Chevy Chase Pavilion places you in the heart of Washington, within a 10-minute drive of George Washington University and White House. Featured amenities include wired Internet access (surcharge), a 24-hour business center, and limo/town car service. Planning an event in Washington? This hotel has 6232 square feet (579 square meters) of space consisting of a conference center and a meeting room. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 4300 Military Rd Nw, Washington, District of Columbia 20015
Web: Link

Glover Park Hotel Georgetown

With a stay at Glover Park Hotel Georgetown in Washington (Woodley Park), you'll be a 3-minute walk from Embassy of Russian Federation and a 1-minute drive from Embassy of the United Kingdom. Featured amenities include a business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Washington? This hotel has facilities measuring 3500 square feet (325 square meters), including a conference center. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 2505 Wisconsin Ave Nw, Washington, District of Columbia 20007
Web: Link

Washington Marriott Wardman Park

Located in Washington (Woodley Park), Washington Marriott Wardman Park is within a 5-minute drive of Embassy of Haiti and Smithsonian's National Zoo. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Planning an event in Washington? This hotel has facilities measuring 196222 square feet (18229 square meters), including a conference center. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 2660 Woodley Road NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20008
Web: Link

Georgetown University Hotel and Conference Center

A stay at Georgetown University Hotel and Conference Center places you in the heart of Washington, steps from Georgetown University and 8 minutes by foot from Embassy of France. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Washington? This hotel has facilities measuring 13500 square feet (1215 square meters), including conference space. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 3800 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20057
Web: Link

Argyle Basement Elegant 1 BR and Sofabed

With a stay at this apartment in Washington (Northwest), you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Rock Creek Park and Howard University.
Address: 4358 Argyle Terrace Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia 20011
Web: Link

Argyle Penthouse Chic 1BR Apt 2 Sofabed

Located in Washington (Northwest), this apartment is within a 5-minute drive of Rock Creek Park and Howard University. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 4358 Argyle Terrace Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia 20011
Web: Link

Kingston Mclean

Located in McLean, this aparthotel is within a 15-minute drive of Georgetown University and George Washington University. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 7480 Birdwodd Ave, McLean, Virginia 22102
Web: Link

News and Alerts

Date issued Details
2026-04-03Clara Barton National Historic Site is currently closed
The Clara Barton National Historic Site is currently closed for safety related inspection and testing.
2026-02-22Temporary Closure of Right Lane of Clara Barton Parkway
Temporary Closure of the Clara Barton Parkway Right Lane at Site 17, wooded areas between C&O Canal and Lock 10 parking lot, north to Lock 14, required to address ongoing safety concerns from DC Water emergency sanitary sewer overflow & bypass and pipe repair operations. Click on "More" below for specifica details on the closure. More
2025-11-26Clara Barton Symposium Showcases Student Research and Park Connections
You are invited to attend the Clara Barton Symposium, highlighting new historical research conducted by Georgetown University students. This free event will take place on Saturday, December 6th, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Glen Echo Park. More
2025-09-02National Park Service seeks public input on Clara Barton Parkway Cantilever and Glen Echo Overpass Environmental Assessment
The EA evaluates the potential environmental impacts from replacing the cantilever structure and adjacent retaining walls between Cabin John Parkway and the Macarthur Boulevard exit ramp, and demolishing the unused Glen Echo Overpass, an associated feature of Clara Barton Parkway. Comments on the EA will be accepted September 9, 2025 through October 9, 2025. More
2025-07-15Help Shape the Future of Clara Barton’s Historic Home
The National Park Service (NPS), through its George Washington Memorial Parkway, is excited to announce plans to rehabilitate the Clara Barton National Historic Site— and we want your input! Your voice matters. The park is preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) that explains the proposed work and its potential impacts. Once the EA is released, there will be a public comment period. You’ll be able to review the document and share your thoughts. Comment Period: July 15 – Sept. 9, 2025. More