Theodore Roosevelt Island Overview

Theodore Roosevelt Island is a 91-acre wilderness preserve dedicated to the 26th president of the United States. This location honors Roosevelt’s tremendous contributions to conserving public lands, forests, national parks, wildlife, and bird refuges. It serves as a tranquil retreat away from the rapid pace of urban life.

Theodore Roosevelt Island features 2.5 miles of scenic foot trails where visitors can enjoy a diverse array of flora and fauna. A prominent 17-foot bronze statue of Roosevelt essentially stands at the heart of the island. Additionally, visitors can find two fountains and four 21-foot granite tablets inscribed with key aspects of Roosevelt’s conservation philosophy.

Getting There

Access to Theodore Roosevelt Island is exclusively from the northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The entrance to the parking area is situated just north of the Roosevelt Bridge. Please note that parking spaces are limited and tend to fill quickly on weekends.

If you prefer public transit, you can take the metro to the Rosslyn station. From there, it’s just a short 2-block walk to Rosslyn Circle, where you can cross the pedestrian bridge to reach the island. The area is right along the Mount Vernon Trail, making it ideal for cyclists. Although bicycles are not allowed on the island, there are bike racks available in the parking lot for secure storage.

Things to Do

Walking the trails is one of the most rewarding activities at Theodore Roosevelt Island. The island boasts three distinct trails:

• The Swamp Trail (1.5 miles) loops around the island and showcases its natural marshes and wooded areas.
• The Woods Trail (0.33 miles) meanders through the Memorial Plaza.
• The Upland Trail (0.75 miles) runs the length of the island.

All trails are relatively easy, ensuring a pleasant experience for visitors of all ages and fitness levels.

Wildlife viewing is another popular activity. Visitors may spot various birds, such as woodpeckers, herons, and ducks year-round. Frogs and fish can also be seen frequently.

A visit to the Memorial Plaza is essential. Here, you can pay homage to Theodore Roosevelt and reflect on his significant legacy. Fishing is permitted with a valid permit, though it is advisable to be considerate of fellow visitors due to limited space and increased foot traffic on weekends. Theodore Roosevelt Island welcomes guests daily from dawn to dusk.