How to Tour Theodore Roosevelt Island in Washington, DC

Theodore Roosevelt Island National Memorial is located on the Potomac River in the heart of Washington, D.C. Some would argue that a President who was celebrated enough to grace Mount Rushmore should not have been relegated to a memorial so distant from the National Mall. However, Theodore Roosevelt Island has been restored to its pre-colonial natural state, a sheer wilderness almost within the shadows of the Washington Monument. Since Roosevelt was known for environmental concerns, including expanding the National Park Service, a memorial consisting of an island wilderness seems fitting.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Stay in Crystal City where most major national hotel franchises are represented. Beneath the hotels is a shopping mall which offers a variety of dining experiences.

2. Hail a taxi from the hotel to Theodore Roosevelt Island. While the blue line Metro takes visitors to Arlington National Cemetery, which is less then a mile walk from the island, two major parkways and three major bridges all bring traffic and congestion into the District. Since there is minimal pedestrian access from the cemetery to the island, crossing these thoroughfares is highly discouraged and is against the law.

3. Tip the driver and walk towards the only land access to the island, which is a footbridge that extends from the Virginia shore and leads to a trail that both circumnavigates the island and runs up and down the middle as well.

4. Take the trail circling the island towards the south. You will be walking through dense Virginia wilderness until you reaches the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge that carries automobile traffic into Washington.

5. Continue on the outer trail which extends the length of the east side via an extended boardwalk. The island is marshy here.

6. Photograph blooming flowers, sea life, turtles, and deer. Circle around the north side of the island and follow the directional signs to the memorial.

7. Walk over raised footbridges to see an impressive bronze likeness of Theodore Roosevelt. The memorial is capable of holding many visitors, and the design allows ample time for reflection and appreciation for Roosevelt’s conservation endeavors.

Tips & Warnings

• There are restrooms available on the island, but no water.
• Even though the entire experience may take less then half a day, plan a morning trip so when it’s time to leave, taxis aren’t involved in the afternoon rush.

Resources

• Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Website