frederick-douglass | DC | Find park

Visitors take photos in front of a historic house

Rangers guide daily tours of the historic house at scheduled times.

A tiny stone cabin surrounded by fall foliage

Frederick Douglass retreated to this stone cabin to read, write, and think in seclusion.

View of downtown Washington, D.C., including the Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol

Frederick Douglass's view from Cedar Hill continues to impress visitors today.

Hundreds of original objects, such as this bust, furnish the historic house.

A park ranger gestures to a group of people outside the Frederick Douglass home.

A park ranger speaks to park visitors.

Physical Address:

1411 W Street SE

Washington, DC 20020

Mailing Address:

1411 W Street SE

Washington, DC 20020

contact-details

Phone Number: 771-208-1499 Voice

Email Address: NACE_VisitorServices@nps.gov
Description:

Fees

Entrance Fees

Timed Entry Reservation - Location: $1.00

The guided tour includes the upper and lower floors of the home and provides an intimate window into the life of Frederick Douglass. Space on each tour is limited. You are strongly encouraged to make a reservation to secure your spot on a tour. While walk-ins without a reservation are permitted if space is available, tours are frequently completely full well in advance. Plan ahead and reserve your tour today!

Entrance Passes

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.

park designation:National Historic Site

Directions:

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.

For detailed directions, please visit this link.

Directions

Operating Hours:

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

The historic house is open only at scheduled times for guided tours. Rangers guide tours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, except for January 1, Thanksgiving, and December 25. Reservations are strongly encouraged. The visitor center and grounds are open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, except for January 1, Thanksgiving, and December 25. Hours vary by season: April 1 through October 31 - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm November 1 through March 31 - 9:00 am to 4:30 pm

Exceptions:

Fall and Winter Hours (November 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025)

Thanksgiving Closure (November 28, 2025 - November 28, 2025)

Christmas Closure (December 25, 2024 - December 25, 2024)

New Year's Day Closure (January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025)

Weather Information:

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.