National Historic Site

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

Mid-Atlantic

About Frederick Douglass

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.

From the National Park Service.

Region: Mid-Atlantic
State: District of Columbia
Designation: National Historic Site
Entrance fee: $1, timed entry reservation - location

Trail data for this park is still being added.
Places for this park are still being added.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, weather and getting to Frederick Douglass.

Entrance fees

$1 Timed Entry Reservation - Location 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…

Hours

Mon: Closed
Tue: 9:00AM - 4:30PM
Wed: 9:00AM - 4:30PM
Thu: 9:00AM - 4:30PM
Fri: 9:00AM - 4:30PM
Sat: 9:00AM - 4:30PM
Sun: Closed

The historic house is open for guided tours at scheduled times Tuesday through Saturday; hours vary by season, and reservations are strongly encouraged. The site is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on those days from October 1 through March 31, and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from April 1 through September 30.

Weather and when to go

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.

Getting there

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.

Directions from the National Park Service

Contact the park

Address: 1411 W Street SE, Washington, DC 20020
Phone: (771) 208-1499
Email: frdo_visitorservices@nps.gov
Official site: nps.gov/frdo

From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.

Trip planner

A day-by-day plan for Frederick Douglass

Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.

Plan your park trip Free. No account needed.

Things to do in Frederick Douglass

The park service's own list, with how long each takes.

Collect all the National Capital Parks - East Passport Stamps

Hands-On · about 15 min

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…
Discover Frederick Douglass’s Home

Guided Tours · about 1 hour · Reservation required

Explore the home of Frederick Douglass, a leading voice in the abolitionist movement.
Places of Interest Related to Frederick Douglass

Self-Guided Tours - Walking · about 2 hours

Visitors can explore nearby historical sites and parks in the Washington, D.C. area related to the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass, African American History, and Women's His…
Frederick Douglass NHS Bookstore

Bookstore and Park Store · about 40 min

Operated by America's National Parks, the bookstore sells unique educational products and books related to Frederick Douglass and African American History.
Frederick Douglass NHS Visitor Center

Museum Exhibits · about 25 min

The Visitor Center at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site is a single-level building at street level where you will find an information desk where a ranger or volunteer…