Theodore Roosevelt Island

Theodore Roosevelt Island is a roughly 88-acre patch of land in the Potomac River within the capital, covered by forests, wetlands, and footpaths. The island sits closer to the Virginia shore than to the city side and offers several loop trails through different landscapes.

The island served as a training ground for colored troops of the Union during the Civil War and later transformed into a nature preserve. In 1932, the site became officially designated as a national memorial.

The central plaza on the island features a bronze figure standing roughly 17 feet tall, representing the former president. Stone tablets arranged in a circle carry quotations about nature and community that visitors can read under the shade of oak trees.

Access happens through a narrow footbridge from the parking area in Arlington, with bicycles and vehicles staying outside. The paths can flood partially during high water, and sturdy footwear is recommended.

The island shifts between solid ground and marshland depending on where you walk, and this contrast appears within short distances. Some visitors notice that birdlife along the shore is louder than in the interior forest zone.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: May 21, 1932

Part of: George Washington Memorial Parkway

Address: George Washington Memorial Parkway

Website: https://nps.gov/this

GPS coordinates: 38.89722,-77.06417

Latest update: December 21, 2025 16:05