Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
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The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, dedicated in 1997 by President Bill Clinton, is a unique celebration of the works and times of the 32nd president of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR). The memorial, the second memorial to President Roosevelt, consists of five outdoor rooms spread over 7.5 acres in Washington, D.C. Each room depicts a particular aspect of Roosevelt's time as president. The significant elements used in the memorial are South Dakota red granite, bronze, and over 100,000 gallons of water. As visitors venture through the memorial, they find bronze statues of FDR in his wheelchair—which he designed using a kitchen chair and tricycle wheels—depictions of his first inauguration, men standing in a breadline, a farmer and his wife struggling through the depths of the Great Depression, men sitting beside a radio listening to one of Roosevelt's "Fireside Chats," his wife Eleanor standing before a depiction of the United Nations building, and his dog "Falla." The memorial is extremely popular, with over 3 million visitors each year from across the country and worldwide.
Things To Do Near Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
Many visitors tour the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial to learn about a desperate time in U.S history, to learn how the people of the nation handled it, and to learn how a leader stepped forward to present a "New Deal" so that those struggling could see a ray of hope through a long tunnel. Artists come to the memorial to view the sculptures, the setting, and the relationships of the art to the surrounding environment. Still, others are curious to experience a time seemingly lost in shadows that obscure all but the present. Everyone comes to walk through an experience that is approachable from any direction, is viewable from any angle, is repeatable for anyone, and is symbolic of a diverse culture united through its differences.
Hiking Trails
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Walking Tour of Monuments and Memorials
The Walking Tour of Monuments and Memorials in Washington, D.C., takes you through the symbols representing significant events in the nation's history. You start at the White House, walk through the National Mall and along the Reflecting Pool, and eventually to the United States Capitol building and the Supreme Court. The trail not only visits all the monuments and memorials, but also takes you through all three houses of government.
Location
Thomas Jefferson Memorial, 16 E Basin Dr SW, Washington, D.C., 20242
Length
5.6 miles
Intensity
Easy
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Theodore Roosevelt Island Trail
Once a neglected island in the Potomac River, 88.5-acre Theodore Roosevelt Island was purchased in 1932 by the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Association, who dedicated it to Roosevelt's memory. The trail takes you through the sculpted landscape to the central statue of Roosevelt.
Location
Theodore Roosevelt Island, Washington, D.C.
Length
1.6 miles
Intensity
Easy
Sightseeing
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Arlington National Cemetery
The Arlington National Cemetery covers 697 acres of land across the Potomac from Washington, D.C. Only those who served the nation in combat are allowed burial in the Arlington National Cemetery. A visit to this hallowed ground honors those who lived, fought, and died in service to others.
Location
1 Memorial Ave, Arlington, Virginia 22211
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United States Botanic Garden
The United States Botanic Gardensits on the grounds of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. It is the oldest continually operating botanical garden in the nation and is open each day to the public. The sculpted park holds floral displays contributed by governments from around the world.
Location
100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
Museums
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National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery of Art and its attached sculpture garden is a museum located in the National Mall. Displays of paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs, and medals trace Western art's development from the Middle Ages to today. The museum sets the standard for art museums across the country.
Location
Constitution Avenue NW and 6th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
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National Museum of American History
Officially designated as the National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center, this national museum collects and displays artifacts pertinent to the United States' history. Its rotating displays include items from pre-Columbian times to the present. These exhibits include subjects as diverse as American inventions to military operations.
Location
Constitution Avenue NW and 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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White House Gifts
A trip to Washington, D.C., is not complete without a visit to White House Gifts. At this shop, you find political and historical memorabilia. These small items are the perfect keepsake to send to family and friends to commemorate your visit to the nation's capital.
Location
701 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
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CityCenterDC
CityCenterDC is a shopping mall in the center of Washington, D.C. The mall includes 44 shops of various types. Some are familiar national brands like Tiffany's.
Location
H Street NW and 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
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Founding Farmers—DC
Founding Farmers—DC prepares meals the old-fashioned way; they bake the bread, grind the meat, and hand-churn the butter. For those who want to experience the freshness of farm cooking, this restaurant brings the dough. It is a great place to start your day with buttermilk pancakes infused with blueberries, bananas, or chocolate chips.
Location
1924 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006
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Rasika
Rasika provides Indian cuisine for its guests. This restaurant is the perfect place to seek something different than traditional American cuisine in the nation's capital. Try their chicken tikka masala or the Goan shrimp curry for an authentic Indian meal.
Location
633 D St NW, Washington, DC 20004
How To Get To Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
To reach the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial from Baltimore, travel south out of Baltimore to find Maryland Highway 295 South (MD-295 S). Follow MD-295 S for 32.58 miles, and cross the border into the District of Columbia. Once in the District of Columbia, MD-295 S becomes District of Columbia Highway 295 South (DC-295 S). Drive DC-295 S for 3.9 miles, and take exit 1B-C to the right to get onto Interstate 695 (I-695). Go for 2.3 miles, and I-695 becomes Interstate 395 South (I-395 S). Drive I-395 S for about 1 mile, and turn left at Exit 2 toward Potomac Park. Go for 0.21 miles, and turn left to get onto Ohio Drive. Once on Ohio Drive, travel only 0.06 miles and then turn left onto East Basin Road. The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is 0.41 miles ahead.
The roads to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial are open year-round. The site itself is available 24 hours per day, every day.
Address
1850 West Basin Dr SW, Washington, DC 20002
Fee: Entry fee $0
The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is a place to visit, reflect, and admire the tenacity of humans who endure even in the harshest of times and environments. Taking an RV trip into Washington, D.C., lets you stay in comfort at a nearby RV campground while using a bus, taxi, car rental, or shuttle to tour the city. A trip in an RV to the nation's capital, and visiting places like this memorial, creates memories that last a lifetime for every family member.
