Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site

Things To Do Near Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site

On particular days, you can join park rangers on a 19-room Mary McLeod Bethune Council House tour in the Logan Circle neighborhood. See the home that Marshall Field III helped Mary McLeod Bethune purchase in 1843. Learn how she lived in the home while starting the National Council of Negro Women. The organization remained in the house until it was damaged in 1966 by a fire. Learn how supporters raised funds to restore the home after it laid dormant for 11 years and hear the story of people like Dr. Bettye Collier-Thomas; the latter worked tirelessly to see that it became the first museum and archives dedicated solely to collecting, preserving, and interpreting African American women's history. 

Hiking Trails

• Cross Country Trail

  The Cross Country Trail starts at the Potomac River at Difficult Run within Great Falls National Park. It runs through northern Virginia's hardwood forests as it meanders along streams in Fairfax County, Virginia. It passes through Laurel Hill Park and other sites until reaching the Occoquan River. 

  Location

  Difficult Run, Great Falls National Park, 9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, Virginia 22102

  Length

  40 miles

  Intensity

  Difficult

• Burke Lake Park

  The relatively flat rail at Burke Lake Park runs 4.5 miles around the lake. It passes by the lake's dam and several trees. This hike is beautiful in the evening when the sun is setting. The trail is mostly gravel, but it has been left natural in some places. 

  Location

  Burke Lake, 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, Virginia 22039

  Length

  4.5 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Catoctin National Recreation Trail

  The Catoctin National Recreation Trail runs for 26.5 miles along the easternmost slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Frederick County, Maryland. You can see several historic districts, including Camp Greentop and Camp Misty Mound, as you hike along this trail that skirts several lakes and streams. This trail starts in Catoctin Mountain Park and runs through Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks. 

  Location

  14707 Park Central Road, Thurmont, Maryland 21788

  Length

  26.5 miles

  Intensity

  Difficult

Sightseeing

• Studio Theater

  Since 1978, theatergoers have enjoyed watching shows at Studio Theater. There are four theaters, including a Black Box theater. Often, shows that were just on Broadway are staged at this location. 

  Location

  14707 Park Central Road, Thurmont, Maryland 21788

• Logan Circle Park

  View the statue of John A. Logan in Logan Circle. He was a Union general and a United States senator. There are also reliefs telling you about his life. This park is a great place to relax and read a book. 

  Location

  Logan Cir Northwest, Washington, DC 20005

• Harpers Ferry Adventure Center

  Harpers Ferry Adventure Center, located where the Shenandoah and Potamic rivers meet, is a great place to go river rafting. You can also go tubing at this location. Enjoy a treetop adventure on the high-ropes course or while ziplining. 

  Location

  37410 Adventure Center Lane, Purcellville, Virginia 20132

Museums

• O Street Museum

  There are over 100 rooms and 70 secret doors at the O Street Museum. This museum focuses on exploring the creative process, and special events are almost a daily occurrence. Over 60 signed Gibson guitars are on display, including ones signed by Les Paul, U2, The Eagles, Bob Dylan, and Rolling Stones. There are over 30,000 objects on display in all, covering all types of art media. 

  Location

  2020 O Street Northwest, Washington, DC, 20036

• Old Korean Legation Museum

  The first and second floors of this house museum have been restored to resemble their appearance during the Joseon dynasty and the Korean Empire. That period ended in 1905. The house became a museum after the Cultural Heritage Administration and the National Trust for Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Korea repurchased the home in 2012. The third floor of this house contains artifacts about the relationship between the United States and the Korean government at the end of the 19th century.

  Location

  1500 13th St. Northwest, Washington, DC 20005

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Salt and Sundry

  Pamper yourself with beauty products from Salt and Sundry. Then, decorate your home with their wide assortment of housewares for every room. You can also find cute cards and stationery at this location. 

  Location

  1625 14th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20005

• West Elm

  Add a new vibe to your RV or an apartment by shopping at West Elm. They offer rugs, bedding, art, mirrors, and many things for your living space. Use their design team to help you create the perfect space. Then, select from their assortment of outdoor living and garden items. 

  Location

  1728 14th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20009

• Le Diplomate

  Choose to dine at the raw bar or on the French-inspired menu at Le Diplomate. Their duck is delicious, or try the lighter foie gras mousse. This restaurant also serves a fabulous weekend brunch. 

  Location

  1601 14th Street, Northwest, Washington, DC 20009

• Estadio

  Try the small plate selections featuring different regions of Spain when dining at Estadio. Enjoy lunch, dinner, or the weekend brunch at this restaurant. You will love the creative food presentations at this restaurant, which is also a great place to watch people. 

  Location

  1520 14th St Northwest, Washington, DC 20005

How To Get To Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site

If you are visiting the U.S. Capitol, it is easy to get to Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site as it is only about 2.7 miles away. Head north on First Street Northwest and turn left on Constitution Avenue Northwest. Turn right on 14th Street Northwest and stay on 14th Street Northwest at the traffic circle by taking the third exit. Stay right to get on Vermont Avenue Northwest. Your destination is on your left. Washington, D.C., stays busy throughout the year, but springtime can be a perfect time to visit this site. The temperatures are usually moderate, and the nearby cherry trees are beautiful. 

Address

1318 Vermont Ave Northwest, Washington, DC 20005

Fee: Entry fee $0

Bringing your RV to Washington, D.C., is a great way to explore the city, including the Logan Circle neighborhood, where you will find most of these businesses and attractions. If you do not have an RV, then rent one on RVshare.com. You will love exploring this site where Mary McLeod Bethune lived during the end of her life. One of the first black women to be formally educated, she became a schoolteacher, college president, and started the National Council of Negro Women.