Theodore Roosevelt Island

Washington's monument to our 26th president is hidden away on a 91-acre wooded island accessible only from the Virginia side of the river. Roosevelt Island offers several habitat types: hardwood forest, tidal marsh, and wooded swamp. There are trails running around the island, including a boardwalk through the marsh.

What to see: A good day in winter can produce six woodpecker species on the island. Other wintering species have included fox sparrow, winter wren, hermit thrush, and brown creeper. During migration, one can see a diverse array of warbler species, including prothonotary and yellow-throated warblers, both unusual for DC. In summer look for herons, osprey, and terns. Watch for red-shouldered hawks and wood ducks year-round.

By public transportation: Blue or Orange Line to the Rosslyn station. Then walk towards the Key Bridge. Just after crossing the George Washington Memorial Parkway, turn right onto the bicycle path, which will take you to the parking lot and foot bridge to Roosevelt Island.

By car: The parking lot for Roosevelt Island is accessible from the northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Virginia.