National Mall NPS

Keeping in mind the summer heat and watching out for sudden thunderstorms, a short walk on the National Mall is a lovely opportunity to take a break and get some exercise. Here's the view on the Tidal Basin this afternoon. #WashingtonDC

How cool are these two!? Visitors to @NationalMallNPS often spot white squirrels frolicking on the National Mall. Eastern gray squirrels come in various colors and often display a mix of gray, brown, black, and cinnamon fur, but only occasionally white.

Protect yourself from the heat on your National Mall visit: 💧Bring a water bottle to help you stay hydrated. Drink lots of water. ☀️Apply sunscreen regularly. 🏛 Find some shade or an indoor area when needed. Have a safe & fun time in the park! #WashingtonDC

Temps & humidity begin to increase today, with summerlike heat & humidity in place Friday through the start of next week. Daily chances for showers and thunderstorms also return Friday through the weekend. A few strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible during this time.

The National Park Service App is like a park ranger in your pocket. Putting maps, trail descriptions, and interactive programs at your fingertips, you'll get more out of your visit to the National Mall and other NPS sites across the country. Get it here: nps.gov/subjects/digit…

Enjoy gorgeous views of our nation’s capital and experience a fascinating piece of American history by going to the top of the Washington Monument. Tickets are required and can be reserved online in advance or picked up in person daily. Get details here: nps.gov/wamo/planyourv…

The first major clash of the Civil War, the First Battle of Manassas was fought #OTD in 1861. Both sides expected a quick victory with little bloodshed, but the resulting death & destruction shocked the country. The Union defeat forced President Lincoln to plan for a long war.

A milestone in human history, #OTD in 1969, the crew of Apollo 11 landed on the Moon. In 2019, the Washington Monument served as the backdrop for “Apollo 50: Go for the Moon,” featuring a full-scale projection of the 363-ft tall Saturn V rocket on its stone walls. Did you see it?

On July 19, 1848, nearly 300 people attended the Seneca Falls Convention in New York to demand equal rights for women. Over the next 70 years, the fight for women’s rights continued, finally achieving the ratification of the 19th Amendment on August 18, 1920.

The African American Civil War Memorial in #WashingtonDC was dedicated 27 years ago today. Located at U Street & Vermont Ave, the memorial honors the more than 200,000 African American soldiers and sailors who served in the U.S. Army and Navy during the Civil War.

#OTD in 1862, President Lincoln signed the Second Confiscation Act & the Militia Act, authorizing the federal government to free any enslaved person in conquered rebel territory and allowing African American men to join the military. It was a timely boost to the Union war effort.

A Heat Advisory is in effect from 11AM to 8PM today for portions of the I-95 corridor. Heat index values around 105 are expected within the advisory. Showers and thunderstorms are possible today, mainly in the western portions of the forecast area.

This was the first official step towards the establishment of #WashingtonDC!

Civil rights activist, suffragist, and journalist Ida B. Wells-Barnett was born into slavery in Holly Springs, Mississippi #OTD in 1862. In addition to her tireless work for women's suffrage, she led a nationwide anti-lynching campaign & spent her life fighting for equal justice.

As large numbers of fresh American troops joined the lines, the Second Battle of the Marne began #OTD in 1918. After withstanding a brutal German attack, the Allies began the campaign that ultimately led to victory in World War I. Learn more at the World War I Memorial.

Can’t stop thinking about the Independence Day fireworks on America’s Front Yard? Us too! Just 354 days to go till the Semiquincentennial! Take a look at this year’s best highlights in our annual Best of Instagram July 4th Photo Gallery: nationalmall.org/fireworks-2025… Photo: Jodi Speth

Volunteering on the National Mall can be fun and rewarding! We're thankful for everyone who gives their time to help our park offer the best possible visitor experience. Check out our current volunteer opportunities: nps.gov/nama/getinvolv… #WashingtonDC #volunteer

The Battle of Fort Stevens was the only Civil War battle fought in #WashingtonDC. #OTD in 1864, President Lincoln visited the fort to observe the fighting and stood on the walls within range of Confederate sharpshooters. It ended with a Union victory.

In the summer of 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. released “Strength to Love,” a powerful collection of sermons shaped by his unwavering commitment to justice. Two quotes from the book were inscribed into the walls of his memorial on the National Mall. #WashingtonDC

Morning light breaks at Arlington National Cemetery, bringing moments of remembrance to these hallowed grounds.