Theodore Roosevelt Island is a national memorial located in the Potomac River in Washington DC. It honors the 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, who was a conservationist and a lover of nature. The island was designated as a memorial to him by Congress in 1932.
The island was once a neglected, overgrown farmland that was transformed into a natural forest by landscape architects in the 1930s. They planted native trees and shrubs to create a habitat for wildlife and a refuge for visitors.
To access the island, visitors have to park their cars on the Virginia side of the river and walk across a footbridge that offers scenic views of Georgetown, northern Virginia, and the Potomac River.
The island has a statue of President Roosevelt at the entrance, surrounded by four large granite tablets inscribed with his quotes on nature, manhood, youth, and the state. The rest of the island is mostly left in its wild state, with trails that loop around the island and offer glimpses of the river and the city.
The trail around the island is about 1.5 miles long and takes about 30 minutes to complete. It is an easy walk that is suitable for all ages and abilities. Along the way, visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the diverse flora and fauna of the island.
