Originally known as Wolf Trap Farm Park, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts is something very special. Established in 1966, Wolf Trap is the first national park devoted to the performing arts. For nearly 250 years, the name "Wolf Trap" has been part of Virginia's rich history. Donated by Catherine Filene Shouse as a retreat from the hustle and bustle of Washington D.C., this park offers visitors, not only natural beauty at its best, but a place to appreciate the arts.
The Park
Wolf Trap is located in Vienna, Virginia, a D.C. suburb, on 117 acres of land. This park is characterized by its beautiful, green rolling hills, upland forests, and pleasant climate. Wolf Trap Creek winds through the park and is joined by a small tributary, Old Courthouse Branch. Pastures, small fields, and some wetland can be observed on the many acres of Wolf Trap.
The Filene Center
The Filene Center is Wolf Trap's largest venue. And for good reason! It is world-renown for its magnificent performances. The Filene Center is a huge, open-air performing arts pavilion that holds over 7,000 people. It offers both in-house seats and less-expensive lawn seats. The Filene Center hosts live performances such as rock concerts, plays, operas, and educational programs for people of all ages and economical ranges. The Center's mission is to ensure that the arts remain accessible and affordable to all audiences.
Wildlife
A lot of different types of wildlife make their home in the 65 acres of forest, wetlands, and streams Wolf Trap has to offer. No one knows exactly each and every plant and animal that live in Wolf Trap, but researchers are finding out this information as we speak. Some species, however, have been identified.
• Mammals: Whitetail deer, chipmunks, foxes, raccoons, beavers, rodents, and groundhogs all make the forests and hills of Wolf Trap their home.
• Birds: Blue jays, mockingbirds, woodpeckers, crows, and cardinals live in the tall trees of Wolf Trap.
• Fish: Eels, bluegill, sunfish, minnow, and chub have been found in the lakes and ponds.
Operating Hours
Wolf Trap National Park is open from 7:00am to dusk each and every day. However, when an event is held in the Filene Center, the park itself is off-limits to visitors. The Filene Center is open May through September.
Not only known for its beauty, Wolf Trap is an artist's delight. Originally offered as a gift to the American people, Wolf Trap is now a national park that is dedicated to the performing arts. Simply stroll the rolling hills observing songbirds and chipmunks. Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts is a wonderful place to take the whole family.
Spend an afternoon wandering the rolling hills of Wolf Trap. Then, in the evening, enjoy some relaxation on the comfortable lawn, listening to one of the many splendid concerts Wolf Trap holds in the Filene Center. One thing is for certain about Wolf Trap: a day at the park will never be forgotten. This place is definitely to be taken into consideration when planning the upcoming weekend or the whole holiday.