The Most Unique National Park You've Never Heard Of

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts is a one-of-a-kind National Park - literally. There is no other unit of the National Park System dedicated to the display, education, and interpretation of the performing arts. Largely the result of the visionary leadership of the late Catherine Filene Shouse, Wolf Trap is an extraordinary park with an extraordinary mission. Trust men, you will not want to miss out on the story of one of the most unique National Parks in America. Enjoy!
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Wolf Trap Foundation

[@___asd159gh43]

Love your content. I literally never would have heard of this without your video. Keep bringing new content and awareness to these awesome places!

[@NationalParkDiaries]

So glad to hear it, thanks so much for your support 😊

[@robertwidger6888]

There is another National Park for the arts (including the performing arts) in Cornish, New Hampshire. The Saint Gaudens National Historical Park has hosted a summer concert series since the 1950's before it was even a National Park service Unit. This concert series is sponsored and arranged by the Trustee of the Saint Gaudens Memorial the private non-profit that ran the site before the Park Service took over in 1966 and still exists as an auxiliary to the NPS. They also provide rotating art exabits in a dedicated building called the Picture Gallery The park also Leases part of the Beman Farm, which is part of the park, to a local performing art group called Opera North. They present musical theater & opera under a large "Circus" tent in July & August. Saint Gaudens NHP is the first National Park Service Unit dedicated to a visual artist and the performing arts there reflect his love of music and recreate the Sunday afternoon concerts he held in hi New York studio. (Saint Gaudens NHP ranger.)

[@NationalParkDiaries]

I've heard of Saint Gaudens, but had no idea the details you described! Sounds like a fantastic park and looking forward to a visit someday!

[@dustman96]

I am all about the nature, but I have to admit this is pretty awesome. Thanks for introducing me to this place.

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Glad to help and thanks for watching!

[@SeanA099]

I grew up in the area. I went to see a Weird Al concert there a couple years ago

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Now that'd be a good one to see!

[@paulwalsh2887]

Yes, Northern Virginia may look like an ordinary suburb, but it's chock-full of secret little gems like this. Lots of love for Wolf Trap. Great place to volunteer

[@NationalParkDiaries]

A great park indeed, thanks for volunteering!

[@xxplosive656]

Wolf Trap is a gem!

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Totally agreed!

[@zmarko]

What a beautiful venue!

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Agreed!

[@bymyhandsworked]

I've loved the park since college and it served as a significant part of our decision to live in Vienna. The one part you did miss was the Barns. This facility provides a smaller, more intimate winter performance area--sharing the informality of the Filene Center. Artists love performing at both centers--the systems are very up-to-date and the acoustics are expertly designed. Incidentally, this is the second Filene Center--the original burned down in 1982. It was rebuilt and as a result the site absolutely forbids cigarettes or any kind of flame.

[@NationalParkDiaries]

I heard about the Barns! I actually got to meet the venue manager from there. Seems like an incredible venue, but technically not owned or managed by the NPS. The Barns are entirely owned and operated by the Wolf Trap Foundation exclusively, which was why I didn't include them in the coverage of this story. Really cool though, and hoping to catch a show there at some point!

[@bymyhandsworked]

@@NationalParkDiaries I had no idea it was different ownership! The Barns are very close--immediately on the other side of the Toll Road, so I always thought it was on the same property (later bisected by a highway). We prefer to park there when visiting the Filene Center.

[@whoareyoulookingfor]

So fun to hear about such a special park so nearby to me! I often just drive through Wolf Trap, I never really stop there, so to be honest I didn't know much about this park at all. I'll have to go check it out and catch some shows! My boyfriend and I have been wanting to find new music venues and this sounds perfect- to go for a hike then chill enjoying some live music after :) I'm glad you had a good time on your trip to DC, too! I know I recommended the National Museum of Health and Medicine before, but I also forgot to recommend the Great Falls Park close to DC if you haven't been there! I believe the visitor center is still closed though.

[@TerrinX]

Make sure to check the gardens in the back, they're gorgeous (and I worked on them myself)

[@whoareyoulookingfor]

​@@TerrinX Oh, wonderful, thank you so much for the tip and for your work in tending the gardens!! 🌼💕 We're hoping to visit next time we go up that way 😄

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Definitely recommend a show, or several! It's a really special venue and a totally unique park. But yes, my DC trip was excellent, and I did take the time to go check out Great Falls - very impressive!

[@keeganvogl6293]

My first concert was at Wolf Trap. I rocked out to Peter, Paul and Mary's "Puff, the Magic Dragon". I was 5. Ive been back for a number of school field trips, and more recently saw the Steve Miller Band perform.

[@NationalParkDiaries]

That's such a throwback!

[@tompfeiffer2755]

I only heard of Wolf Trap myself a couple months ago. Attended a family function nearby and drove by the park. It's everything you presented. Thanks for bringing this out for everyone to see.

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Very cool! Were you able to see a performance? I think the park is a great recreational resource in its own right with the trail network, but I thoroughly enjoyed seeing a performance too!

[@tompfeiffer2755]

@@NationalParkDiaries Didn't get to a performance but our niece has been to many and said the experience was fantastic. New bucket list item for us.

[@matt45540]

You spoke about co-management here and how rare that is. Have you looked into xantera and how much they do for the national park service? They run all the concessions but from what I can tell there's a lot of additional services they provide like parking specifically at Mount Rushmore comes to mind

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Have heard of Xantera, but haven't looked into them too deeply. Technically, they would be a concessionaire, and not a full co-manager, which is an interesting topic by itself and very much worth looking into. Great question!

[@DARKCLOUDXERO]

Never heard of such an amazing and beautiful park before. And its back story makes it even better.

[@NationalParkDiaries]

It's a cool park, for sure! I hope you're able to make it there one day!

[@gtbkts]

Thanks for the awesome content and all the amazing videos!!!

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Thanks for watching!

[@cowboyfrankspersonalvideos8869]

Good coverage. Even I learned a bit. I use to live just 10 miles from Woolf Trap. In the mid 1970's I was technical director for a summer children's festival held throughout the park. We had 7 different stages with shows going on at each all weekend. In 2000, I almost became the webmaster for the park, but due to some political issues that didn't happen. The only important thing you left out was when the Filene center burned to the ground, I think it was in the late 70s but not sure of the date. At the time I was a volunteer firefighter living in Reston, but due to sickness I was unable to attend the fire to help out.

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Cool experience, thanks for sharing! I actually did learn about the Filene Center fires, but chose to exclude them from the video just because it wasn't immediately relevant to the story I was telling. Thanks for watching!

[@Tirani2]

I lived in the DC Metro area for 20 years, and went to many shows at Wolf Trap. It is absolutely as amazing a venue as you make it out to be. I'm sad I no longer live in the area and can't go to shows there anymore. Classical concerts, orchestral video game music, concerts, everything. It's amazing, and if anyone ever gets the chance, they should go to a show there.

[@NationalParkDiaries]

I was an immediate convert! I'm not really a concert guy, but Wolf Trap made me realize how much I love open air venues and introduced me to a new genre of music (jamgrass). Plus, it was all in a National Park - a bonus!

[@Tirani2]

@@NationalParkDiaries My favorite events there were the nights they would screen movies while the NSO played the score. For some really well-known classic movies, I would just lay back and listen to the music. Probably my most favorite movie screening was when they did The Princess Bride.

[@NationalParkDiaries]

@@Tirani2 I've been wanting to do this for so long!

[@kenlodge3399]

Very unique. Would never have heard of it without your channel. Thanks

[@NationalParkDiaries]

So glad I could help! Thanks for watching!

[@meganstahlberger608]

I'm glad you tell these types of stories!

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Thank you!

[@ericpierce3660]

That was really thorough and interesting, Professor Parks!

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Thanks for watching!

[@ETBrenner]

I have long heard of Wolftrap, though have never been. I do have fond memories of concerts at outdoor, more natural venues, though not a full on park as such. Most notably, Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra - I believe that makes it some flavor of private nonprofit, on a former estate with bits of the original formal gardens tucked in around the big lawn, going since the 1930s.

[@NationalParkDiaries]

I hope you're able to make it- it's a great venue and beautiful park!

[@keithstewart2639]

Thanks for your hard work

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheCriminalViolin]

I absolutely adore this place. Never heard of it is absolutely correct. But this is EXACTLY what I've always envisioned as the PERFECT amphitheater, and I sincerely believe every major metro area needs at least one, if not up to 3 or 4 depending on how massive it is in population and sprawl. Making them akin to this is just perfection. And ensuring they're also a park and multiple purpose is key as well. So when it's not hosting events, it's still accessible to the public, and community groups can opt to rent it out for cheap for their own meetings or events, too. You can use it for plays, films, comedy, concerts... so many different things. I find it odd that most venues only see themselves as for one or maybe two things. It's very limiting for no reason.

[@rogerlevasseur397]

I've known about it since the 1972 US postage stamp featuring Wolf Trap Farm was issued.

[@NationalParkDiaries]

If I remember correctly, that stamp was actually issued as a financing tool to rebuild the Filene Center from a fire? Could be wrong, but I think that's what it was for?

[@rogerlevasseur397]

@@NationalParkDiaries Google for 1972 national parks centennial stamp wolf trap. It's a 6 cent stamp, part of a set of stamps celebrating 100 years of US National Parks. It was sold by the Post Office for paying postage.

[@rogerlevasseur397]

@@NationalParkDiaries No, not a financing tool, a real, actual postage stamp issued by the US Postal Service in 1972 for paying for postage on mail, nothing else, and was part of a set of stamps celebrating 100 years of National Parks.

[@willn703]

I love going to see concerts at Wolf Trap.

[@NationalParkDiaries]

I can see why! A very special venue (and park)!

[@bryanCJC2105]

Wow! I had never heard of this park. It's a gorgeous venue. I'll have to make it a point to see a show there the next time I'm in DC. I wonder how they managed to get the Dulles Toll Road running through the property of a very wealthy and influential woman.

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Agreed on the venue - well worth a show there! Based on my research, the Dulles Toll Road was actually supposed to completely bisect the farm, but Mrs. Shouse leveraged here political connections to get it rerouted just South of it

[@IbexWatcher]

"Wolf Trap and Fireflies, what does it mean?" - Carbon Leaf

[@J.Battles]

I need to go back. I was too young to remember much, and I'm pretty sure we only visited the amphitheater.

[@NationalParkDiaries]

I hope you're able to make it, especially for a show! It's such a cool and unique venue, made all the cooler by being a National Park!

[@jinntakk]

Been all around DC area but have never heard of this place. Will have to check it out!

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Enjoy!

[@Tranitaur]

Great video, I’ve never heard of wolf trap. Have a good day

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Thanks and you too!

[@JeredtheShy]

Uh oh, I think I just learned a hippy secret I wasn't supposed to know.

[@tyjthomas25]

Blossom music center is surrounded by CVNP. This is just like wolf trap

[@stevelacher8092]

Also Red Rocks! Though that is a park and music venue owned by the city of Denver.

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Another great venue!

[@jessehughes8274]

Yeah, definitely never heard of it. Very cool!

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Glad I could help! Thanks for watching!

[@waterbuck]

It looks very much like the Mann Center in Philadelphia. Were they designed by the same architect?

[@user-ue8wq8ey2q]

I thought the same thing honestly

[@waterbuck]

@@user-ue8wq8ey2q They answer is yes. They were designed by the same architect. I went and did some digging.

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Good to know, thanks for sharing!

[@cynthiaspear-duncan7661]

Ohhhhhh, i love Jamgrass and all those bands. I have knowledge of the park. I just haven't been able to get there.

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Had never heard of jamgrass before, but have fallen in love since this concert! Probably would never have found it without this experience - yet another reminder for me of the opportunities and experiences parks have provided for me. Thanks for watching!

[@cynthiaspear-duncan7661]

@@NationalParkDiaries you need Infamous Stringdusters in your life too.

[@NationalParkDiaries]

@@cynthiaspear-duncan7661 noted!

[@dctraining407]

I heard of it but I'm from the DMV

[@pyeitme508]

Ww

[@thonbrocket2512]

I get the feeling a MAGA hat wouldn't go down too well thereabouts.

[@luminousveiws]

Performing artists and workers certainly lean left. But they are also stubborn and independent! No single ideology carries very far.

[@erictaylor5462]

While I am an enthusiastic supporter of the National Park system, and I believe that history and performing arts need to have places where they are preserved (historical battle fields for example) I don't see how Wolf Trap National Park should qualify as a National Park. The National Park system is about the preservation of a location's natural beauty for the enjoyment of all, the performing arts are *NOT* natural beauty. They are, man made and subjective in the extreme. The history of the National Park system began in California when what would become Yosemite National Park was set aside for the preservation of it's natural beauty under the direction of the State of California. Yosemite Stated out as a State Park but it later became a National Park after the NPS was established when they wanted to set aside the Yellowstone area to preserve its natural beauty but at the time there was no State government to oversee the park, and the National government took that role. While I think Wolf Trap should be set aside for preservation, it doesn't seem to qualify as a National Park. There is a place in the city of Martinez, Ca called the John Muir National Historic Site. I'm going to assume you know all about John Muir, because if you've never heard of him, then I'm just going to have to unsubscribe. If you have a channel dedicated to the NPS, yet you've no idea who John Muir was, then I'm not sure I can trust your content. 😜😜 It seems that this particular place should be a National Historic Site, or perhaps a National Monument. I mean, if a house where John Muir once lived only qualifies as a National Historic Site, then how can Wolf Creek qualify as a National Park? That *IS* just my opinion, and what the hell do I know. I just found your channel, so I'm eagerly off to explore it some more. I really hope I don't find out you've not heard of John Muir before now though. If you haven't, can you at least pretend you have. I don't feel I can take such disappointment today.

[@NationalParkDiaries]

So, I think I can clear up some of the confusion here right away: Wolf Trap is not technically classified as an actual "National Park," but IS protected under the National Park System under a different type of designation (like the National Historic Sites and battlefields you mentioned). In fact, Wolf Trap is the only NPS unit to carry the "National Park for the Performing Arts" designation, hence the "one-of-a-kind" wording used in this video. In other words, Wolf Trap is not considered one of our 63 "National Parks" in America, but is still protected by the National Park Service. I actually have a whole video on the different designations used by the NPS, if you're interested. And yes, I've heard of John Muir 😉

[@katieandkevinsears7724]

I'm sorry, but this never deserved National Park status. Some rich politically connected heiress just didn't want her farm sold to developers when she died.

[@skybluskyblueify]

A depressing name for a national park. Otherwise it sounds nice for a double treat of nature and arts.

[@scottcampbell6360]

Agreed!

[@NationalParkDiaries]

The origins of the park name are actually from an old State of Virginia wolf bounty program, which I only found out during researching this video, and is indeed unfortunate. But, I actually think it's a good thing that the park is able to repurpose that name and associate with all of the incredible things the park is doing today!