Mary McLeod Bethune achieved her greatest recognition at the Washington, DC townhouse that is now this National Historic Site. The Council House was the first headquarters of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and was Bethune’s last home in Washington, DC. From here, Bethune and the NCNW spearheaded strategies
Free — you won’t need your pass here.
Free entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
- Fee type No fee — No fee is charged here.
- HoursThe Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS is open to the public for ranger-guided tours Wednesday – Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact 771-208-1583 · mamc_visitorservices@nps.gov
From Baltimore and Points North: Take the Baltimore-Washington Parkway south to US Route 50 west (which becomes New York Avenue). Take New York Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue and continue west. Turn right onto 13th Street. Go one block and turn left onto 'N' Street. Go another block and turn right o
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
No Is there a fee at Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site?
No — it’s free to enter, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — hiking is one of the listed activities at Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Depends What are the hours?
The Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS is open to the public for ranger-guided tours Wednesday – Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Nearby sites
NPS National Park Service Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
NPS / Liz Macro National Park Service African American Civil War Memorial
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
