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Parks & Recreation

Gulf Branch Nature Center & Park

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3608 North Military Rd Arlington, VA 22207

Maps Directions Transit Parking

Parking: Limited

Nature Center Hours of Operation
Closed Sunday - Wednesday
Open Thursday - Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Park and trails open sunrise to sunset, 7 days/week

Nature Center Map, Park Map

Visit Gulf Branch on Facebook

703-228-3403
TTY: 711
Inclement Weather Line: 703-228-4715

Learn Park Rules and Regulations. And remember, please don't smoke in our parks.

About this Nature Center

Our nature centers are nestled in lovely park settings and are staffed with friendly and knowledgeable people. They provide interpretive environmental education programs for all ages and for a wide variety of audiences including small groups.

Programs

  • View available activities at Gulf Branch. Center staff provide year-round programming for community members of all ages and abilities. Seasonal festivals and special events are also a highlight!
  • Request a naturalist-led program  for your school, scout troop, preschool, etc. Many of our school programs have been aligned with VDOE’s Science Standards of Learning. To request a program, call 703-228-3403 or email gulfbranch@arlingtonva.us. Requested programs for private groups are temporarily unavailable.

Features

Displays on natural and cultural history, live animal exhibits, a pollinator garden, trails to the Potomac River, a vernal pond, the stream, a campfire ring, and a restored log cabin.

History

Gulf Branch Nature Center has been a part of the Arlington community for more than 50 years! Gulf Branch was Arlington’s first nature center.  Since 1966, nature center staff have provided environmental education and nature programming to Arlington residents of all ages.

Blacksmiths at Gulf Branch

The Blacksmiths Guild of Potomac operates the forge at Gulf Branch and meets the first and third Friday at 7:30 p.m. Meetings are free and open to the public. The guild also shares its craft at Gulf Branch special events and programs.

Celebrate Your Birthday

Children ages 4 and up will love this chance to go wild on their birthdays. Parties include the use of our classroom for three hours and a live animal show with a naturalist, featuring your choice of turtles, snakes or frogs. We also provide trail maps, scavenger hunts, and more ideas for naturally fun activities. Download the flyer for more info. To request a date for your party, call 703-228-3403 or email gulfbranch@arlingtonva.us. Birthday parties are temporarily unavailable.