The Remarkable Story of the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

One of our nation’s most beautiful theaters, the Wolf Trap Farm Park (as it was originally called), was built to conform to nature and, ensconced into the deep evergreen forest, appears majestically through the trees as if it was always there.

A National Park Dedicated to the Performing Arts

The first and only US National Park dedicated to the performing arts, the inaugural performance was held at Wolf Trap’s Filene Center in 1971. Over the coming seasons, Wolf Trap hosted concerts by the United States Marine Band, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, the National Symphony Orchestra, and many more.

Tragedy struck in 1982 when a fast-moving fire burnt the center to the ground. The response to the fire was overwhelming: Congress granted $9 million to rebuild the center, and donors from 47 other states and five countries donated $29 million more. In 1984, the Wolf Trap National Park For The Performing Arts announced that the rebirth of the Filene Center was complete.

The new center is larger than the original, accommodates 7,208 audience members, and was constructed with better, fire-repellant materials and state-of-the-art acoustics. Each summer, the Filene Center hosts over 80 shows, ranging from rock concerts to operas and every musical styling in between. As the heart of the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, the Filene Center is a reminder of the determination of many to preserve the performing arts and the theaters that house them. A few upcoming performances for the summer 2025 season include Paul Simon, Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band, Barenaked Ladies, “Weird Al” Yankovic, and the National Symphony Orchestra.

The Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts is an easy destination if you’d like to support this national theater treasure. The journey to Vienna, where the Filene Center is housed, is about 30 minutes by car from Washington, DC.

A Wolf Trap Road Trip Itinerary

If you want to combine more travel and sightseeing experiences with your visit to Wolf Trap, take a road trip!

Start at Virginia Beach to enjoy an oceanfront boardwalk and sun-filled vacation, then head north to Williamsburg—about an hour’s drive. Stop at Busch Gardens Williamsburg or Water Country USA (or both!) and enjoy the rollercoasters, waterslides, and other fun family activities. About ten miles from Williamsburg, you’ll find the historic Jamestown Settlement, where you and your children will hear stories of the first settlers and see recreations of three ships that brought the colonists to the US: Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery.

After leaving the Williamsburg area, head up to Fredericksburg—just under two hours’ driving time. Check out the local eateries, like Tito’s Diner, for delicious food and great atmosphere. Drive just an hour north from here, and you’ll arrive at the Filene Center at Wolf Trap. Want to stay overnight? You might love the Fairfax Marriott at Fair Oaks, which has relatively moderate pricing and many fantastic reviews. If you’re looking for a more upscale option, head to the Archer Hotel in Falls Church. There, you’ll find luxurious guest rooms and suites, a hotel bar, and much more.

When you consider the beauty of the Filene Center and the remarkable story that rebuilt it over the years, perhaps you’ll also enjoy the experiences on the road and in the performances you view, knowing the true value of this National Park jewel.

About the Author

Lynnae Bloom loves to travel when she is not behind her computer desk in her day job. Her favorite destinations are hot springs, especially in winter where she can finally find time to read her long list of books. She loves the pause nature gives her and the quiet stillness.

Featured image by Famartin on Wikimedia Commons.