A fitting monument
Theodore Roosevelt Island, just west of Washington, is a unique Parkway stop. There's a traditional stone and bronze momument, but it's in the center of a 91-acre island, and the only way to see it is to cross a footbridge and hike in on the island's trails.
The island is allowed to grow wild -- a fitting memorial to Roosevelt, a famed outdoorsman who founded the National Forest Service during his presidency. Trails ring the island, and stretch inward toward the monument.
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The monument itself is huge, but spare by Washington standards. A bronze statue is flanked by two fountains, fed by well-hidden plumbing; behind the statue, four stone tablets immortalize Roosevelt's quotations on the subjects of manhood, nature, youth, and the state.
Roosevelt Island closes at dusk, which is wise -- the trails are secluded, sparsely populated (I counted half a dozen other people on a pleasant evening), and unlit. The only amenities are a few water fountains and a pair of restrooms.
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