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
Northern Virginia resident here! Even in an area that has a number of awesome outdoor venues (Merriweather Post Pavilion, Jiffy Lube Live Ampitheater) Wolf Trap stands out as something special.
I knew that immediately as well! You can tell it's a really special place and the NPS and Wolf Trap Foundation do an excellent job there. What a resource for the NPS, but also for the locals of the area!
The house I grew up in was a 10 minute walk from Wolf Trap, so naturally we went multiple times a summer. I somehow thought this was a perfectly normal thing to have right next to your house for much longer than I should have.
What a treat! And an excellent resource for the locals. During my visit, I could tell that a lot of people were locals who come to multiple shows throughout the season and it really felt like a community
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.
Northern Virginia resident and we love Wolf Trap! We try to go every summer and we've taken advantage of Children's Theater in the Woods. One of my favorite concerts there was Ingrid Michaelson.
I've gotten sing here as part of the winter singalong!! My choir in high school (and I believe they still make this trip every year to this day) joined a bunch of other groups on stage to sing christmas carols in front of a crowd. We did twice in a row, then covid hit so my senior year we didn't get to make our trip, but the two times I got to do it were very fun!! :))
Wow, that must have been really special to perform there! The venue is gorgeous from an audience perspective, but I can only imagine what it looks and feels like as a performer!
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.
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!
@@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.
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.
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!
as someone who grew up in Northern VA for most of my childhood, its wild to imagine people might've never heard of Wolf Trap. I only went a few times but there's lots of radio commercials and such about it so there's no way to not at least know it exists if you live within like 50 miles
I just moved to Manassas from Blacksburg, and I honestly think I only heard of it once! It should definitely be more known! Now that I live right near it I've been hearing it mentioned much more.
I grew up adjacent to the park and live here once again. Our neighborhood, Shouse Village, was land that Mrs Shouse sold to a developer. In the early 70s, there were still cows grazing nearby. Even though this adjacent land was developed with residential housing, it still bears Mrs Shouse’s mark, as the streets (aside from two named after Shouse and Filene) all are named after composers or musical instruments: Sibelius, Chopin, Schubert, Cello, Tuba, Baritone, etc. We can hear the music on concert nights, especially when there is cloud cover.
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.
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!
@@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.
Wolf Trap is one of the few things in DC I haven't personally done yet, but this motivated me to do so, the venue is magical. Honestly just another reason why DC is the best place in the US.
I’ve lived in Fairfax County my whole life, and Wolf Trap is fabulous. I’ve seen The Warped Tour, Barry Manilow, Wilson Philips, and Weird Al Yankovic there. It’s a great venue.
I *_have_* heard of this. As a kid, I was there! Journey, composed by Austin Wintory, was being live conducted... by NONE OTHER THAN AUSTIN WINTORY HIMSELF! I screamed when he showed up. I had no idea he was even a part of the event!
As a Baltimore resident I knew of Wolf Trap but it always seemed a little far to go for concerts. I did know people who went to shows there however I mostly went to concerts at Merriweather Post Pavillion since it was closer and similar outdoor layout. I now live about 15mins away from Wolf Trap and love going there! I went for the first time last summer to see Tori Amos and this year with my husband to see Trombone Shorty and Big Boi from Outkast. It was husbands first time attending show there even though he grew up nearby. Next summer we will be seeing Weird Al there with our daughter. She is still very young but I am excited about taking her to the children's programs they have on offer there. It's a very beautiful space and I was beyond grateful they had a shuttle service for people with mobility issues (there's a bit of a hill between the parking lot and concert venue and at the time of the Trombone Shorty show I was very pregnant 😅)
So glad to hear this, and that you are turning Wolf Trap into a multi-generational experience! These are the park stories I love to hear about - thanks for sharing!
If you are from Virginia and a fan of the performing arts, Wolf Trap holds a special place in your heart. I saw my first show there at 4 years old. Doesn’t matter your age or genre preference. Wolf Trap has something for you.
@@NationalParkDiaries thank you for this video. In case you are interested in another wolf trap video idea. I think a lot of us would be interested in a video on how the amphitheater was built to make the most out of the natural acoustics of wood. Since that is also part of what gives Wolf Trap its unique aesthetics
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.
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!
I’ve seen many shows at Wolftrap including the NSO performing the 1812 overture. You can also see live musicians play the soundtrack of popular movies like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Avatar.
I have seen only two shows at Wolf Trap so far (a National Symphony Orchestra performance that featured Itzhak Perlman as a soloist and an Idina Menzel concert), but I would love to see more. Truly, there's something magical about attending performances there; I think I especially realized it during the NSO performance when they'd finish a piece and, in the second of silence before the applause, you could hear the sounds of crickets and wind and perhaps some soft birdsong. A very special experience.
Perfectly put. There is indeed a specialness to attending shows there, something I got to witness firsthand earlier this year. I can see why it gets so much praise!
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.)
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
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!
NotJeff here. Although I used to watch the concerts from Wolf Trap on PBS as a kid, I had no idea that it was an NPS unit. Wish we had something similar on the West Coast, maybe as part of the Golden Gate NRA or the Presidio.
I've heard of it, course, grew up within walking distance 😁😁 Bought a ticket for Eliane Elias in November at the barns. One minor fly in the ointment, the Dulles airport access road split her property in two. Ms Shouse attempted to have the access road re-routed over neighboring properties, but that was denied mainly for simple engineering reasons, it was in a basin between low hills any change would go over the hills which is not ideal. The "idea" came after this split, Dulles airport was created in 1962 as you presented it here, Wolf Trap Farm Park was established in 1966. This is not a coincidence. I have no insight into her thinking process, maybe it goaded her into thinking about the future and what would happen to her refuge and possibly the idea for the park as she realized even wealthy people cannot hold property in some circumstances...but the government can. And far be it for me to add a little bile this video, I have benefitted from it greatly - saw John Denver five years running - and the fortuitous outcome of all of this. Alls well that ends well.
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.
Been there several times! Seen all sorts of stuff, Ziggy Marley, Gorillaz, Garrison Keillor, and a concert of Pokemon music! Would love to go back sometime.
I've always wanted to see a pop culture concert, like a movie score or something like that, and I think Wolf Trap would be a great venue for it! Love the idea of a Pokemon concert as well!
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.
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
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.
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 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 😄
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!
Very interesting. I’ve attended many performances at Wolf Trap, but never knew the back story. One thing though, you kept mispronouncing Filene. Emphasis is on the first syllable and it’s a long ‘I’.
There used to be! The Wolf Trap Creek, which runs right through the park, takes its name from a state-sponsored wolf trapping bounty program in Virginia. It's an sad history to be sure, but I like how the park today has transformed the name into something positive.
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!
Weller Rd Elementary in Maryland used to take field trips there when I attended '89-'93. I only went once because I was so pissed the first time I went and found out there were NO DAMN WOLVES. I was 6.
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?
@@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.
@@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.
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!
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.
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.
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 😉
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
A great park indeed, thanks for volunteering!
Northern Virginia resident here! Even in an area that has a number of awesome outdoor venues (Merriweather Post Pavilion, Jiffy Lube Live Ampitheater) Wolf Trap stands out as something special.
I knew that immediately as well! You can tell it's a really special place and the NPS and Wolf Trap Foundation do an excellent job there. What a resource for the NPS, but also for the locals of the area!
Jiffy lube has awful parking, though. We left a Post Malone concert at like 1:00am because of how terrible the system is
The house I grew up in was a 10 minute walk from Wolf Trap, so naturally we went multiple times a summer. I somehow thought this was a perfectly normal thing to have right next to your house for much longer than I should have.
What a treat! And an excellent resource for the locals. During my visit, I could tell that a lot of people were locals who come to multiple shows throughout the season and it really felt like a community
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.
That's such a throwback!
Northern Virginia resident and we love Wolf Trap! We try to go every summer and we've taken advantage of Children's Theater in the Woods. One of my favorite concerts there was Ingrid Michaelson.
Such a good resource for you all! I hope to make it up there more!
I grew up in the area. I went to see a Weird Al concert there a couple years ago
Now that'd be a good one to see!
My son and I went to a Molly Tuttle / Nitty Gritty Dirt Band concert there a few weeks ago. Great show, great venue.
We will be seeing Weird Al there next year! We can't wait😊
I still live in this area!
That concert was a blast! My buddy got us seats in the upper deck.
Love your content. I literally never would have heard of this without your video. Keep bringing new content and awareness to these awesome places!
So glad to hear it, thanks so much for your support 😊
I've gotten sing here as part of the winter singalong!! My choir in high school (and I believe they still make this trip every year to this day) joined a bunch of other groups on stage to sing christmas carols in front of a crowd. We did twice in a row, then covid hit so my senior year we didn't get to make our trip, but the two times I got to do it were very fun!! :))
Wow, that must have been really special to perform there! The venue is gorgeous from an audience perspective, but I can only imagine what it looks and feels like as a performer!
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.
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!
@@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.
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.
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!
@@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.
as someone who grew up in Northern VA for most of my childhood, its wild to imagine people might've never heard of Wolf Trap. I only went a few times but there's lots of radio commercials and such about it so there's no way to not at least know it exists if you live within like 50 miles
I just moved to Manassas from Blacksburg, and I honestly think I only heard of it once! It should definitely be more known! Now that I live right near it I've been hearing it mentioned much more.
I grew up adjacent to the park and live here once again. Our neighborhood, Shouse Village, was land that Mrs Shouse sold to a developer. In the early 70s, there were still cows grazing nearby. Even though this adjacent land was developed with residential housing, it still bears Mrs Shouse’s mark, as the streets (aside from two named after Shouse and Filene) all are named after composers or musical instruments: Sibelius, Chopin, Schubert, Cello, Tuba, Baritone, etc. We can hear the music on concert nights, especially when there is cloud cover.
It's an amazing neighborhood to walk through during cherry blossom season!
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.
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!
@@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.
@@Tirani2 I've been wanting to do this for so long!
Wolf Trap is one of the few things in DC I haven't personally done yet, but this motivated me to do so, the venue is magical. Honestly just another reason why DC is the best place in the US.
Love to hear it, enjoy your show!
What a beautiful venue!
Agreed!
I’ve lived in Fairfax County my whole life, and Wolf Trap is fabulous. I’ve seen The Warped Tour, Barry Manilow, Wilson Philips, and Weird Al Yankovic there. It’s a great venue.
I live near wolf trap and see concerts there regularly! Very cool place.
Such a good resource for locals!
It’s amazing how it’s a 15 minute drive from my childhood home.
I *_have_* heard of this. As a kid, I was there! Journey, composed by Austin Wintory, was being live conducted... by NONE OTHER THAN AUSTIN WINTORY HIMSELF! I screamed when he showed up. I had no idea he was even a part of the event!
Another Wintory fan spotted! 👌 Wish I was there!
We love Wolf Trap! Been enjoying it since I was a child. Thank you for the history. So well done and interesting!
Thanks so much for watching, glad you enjoyed it!
As a Baltimore resident I knew of Wolf Trap but it always seemed a little far to go for concerts. I did know people who went to shows there however I mostly went to concerts at Merriweather Post Pavillion since it was closer and similar outdoor layout.
I now live about 15mins away from Wolf Trap and love going there! I went for the first time last summer to see Tori Amos and this year with my husband to see Trombone Shorty and Big Boi from Outkast. It was husbands first time attending show there even though he grew up nearby.
Next summer we will be seeing Weird Al there with our daughter. She is still very young but I am excited about taking her to the children's programs they have on offer there.
It's a very beautiful space and I was beyond grateful they had a shuttle service for people with mobility issues (there's a bit of a hill between the parking lot and concert venue and at the time of the Trombone Shorty show I was very pregnant 😅)
So glad to hear this, and that you are turning Wolf Trap into a multi-generational experience! These are the park stories I love to hear about - thanks for sharing!
Every show I have seen here has been amazing.
No doubt, it's a great venue! Really enjoyed my show and can't wait to go back!
i saw Video Games Live and West Side Story here. it was a recurring element of my childhood. thank you for sharing
Wolf Trap is a gem!
Totally agreed!
As a little kid I was always very concerned that there were wolves and traps there 😂 It's a great venue with beautiful pathways
Once upon a time there were both! But none today lol
One of my favorite venues ❤
Thanks for the awesome content and all the amazing videos!!!
Thanks for watching!
If you are from Virginia and a fan of the performing arts, Wolf Trap holds a special place in your heart. I saw my first show there at 4 years old. Doesn’t matter your age or genre preference. Wolf Trap has something for you.
Well said!
@@NationalParkDiaries thank you for this video. In case you are interested in another wolf trap video idea. I think a lot of us would be interested in a video on how the amphitheater was built to make the most out of the natural acoustics of wood. Since that is also part of what gives Wolf Trap its unique aesthetics
That was really thorough and interesting, Professor Parks!
Thanks for watching!
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.
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!
Very unique. Would never have heard of it without your channel. Thanks
So glad I could help! Thanks for watching!
Born and raised in the DMV, I remember seeing Pirates of Penzance there when I was a kid, fun place!!
I’ve seen many shows at Wolftrap including the NSO performing the 1812 overture. You can also see live musicians play the soundtrack of popular movies like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Avatar.
I really want to come up and do a movie soundtrack concert there now!
I grew up here too! Saw Culture Club there in 2013 or 14 and it was amazing!
Never heard of such an amazing and beautiful park before. And its back story makes it even better.
It's a cool park, for sure! I hope you're able to make it there one day!
I'm glad you tell these types of stories!
Thank you!
I have seen only two shows at Wolf Trap so far (a National Symphony Orchestra performance that featured Itzhak Perlman as a soloist and an Idina Menzel concert), but I would love to see more.
Truly, there's something magical about attending performances there; I think I especially realized it during the NSO performance when they'd finish a piece and, in the second of silence before the applause, you could hear the sounds of crickets and wind and perhaps some soft birdsong. A very special experience.
Perfectly put. There is indeed a specialness to attending shows there, something I got to witness firsthand earlier this year. I can see why it gets so much praise!
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.)
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!
Thanks for your hard work
Thanks for watching!
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
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!
Wolf Trap is my happy place. I've seen multiple shows through the years there, most recently the Washington ballet.
Such a cool place. Can't wait to go back and see more shows there!
Home sweet home! I love Wolf Trap!
I never thought about it growing up but wolf trap really is unique. I’ve gone there more times than I can count it’s an incredible place
Very unique park for sure - I had a blast exploring it and experiencing it!
Uh oh, I think I just learned a hippy secret I wasn't supposed to know.
NotJeff here. Although I used to watch the concerts from Wolf Trap on PBS as a kid, I had no idea that it was an NPS unit. Wish we had something similar on the West Coast, maybe as part of the Golden Gate NRA or the Presidio.
I love going to see concerts at Wolf Trap.
I can see why! A very special venue (and park)!
I grew up in the DC area. Wolf Trap is a place I haven’t visited yet even though I would love to come here.
Blossom music center is surrounded by CVNP. This is just like wolf trap
I've heard of it, course, grew up within walking distance 😁😁 Bought a ticket for Eliane Elias in November at the barns. One minor fly in the ointment, the Dulles airport access road split her property in two. Ms Shouse attempted to have the access road re-routed over neighboring properties, but that was denied mainly for simple engineering reasons, it was in a basin between low hills any change would go over the hills which is not ideal. The "idea" came after this split, Dulles airport was created in 1962 as you presented it here, Wolf Trap Farm Park was established in 1966. This is not a coincidence.
I have no insight into her thinking process, maybe it goaded her into thinking about the future and what would happen to her refuge and possibly the idea for the park as she realized even wealthy people cannot hold property in some circumstances...but the government can. And far be it for me to add a little bile this video, I have benefitted from it greatly - saw John Denver five years running - and the fortuitous outcome of all of this. Alls well that ends well.
Saw Gordon Lightfoot in the 1970s with my husband - birthday surprise for him since Lightfoot was his favorite singer. Beautiful park!
Agreed!
I went to a Lindsey Stirling concert here, I didn't know it was so special!!! it was a very cool vibe
"Wolf Trap and Fireflies, what does it mean?" - Carbon Leaf
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.
I hope you're able to make it- it's a great venue and beautiful park!
Been there several times! Seen all sorts of stuff, Ziggy Marley, Gorillaz, Garrison Keillor, and a concert of Pokemon music! Would love to go back sometime.
I've always wanted to see a pop culture concert, like a movie score or something like that, and I think Wolf Trap would be a great venue for it! Love the idea of a Pokemon concert as well!
I am all about the nature, but I have to admit this is pretty awesome. Thanks for introducing me to this place.
Glad to help and thanks for watching!
Been all around DC area but have never heard of this place. Will have to check it out!
Enjoy!
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.
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
I lived not too far from there and did not know it existed. If I get back east again, I will go there.
I hope you can - it's an amazing venue!
Great video, I’ve never heard of wolf trap. Have a good day
Thanks and you too!
Filene's basement was awesome back in the day.
A smaller venue is all present there: The Barns at Wolf Trap. Very interesting structure.
Fun fact: The Barns at Wolf Trap are not part of the NPS property! They are managed entirely by the Wolf Trap Foundation exclusively!
I need to go back. I was too young to remember much, and I'm pretty sure we only visited the amphitheater.
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!
Yeah, definitely never heard of it. Very cool!
Glad I could help! Thanks for watching!
lol that’s where will Graham lived in Hannibal . I’ve been it’s so pretty
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.
There is a similar venue at Bethel, NY, maybe two hours north west of NYC, but not a big as Wolf Trap.
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.
Make sure to check the gardens in the back, they're gorgeous (and I worked on them myself)
@@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 😄
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!
This is near me I love going to events here
Very interesting. I’ve attended many performances at Wolf Trap, but never knew the back story. One thing though, you kept mispronouncing Filene. Emphasis is on the first syllable and it’s a long ‘I’.
I remember thinking there were literal wolves there when I was younger
There used to be! The Wolf Trap Creek, which runs right through the park, takes its name from a state-sponsored wolf trapping bounty program in Virginia. It's an sad history to be sure, but I like how the park today has transformed the name into something positive.
Ohhhhhh, i love Jamgrass and all those bands. I have knowledge of the park. I just haven't been able to get there.
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!
@@NationalParkDiaries you need Infamous Stringdusters in your life too.
@@cynthiaspear-duncan7661 noted!
I saw Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, and the Godfather of funk himself there on one glorious night.
Very nice!
Makes me miss living in NOVA
I had always assumed Red Rocks Amphitheater was a National park, but no it is owned and operated by the city of Denver.
Weller Rd Elementary in Maryland used to take field trips there when I attended '89-'93. I only went once because I was so pissed the first time I went and found out there were NO DAMN WOLVES. I was 6.
My 6 year old self would be angry as well!
Also Red Rocks! Though that is a park and music venue owned by the city of Denver.
Another great venue!
Seen a few concerts at wolf trap neat place
Agreed!
Saw The Beach Boys there few years back
I've known about it since the 1972 US postage stamp featuring Wolf Trap Farm was issued.
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?
@@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.
@@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.
I went there once. It was at least a decade and a half ago though
It looks very much like the Mann Center in Philadelphia. Were they designed by the same architect?
I thought the same thing honestly
@@AndrewJasinski-x1b They answer is yes. They were designed by the same architect. I went and did some digging.
Good to know, thanks for sharing!
Never heard of it? I live 15 minutes from it.
I just saw an opera there last month.
Today o went on a field trip here for a tour😅
It a great live music venue
Agreed!
I heard of it but I'm from the DMV
What about the Blue Ridge Parkway Music Center?
Similar style partnership, I believe, but it's just not a separate unit. Technically part of the overall Blue Ridge Parkway
I’ve always heard of Wolf Trap, but have never gone. This has really motivated me to go! It looks so beautiful.
So glad to hear it!
...wdym I've heard of it I drive by it all the time
"...you've never heard of..."
Looks over to the left.
"Um."
The real question is why is ever damn thing in the area called wold trap
Never heard of? I’ve seen multiple rock concerts there
I Drove by it many times and never thought about visiting.
Well I hope you do one day! It's a really cool park and a super neat place to catch a show!
Tfw the title is wrong:
Jokes on you I have heard of Wolf Trap
Ww
The Park you've never heard of, except for everyone in the D.C. metro area. Then everyone's heard of it.
Good thing I have an international audience ;)
@@NationalParkDiaries that's a very good thing
I get the feeling a MAGA hat wouldn't go down too well thereabouts.
Performing artists and workers certainly lean left. But they are also stubborn and independent! No single ideology carries very far.
Does not deserve to be a national park.
A depressing name for a national park. Otherwise it sounds nice for a double treat of nature and arts.
Agreed!
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!
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.
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.
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 😉