Things to See and Do
World War II Attractions
While you are in Fairfax County check out our attractions that have a World War II connection. Additional World War II-themed sites are located on the Visit Northern Virginia web site.
Fort Belvoir—Engineer Training Camp
As in World War I, Fort Belvoir once again trained the U.S. Army's engineering soldiers and became home to the Engineering Replacement Training Center. By the end of the war, more than 147,000 engineering troops had passed through the fort and were trained in reconnaissance, demolition and road and obstacle construction. Fort Belvoir is located in southern Fairfax County on the Historic Richmond Highway. For more information on visiting the fort call 703-806-4892
Fort Hunt Park—German Prisoner of War Camp
Situated along the Potomac River, Fort Hunt Park was once part of George Washington's estate. The original fort was built during the Spanish-American War as a defense fortification for the nation's capital. During World War II, the park served as an interrogation camp for captured German submarine crews. Today original batterys are still accessible to visitors, however no vestiges of the POW camp remain.
George Washington Memorial Parkway
Alexandria, VA
703-289-2550
Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House
Tour the Pope-Leighey House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed structure in the Washington area open to the public. Learn how this extraordinary house was built at an extraordinary time - 1940. Tours focus on the WWII years and its effect on the home and its inhabitants. Daily, 10 am - 5 pm. Fee.
9000 Richmond Highway
Alexandria, VA
703-780-4000
Herndon—Artifacts from the U.S.S. Herndon (ongoing exhibit)
The exhibit features photographs of U.S.S. Herndon, a U.S. Navy Destroyer that participated in the invasions of Sicily, Normandy and southern France and escorted President Roosevelt to Yalta. The ship's instruments, bell and American flag are on display, as well as its muster roll, anchor log and a Japanese surrender flag. 10 AM - 4 PM daily.
Herndon Dulles Visitors Center
Old Train Depot, 717 Lynn Street
Herndon, VA
National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center—
World War II Aircraft
The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is a magnificent museum housing some of the world's best known air and space crafts. World War II aircraft include the "Enola Gay," a Junkers Ju 52/3m, a Focke-Achgelis Fa 330A-1, a P-40E Warhawk, a F6F-3 Hellcat, and a P-38J Lightning. Other exhibits include an SR-71 Blackbird, the Space Shuttle Enterprise, a Concorde and hundreds of other artifacts. The museum also has an IMAX theatre and an observation tower. 10 AM - 5 PM daily. Free, $12 parking fee.
14390 Air & Space Museum Parkway
Chantilly, VA 20151
202-357-2700
National Firearms Museum—World War II artifacts
The National Rifle Association’s National Firearms Museum houses one of the most extensive firearms collections in the country, including a collection of 60 Thompson submachine guns. The "Every Vigilant" gallery explores World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and Desert Storm, and includes a life-size diorama depicting the men of the 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division (Blue and Gray), securing the town of St. Lo in Normandy, France, for the Allied invasion force. 10 AM-4 PM daily, except major holidays. Free.
11250 Waples Mill Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-267-1600
