Lockhouse 6

6100 Clara Barton Parkway
Bethesda, MD 20816
Click here for directions and map

A unique journey to the Canal circa 1950. Decorated with “mid-century” furnishings to represent the Eisenhower era of American history, and the foundation of the C&O Canal as a national monument and later a national park. Located just miles from the heart of D.C. and Georgetown, this lockhouse offers a rare opportunity to experience a quieter side of the Nation’s Capital while remaining accessible for sightseeing.

Towpath Mile: 5.4
Parking: 2 designated spots in Lock 6 parking lot.
May-October: $175/night | November-April: $135/night | Cleaning/Maintenance Fee: $80 (first night only)
Time Period Depicted: 1950s
Nearest Communities: Brookmont, Cabin John

Frequently Asked Questions

Please note: These historic homes will differ from a typical hotel experience. Canal Quarters are intended as unique interpretive opportunities where guests can experience Canal history firsthand.

Overview:

The vision of the C&O Canal has changed and adapted over the course of its history. The canal’s roots begin with George Washington’s dream of a waterway trade route connecting east and west. After its closure in 1924, a second chance came to the canal in the form of another dream, that of Supreme Court Justice William Douglas. Douglas sought to protect this land as an outdoor sanctuary for public recreation. Set in the 1950s of Justice Douglas’ famous hike to preserve the canal, Lockhouse 6 is furnished with objects reminiscent of the mid-Twentieth Century.

Lockhouse 6, surrounded by mature sycamores, is a fully modern stone house with a covered porch and nearby parking. It provides ready access to Georgetown, the feeder canal, and the Capital Crescent Trail.

All proceeds are used to fund the maintenance and stewardship of these historic structures, along with educational programming and outreach. Thank you for your support!

Please Note: The Lock 6 Parking Lot is not accessible from 3 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday–Friday due to the traffic reversal on the Clara Barton Parkway. There is no traffic reversal on Saturday or Sunday, and this does not affect access to the house from the C&O Canal Towpath: If you are driving to Lockhouse 6:

Check In: 2pm - 2:45pm, or after 7:15pm
Check Out: 10:00am or earlier

If you are arriving via the C&O Canal Towpath:

Check In: 2:00pm or later
Check Out: 10:00am or earlier

Modern kitchen with stove, oven, and refrigerator
Place settings for 8 guests; dishes, utensils, water glasses.
Pots, pans, and cooking utensils.
Drip-style coffee maker.
Cleaning supplies provided.
Paper towels provided.
Dish soap and hand soap.

Mid-Century side chairs
Mid-Century sofa (collapsible back turns into extra sleeping arrangement.)
Vintage naugahyde dining chairs.
Small side table.
Vintage radio
Historic games (playing cards, jacks, dominoes, dice, chess.)
1950s parlor guitar
Canal books, newspapers, brochures, and other literature.

Bathroom with tub/shower (Located in basement, down a flight of stairs.)
Hand soap provided.
Toilet paper provided.

New memory foam mattresses!
PILLOWS are now provided at this lockhouse!
One Bedroom with double bed and twin trundle
One bedroom with two twin beds and two twin trundles.
One convertible sofa in the living room (backboard folds down into bed.)

Newly replaced central heating and air-conditioning. (Thermostat on living room wall.)

Private, second-floor porch.
Fenced-in front/backyard.
Picnic Table
Fire Ring
Firewood provided, but limited due to storage capacity.

Linens, such as towels, blankets and sheets are not provided.
Firewood is provided, but limited due to storage capacity.
Fireplaces are not functional.
No internet, but cell reception is, typically, strong.