Historical Potomac River Tour

The sights anglers will see while fishing the Potomac River

While the field for the Walmart FLW Tour event was out looking for bass on the Potomac River we decided to see the sights as well. Launching at Smallwood State Park, we rolled out for a self-guided tour of the area in a Ranger Z520c. Below is a sampling of what we saw.

The United States Naval Research Laboratory was founded in 1923 and is a hub for technological discoveries and developments. 

The three spires of the United States Air Force Memorial can be seen reaching to the sky, representing the Air Force Core Values of Integrity, Service and Excellence.

These marble steps lead up to the Lincoln Memorial. This site was under the waters of the Potomac until the river was deepened by the Army Corps of Engineers in the late 1800s. Now an impressive monument and tourist attraction, the Lincoln Memorial promotes the freedom, equality and unity that were so important to our 16th president.

The world's tallest stone monument, better known as the Washington Monument, touches the sky over D.C. and can be seen from many angles on the Potomac.

The USS Barry (DDG-933) gets its name from naval commander John Barry, who served during the American Revolutionary War and is considered to be one of the fathers of the U.S. Navy. Among many of her missions, the USS Barry served during the Vietnam War and the Cuban Missile Crisis. She now sits outside the Navy Yard and is used as a museum ship. Statistically speaking, Barry is about 20 times longer than a bass boat, and as you can see, much taller.

Ronald Reagan National Airport is almost literally on the water. As airplanes make their descent, it appears as though they will be making a water landing until the last second, when they arrive safely on the runway. Anyone fishing in this area of the Potomac will notice the constant in and out of planes throughout the day.

The Pentagon, as seen from Pentagon Lagoon, is the headquarters for the U.S. Department of Defense. Although you cannot see its iconic five-sided shape from the water, the view of the eastern wing is dignified and strong.

Kayaking and paddle boarding are other great ways to experience the Potomac, as these sightseers can attest. The Washington, D.C. community is alive and active with joggers, walkers, rowers, bicyclists and many other outdoor adventurers.

Washington Harbor was our farthest stop north. The harbor is a lively combination of shops, restaurants and residences.

The Watergate Complex might be getting a makeover, but its 10 acres of offices, apartments and hotel space is still remarkable to see from the water.

Thomas Jefferson, one of the main authors of the Declaration of Independence and our third president, is memorialized here at the Jefferson Memorial, built in 1943.

If you are less a history buff but still a fan of national pastimes, you might enjoy the view of Nationals Park. 

National Harbor is located on the Maryland coast of the Potomac, just south of the D.C. area. The Capital Wheel ferris wheel allows its visitors scenic views of the Potomac, National Mall and other iconic D.C. sights.

Returning south you will pass George Washington's Mt. Vernon home in Virginia. The estate actually belonged to four generations of Washingtons before becoming George and Martha's home in 1761.