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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / Parks and outdoors

Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens

A serene 700-acre sanctuary in Northeast D.C., this is the only National Park Service unit dedicated to the propagation and display of water-loving plants, featuring rare lilies and lotuses.

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What is Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens known for?

It is the only National Park Service unit devoted to the propagation, cultivation, and display of water-loving plants, featuring a 12-acre sanctuary with over 45 ponds of tropical and hardy water lilies, lotus, and other aquatic species.

How much does it cost to visit?

Admission to the park is free.

What are the hours for the park and visitor center?

The grounds are generally open daily from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though they are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. The visitor center is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Are there any special events at the gardens?

Yes, the park hosts a free lotus and water lily festival every July during the peak bloom period.

How can I get to the park using public transit?

You can take the Metro Orange Line to Deanwood and exit the station via the lower Polk Street Exit to walk to the gardens.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens serves as a lush wetland oasis on the banks of the Anacostia River. This site is distinguished as the only National Park Service unit devoted to cultivating and displaying water-loving plants. The core garden area comprises a 12-acre sanctuary featuring over 45 ponds filled with tropical and hardy water lilies, lotus, and other aquatic species. The park's history is rooted in the 1791 L'Enfant Plan and the 1901 McMillan Plan, which advocated for public parkland along the Anacostia River. The gardens themselves began as the private hobby of Walter Shaw, a Civil War veteran who cultivated and sold rare water lilies. For 26 years, the site operated as a commercial water garden before the federal government purchased the land in 1938. Beyond the cultivated ponds, the park encompasses 700 acres within Anacostia Park. It preserves the Kenilworth Marsh, which is the largest remaining tidal marsh in Washington, D.C. Visitors can explore these diverse ecosystems via a marsh boardwalk and a trail that runs along the Anacostia River. To experience the gardens at their peak, visitors often arrive in July for the free lotus and water lily festival. The site remains a vital center for preserving rare aquatic flora, offering a quiet escape from the surrounding city streets in the northeastern corner of the district near the Maryland border.

Visitor tips

  • Visit in July to experience the free lotus and water lily festival during peak bloom.
  • Take the Orange Line to Deanwood station and use the lower Polk Street Exit for the most direct walk.
  • Plan your visit between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to ensure the grounds are open.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes for the marsh boardwalk and Anacostia River trail.

Nearby context

Located in Northeast Washington, D.C., the gardens are situated within the larger Anacostia Park near the Maryland state border. The area is defined by the river's edge and the expansive Kenilworth Marsh.

Sources

Evidence and links