Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens — Attraction in Washington

A National Park, this informal series of lily and lotus ponds borders the Anacostia River a tributary of the Potomac. It is a wild, urban park. Don’t forget to visit the ranger station to learn of the park’s history. Maintaining the park has always been a labor of love.

From Spring through Fall visitors are treated to blooms of all kinds. The Lotus festival in mid July delivers peak viewing but also peak crowds. The paths between the ponds are sometimes wet and muddy. Summer weather in DC is hot and humid. The blooms love it. You will too if you come prepared.

This is a photographer’s paradise. The blooms are spectacular. Tripods are welcome and often in use. The site is also great for birding and observing river-side vegetation, critters and marshes. The dragonflies here can be spectacular. Slow down. Look. There’s more here than you may realize at first. There is a marsh boardwalk that takes you out amid the grasses. On the right tide you will see wading birds like heron and egrets.

The Anacostia Bike Trail can be accessed from the park.

This is a family friendly place but as always with kids and water, keep a close eye on them. It’s also easy for little ones to get confused among the many paths and tall vegetation.

The park used to open from 7 AM to 4 PM but during a recent visit, I saw that the hours have changed. I don’t know if early access is available for photographers. Visit the park’s website for current details. Kenilworth is a natural wonder 10 minutes from the Mall. (Ok more in traffic but it is...

Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens is a National Park Service site located in the northeastern corner of Washington, D.C., and the near Maryland state border. It is a unique oasis in the city, where visitors can learn about and appreciate aquatic plants and wildlife.

The park is home to a variety of aquatic gardens, including a lotus garden, a water lily garden, and a marsh garden. The gardens are home to a wide variety of aquatic plants, including water lilies, lotus flowers, cattails, and reeds. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, fish, turtles, and frogs.

Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens is a great place to visit for people of all ages. Visitors can learn about aquatic plants and wildlife through educational programs, guided walks, and self-guided tours. The park is also a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Anacostia River.

Here are some of the things you can do at Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens:

Take a walk through the aquatic gardens and learn about the different types of plants and wildlife that live there. Take a guided tour of the park with a ranger. Attend an educational program about aquatic plants and wildlife. Have a picnic in the park. Go birdwatching. Fish in the Anacostia River. Simply relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.

Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens is a hidden gem in Washington, D.C. It is a great place to visit for people of all ages who are interested in learning about and appreciating aquatic plants...

Oh boy, let me tell you about the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in DC—it's a hidden gem that's filled with surprises! If you're tired of the usual sightseeing spots, this place will have you saying, "What the shell?!" in the most delightful way.

First, let's talk about the lotus flowers. These magnificent blooms are like nature's fashion show, strutting their stuff in vibrant colors and elegant poses. Walking among the lotus ponds, it's hard not to feel like you've stumbled into a secret garden of extravagant couture. Be warned, though: they might make you question why you ever thought a sunflower was impressive! I wear long sleeves even though it's hot out in July. The bugs are intense!

And let's not forget about the turtles. These little critters are like the laid-back cool kids of the aquatic world. As you stroll along the garden's pathways, you'll spot them sunbathing on rocks or leisurely paddling through the water. They're the epitome of zen, always reminding us to slow down and take life at a turtle's pace. Just be careful not to mistake one for a floating rock, or you might end up with a surprise splash!

In all seriousness, though, the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is a unique and beautiful escape from the bustling city. It's a place where lotus flowers dance, birds sing their hearts out, and turtles remind us to embrace tranquility. So, grab your camera, put on your silliest hat, and prepare for a whimsical adventure that will leave you smiling and saying, "Well, that was a shell of...