Located in north eastern Washington, DC, Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens National Park gives the Washington, DC annual cherry blossoms a run for their money. So-to-speak. While the gardens are not as well-known, they are certainly beautiful in their own right.

Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens

Our first visit to the gardens was several years ago and we recently returned. We’d actually never heard of the gardens until our daughter-in-law strongly encouraged us to go see for ourselves; especially, because we weren’t able to visit the annual cherry blossoms because at the time of her suggestion we were at the height of Covid-19. The gardens didn’t disappoint. We’d never seen anything quite like it.

• “A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms.”– Zen Shin

As I write this, the outside temperature is pushing 100 degrees (37C). And, the humidity, well, trust me it’s a lot like walking in a sauna. If you’ve ever visited the east coast in summer, you understand the concept of swamp-like weather. On the day we visited Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens, the temp was right around 90 degrees. Funny thing is, it felt appropriate as the gardens are a bit swampy themselves. But, oh, out of the swamp wetlands blooms awesome beauty. And, truthfully, there is quite a bit of shade and multiple benches, Adirondack chairs and shaded picnic tables where one can take a respite.

Kenilworth encompasses 700 acres with 12 acres dedicated to the aquatic gardens. The Anacostia River runs parallel to the gardens. The gardens are hosts to turtles, birds, beavers, deer, geese and frogs. Dirt trails meander through the gardens giving visitors multiple perspectives of the stunning lotus blossoms and lilies, as well as a multitude of other aquatic plants. Follow the boardwalk to the end for the best view of the Anacostia River where you can sit, relax and take it all in. It’s so peaceful.

Shaw Gardens

Now operated by the National Park Service, Kenilworth Park was the idea of Walter Shaw in the 1880’s. He purchased the land (swamp) on the flat shores of the Anacostia River, cleaned the pond and planted lilies. Known as Shaw Gardens, it became a commercial success for Walter and his daughter, Helen.

Helen Shaw Fowler

Eventually, Helen took over as proprietor of the gardens. In the 1930’s Helen fought to save the gardens from the encroaching Anacostia River project. Congress purchased eight acres, from Helen, for $15,000. The gardens were incorporated in to the Anacostia River Park, thus ensuring her father’s legacy.

• “If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.”– Frances Hodgson Burnett

I love little discoveries such as the story of Walter and Helen. I imagine most people who visit the park, like we did, have no idea of how it came to be. Helen, must have been a woman before her time, knowing what endless wonder the gardens would provide for generations to come.

If You Go:

• Free admission
• 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE – Washington, DC
• Free surface parking lot & street parking
• Approximately a 45-minute drive from Washington, DC
• Walking distance (1/2 mile) from Orange Metro – Deanwood
• Operates year round except Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year’s Day
• Visitor center – Jr. Ranger program
• Gift shop
• Restroom, water station
• Picnic tables
• No smoking

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