Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
Details
I know, 8 am is an early start, but the aquatic flowers close when it gets above around 90 degrees, so if we sleep late, there will be nothing to see. Let's explore the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens!
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The Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is the only National Park Service site devoted to the propagation and display of aquatic plants. The gardens have many varieties of water lilies and lotus on display and are a great place to see birds, frogs, turtles, butterflies, and dragonflies. June through July is the best time of year for viewing the flowering aquatic plants.
The route: We’ll spend the initial hour or so doing some unstructured wandering around LBJ Memorial Pond to enjoy and photograph the aquatic plants. The second half of our visit we’ll regroup and pick up the pace a bit with an easy walk along the boardwalks to the west and the path to the north along the shoreline of the Anacostia River. Because we'll be surrounded by water and marshland, there's not much room for a really long walk. Still, between the walk and unstructured wandering around, we'll cover 3 miles or more.
Google map: http://tinyurl.com/k2oocyv
How to get there: The parking lot entrance is located at 4505 Anacostia Avenue NE, Washington D.C. (The official address is 1550 Anacostia Avenue NE, Washington, DC.) From the parking lot, a path through the woods leads to the Visitor Center. The park is accessible by Metro from the Deanwood Metro Stop on the Orange Line. (NB: Metro stations do not open until 7:00 am on weekends.) See directions at the NPS web site, http://www.nps.gov/keaq/planyourvisit/directions.htm.
What to bring: Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired (leashes are required at all times). A camera is a handy accessory. As a reminder, this is a kids-free zone, no one under 18 years of age is permitted.
Administrative stuff: There are public restrooms and drinking fountains at the Visitor Center. The park is open daily from 7 am to 4 pm. The Visitor Center telephone number is 202-426-6905.
Notes:
• "Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens," Official National Park Service Website, http://www.nps.gov/keaq/index.htm. Accessed 6/12/2014.
• "Description of Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens," United States Geological Survey - Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/blitz/kendesc.html. Accessed 6/12/2014.