Many of the best-loved shrubs and trees in America were developed at the nation's premier horticultural research facility the National Arboretum, featuring 444 acres of demonstration gardens, greenhouses, and natural woods.
Most famous is the azalea exhibit, the product of pioneering research of the first director after the arboretum was established in 1927. Many, many exhibits and plants have been developed since that time, however, among them an amazing array of new shrubs such as Crapemyrtles, hardy hibiscus, lilacs, viburnums, and many new tree varieties intended to adapt to various locales across the U.S., including a wide range of new red maples, magnolias, elms, and flowering cherries.
In fact, in its 80 or so years, the arboretum has released over 650 different woody and herbaceous plants to the American public through the nursery and floral industries, with new varieties added each year. The arboretum also features a library with 10,000 volumes and approximately 90 publications concentrating in botanical literature.
The arboretum is a standout destination any time of the year, but especially in spring when the cherries and other spring trees are in full bloom, and in the fall when the Crapemyrtles are in flower and the grounds are draped in splendid fall colors. The arboretum can be explored either on foot, bicycle, or car across 10 miles of roads.
Among the many exhibits, the grounds still retain a natural wooded look and include beeches, oaks and Virginia pines, original denizens of the park.
The arboretum is operated by the United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service and is located in northeast DC, bordered on the east by the banks of the Anacostia River. It is the only federally supported arboretum with a mission to serve the entire country, and the resources and funding to pursue long-term projects.
The Arboretum is located in northeast Washington, DC, 2.2 miles from the Capitol. It is bordered on the west by Bladensburg Road, on the north by New York Avenue, and on the south by M Street. Visitor entrances are located on New York Avenue and on R Street.
Attraction Information
- Hours:
- The Arboretum grounds are open every day of the year except December 25 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- The Administration Building is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily from November 1 to the end of February. From March 1 to October 31, the Administration Building is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. The Administration Building and the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum are closed on federal holidays.
- Admission:
- Free
- Contact:
- Location: 3501 New York Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002
- Phone: 202-245-2726
- Website: www.usna.usda.gov
Public Tram Tours
- Season:
- Available Weekends and Holidays - April 12, 2008 through October 13, 2008
- Description:
- This is a 35-minute taped tour highlighting the 446 acres of the U.S. National Arboretum’s gardens, collections and natural areas. The 48-passenger open air tram is equipped to accommodate two wheelchair users with a storage bay for strollers and other carry-on items.
- Tour Hours:
- 10:30 a.m. (Only available if not previously reserved.) Please call prior if you are planning to take this tour.
- 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.
- Tickets:
- On sale at the ticket kiosk located in the parking lot near the R Street Gate. Tickets must be purchased the day of the tour. Gift Certificates are available.
- Price:
- Adults: $4
- FONA & NBF members and seniors: $3
- Children aged 4-16: $2
- Children under 4: free (must share a seat with adult if tram is full).
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