"Trinidad Neighborhood - Home of National Arboretum" Trinidad by Ewingjr98

Grove of State Trees

The US National Arboretum was established in 1927 and consists of some 446 acres of trees and meadows located just 2 miles from the Capitol Building in Northeast Washington. While the focus of an arboretum is trees, I think the most impressive aspect of this park-like area is the National Capitol Columns which graced the East Portico of the United States Capitol from 1828 until 1958. Other famous features of the arboretum include a beautiful azalea garden, National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, the Friendship Garden and Arbor House, and the National Grove of State Trees, containing specimens from nearly all 50 states. The Arboretum is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Azaleas

The park has some 10 miles of roads and numerous parking areas near many of the main attractions. You can drive throughout the park, take a tourist tram, or best of all--walk!

The only bad thing about the park is its location in Northeast next to the notoriously rough Trinidad Neighborhood. Maybe that's why the park closes at 5pm... to get tourist home before dark. The arboretum has entrances on New York Avenue and R Street.

Entrance is free.