The 22 Corinthian columns were originally installed in the U.S. Capitol in 1828 and stood there until the portico was expanded in 1958.
The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum includes a Japanese black pine that survived the 1945 atomic bombing of Hiroshima.
The site hosts a specialized Gotelli Conifer Collection, which is one of the most comprehensive assemblages of dwarf and rare conifers in North America.
The grounds were established by an Act of Congress in 1927 to conduct botanical research and provide public education.
Some bonsai trees in the museum collection have been in training for nearly 400 years.
The Fern Valley trail is designed to mimic the natural habitats of the mid-Atlantic region using only native plant species.
The Arboretum utilizes a stream restoration project to manage stormwater runoff across its diverse topography.
The United States National Arboretum is a 446-acre research facility and public garden operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Its most distinctive feature is the National Capitol Columns, 22 original sandstone Corinthian columns salvaged from the U.S. Capitol's 1828 portico. The grounds contain extensive collections of azaleas, conifers, and boxwoods spread across diverse display gardens. The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum houses an internationally significant collection of specimen trees, including some over 300 years old. An herbarium on-site maintains over 800,000 pressed plant specimens for botanical research. The Arboretum functions as both a public park and a primary center for woody plant research in the United States. It is located in the northeast quadrant of Washington, D.C., and features several miles of paved roads for vehicular and pedestrian access.
The National Capitol Columns meadow during the golden hour.
Bring a bicycle or vehicle to navigate the grounds, as the distance between the Bonsai Museum and the Capitol Columns is significant.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the terrain is expansive and largely unshaded in the meadows.
Visit the visitor center first to pick up a paper map, as cellular service can be inconsistent in some valleys.
Attempting to walk the entire perimeter on foot without water, as the park is massive and lacks frequent amenities.
Closed on New Year's Day; the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum occasionally closes for private events or maintenance.
Do not touch the bonsai specimens; stay on marked paths to protect research collections.
