Ikebana International Exhibition
The Washington D.C. chapter of Ikebana International is displaying their arrangements over two weekends this April.
Learn more here!
Welcome to the U.S. National Arboretum
The grounds of the U.S. National Arboretum are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the year except for Christmas Day. The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily except for federal holidays from November through February. Admission to the grounds and museum is free and no tickets are needed.
The Administration Building is currently closed to the public. Restrooms are available in the Arbor House near the R Street gate, in the Asian Collection, and near the Azalea Collection.
Look for an orientation sign in parking lots for a map and other information. Visitor guides are not currently available. The Arboretum’s free app, available in the App Store and Google Play, is the best way to explore with maps, a plant finder, and specialized tours.
UPDATE: Spring vehicular traffic restrictions are beginning March 17.
Beginning March 17, vehicular travel will be restricted to a one-way loop to facilitate additional parking during our peak visitation season. Visitors may park in any of the three parking lots on the property, and some overflow parallel parking will be available along the one-way loop as well. Please follow all posted signage about parking and no parking areas. Accessible parking will be available in all lots, both large and roadside.
Monday through Thursday from 2 p.m. onward and all day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the R Street gate will be exit only, and all vehicles must enter through the New York Avenue gate. During times of particularly high visitation, the Arboretum’s gates may be temporarily closed for at least 30 minutes at a time. These closures are most likely to occur on weekends; closures are unlikely on weekdays. Pedestrians and bicyclists are not subject to restrictions and may enter and exit, including via the R Street gate, at any time. Please take special care when traveling around the one-way loop open to traffic.
These restrictions will continue until mid-May, and this website will be updated when they are lifted. Thank you for your understanding, and we hope you enjoy your visit!
Eagle Cam Returns
The nesting pair of wild bald eagles at the US National Arboretum have laid 2 eggs this season: DC8 on 2/17 and DC9 on 2/20. The expected hatch times are late March. Watch here live!
Agents of Discovery Mission Now Available!
Learn about trees and nature while playing a fun game on your smartphone on your next visit to the National Arboretum!
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What's New
Bonsai Museum’s Chinese Pavilion Reopens!
We are excited to announce that the Chinese pavilion at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum has reopened!
Every winter, Museum staff install a temporary roof over the pavilion to shelter most of the Museum’s trees during the...
Explore America’s Stately Treasures!
Do you know your state tree? Do you know why your state tree is what it is?
Every state and the District of Columbia has selected an official state tree, and these trees say something about the states they represent, the people who...
Have you tried our mobile app?
The U.S. National Arboretum mobile app will help guests navigate the vast grounds of the Arboretum via a digital map. A search feature will allow visitors to explore the collections and other features, learn about available visitor...