The U.S. National Arboretum is an amazing spot to explore on a nice day in D.C. My favorite feature there is the Bonsai Museum! They have a large collection of Bonsai trees of many species, including one that produces full-sized citrus fruits (despite it being half my height) and trees that date back to the 1800s. If you love history, plants, and the outdoors, or just love the idea of really tiny trees, this place is a great trip on the weekend.
I recently visited the Arboretum this November - it was a great sunny day for fall, and it was so cool to see all the Bonsai tree leaves changing colors just like their regular-sized counterparts. The Museum is free to enter and is separated by country and/or climate. My two favorite sections were definitely the Japanese section since they are famed for their Bonsais and the tropical section, which was in a greenhouse and allowed amazing species like beautiful bougainvillea to be turned into bonsais.
While you're at the Arboretum, be sure to go to the National Capitol Columns, which were a part of the U.S. capital from 1828-1958 and now stand on a hill in the gardens. Or if you love learning about the 50 states (and have seen that TikTok series on state trees), go take a walk in the Grove of State Trees. The Arboretum is also a great picnic spot, so make sure to bring a blanket and some food so you can enjoy some beautiful weather! Overall, I love spending time at the Arboretum. Despite its distance from campus, it's a great place to enjoy some nature in D.C.
Gaby, COL '25
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