Kingman and Heritage Islands Park
Kingman and Heritage Islands are natural parklands found on the Anacostia River in Northeast Washington, DC. There are over 50 acres of natural area to be explored on these two island habitats. Wooded trails, river views, and wetlands comprise much of the sights to be experienced when visiting the park. Trails in the park are open for walking, hiking, and bicycling.
Kingman and Heritage Islands Park provides over 1.5 miles of trails to be explored by visitors. Access to the Anacostia River, a tributary of the Potomac River, is available for canoe and kayak users looking to discover the flora and fauna of the tidal wetlands and riparian forests surrounding the park from a different perspective. In addition, several access points to the Anacostia along boardwalk bridges and the banks of the river are open for visitors to enjoy for fishing. Over 100 species of birds have been identified at the park including Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, and osprey, making the park perfect for bird-watchers as well.
Kingman and Heritage Islands Park is managed by Living Classrooms of the National Capital Region in coordination with the District of Columbia Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development.
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Related Trip Ideas
- Top Places for Spring Migration Birding in the District of Columbia
- Paddleboarding through Nature Around Washington, D.C.
- Paddling the Anacostia – Washington, D.C.’s Forgotten River
- James Piper Bond
Nearby Places
At the Site
Activities to do
Facilities/Amenities available
Hours
Summer Hours (April through October)
Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday-Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Winter Hours (November through March)
Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM – Sunset
Saturday-Sunday: 9:00 AM – Sunset
Kingman and Heritage Islands Park is open 7 days a week throughout the entire year. The park may be closed during normal operating hours due to inclement weather and on national holidays. Check park website for details on park closures.
(Note: Many places fill to capacity on busy, nice weather days, especially holiday weekends. Please call ahead or visit the official website to get the most up-to-date information before visiting.)
Fees
Free
Activities
Kingman and Heritage Islands Park offers a variety of activities to all visitors. With over 1.5 miles of trails the park provides excellent opportunities for hikers, joggers, and walkers who wish to enjoy a rich excursion into a natural environment. Many trails within the park are also open to bicyclists and the park is conveniently located along the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, a multi-use trail which connects the park to several local communities and recreation spaces.
Canoe and kayak access is provided along the boardwalk bridge connecting Kingman and Heritage Islands, allowing boaters to explore Kingman Lake and the Anacostia River. Several locations along Kingman Island provide space for canoe and kayak users to enter the park when paddling along the Anacostia River.
The park also offers many opportunities for viewing wildlife in a natural environment. With over 100 species of birds identified at the park, visitors often catch a glimpse of Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets fishing or wading in Kingman Lake or Bald Eagles flying over the park. Red fox and beaver also can be seen while walking park trails. Visitors also have the opportunity to fish in the Anacostia River and Kingman Lake.
Volunteer clean-up and restoration events are held often to offer visitors the opportunity to participate in enhancing the natural resources within the park. Check the park website for more information on upcoming events. In addition, educational programs and several special event celebrations are regularly held at the park.
Dog Walking: Dogs are allowed in the park provided they remain on a leash. Please take care to clean up after your pet.
Educational Tours: Living Classrooms provides educational tours focused on exciting topics such as the environment and history of Kingman and Heritage Islands Park. Please note, Educational Tours will not be offered during the winter season. For more information on when Educational Tours are offered, please visit our News and Events page or contact Living Classrooms at (202) 557-1925.
Educational Programs: Educational Programs are offered on a regular basis in the park. To arrange for an educational program for your organization or school group please visit our Visitor Information page or contact Living Classrooms of the National Capital Region.
Environmental Center: The environmental center is still in the planning and construction stage. Please visit the Living Classroomswebsite to find out more information on theEnvironmental Center.
Fishing: Fishing is allowed in all areas of the park in accordance with DC Laws.
Geocaching: Geocaching is allowed in the park while adhering to park rules.
Hiking: Hiking is permitted on all trails.
Memorial Tree Grove: A memorial tree grove has been proposed for the park to honor those who lost their lives at the Pentagon on September 11th. This garden is still in the planning stage.
Picnicking: Picnicking is allowed in the park. Please remember to remove your trash when you leave.
Photography: Kingman Island and Heritage Islands are beautiful parklands that offer any photographer a wealth of opportunities for great photos. If you have any photos that you would share with the community, or are interested in seeing more photos, please visit our Flickr group called "Kingman Island" to see more.
History
Kingman and Heritage Islands are located in the middle of Anacostia River, which runs through the eastern half of Washington, DC. These islands were created in 1916 when the United States Army Corps of Engineers used dredged sediment from the Anacostia River to form the islands. Kingman and Heritage Islands were originally intended to be a park and recreation area for people living in nearby neighborhoods. However, the islands were never developed for this purpose and they sat neglected for several decades. Over the years, many people and organizations have had different ideas for how these islands should be developed and used. Plans for Kingman and Heritage Islands that were never brought to fruition include an airport, public housing and a 40 million dollar theme park. Today, the islands are being restored for their original purpose; to provide an area in Washington, DC for people of all ages to learn about the natural environment.
A more detailed history of the park can be found here.
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