We are thrilled to launch the 2026 season of the Anacostia River Discovery Series with many opportunities to get outside and explore with the Anacostia Watershed Society!
Whether you’re a lifetime resident or brand new to the region, there’s always something to discover on the Anacostia River! The Anacostia Watershed Society hosts recreation activities on Thursday evenings and some Saturdays of every month from April – September. As part of the Anacostia River Discovery Series, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the history of the Anacostia River, observe wildlife in their natural habitats, and get out on the water.
Would you like to receive a special email on the day registration opens for events? Join our email list and get a special notification when these events go live.
Motorized Boat Tours
Explore the river while riding in one of our open-air motorized boats as part of the Anacostia River Explorers program. Anacostia Watershed Society staff will take participants on a one or two hour tour of the river while discussing natural and cultural history along with restoration efforts. You will experience the joy of being out on the water while observing this beautiful local area. Registration is required and limited for these events.
Canoe Tours
Learn about the natural and cultural history of the Anacostia River on a guided canoe tour as part of the Anacostia River Explorers program. Your guide will lead these one or two hour trips and participants will paddle with the group in Anacostia Watershed Society supplied canoes. You will see area wildlife and stunning views of Washington, DC. Registration is required and limited for these events.
Upcoming
Anacostia River Discovery Series Tours
Boat Launch Locations
Bladensburg Waterfront Park
Located near the confluence of the Northeast and Northwest branches, this is the northern most navigable portion of the river. Once nearly 40 feet deep, this dock requires frequent dredging to remain accessible to motor boats. Tours that start here see incredible wildlife, with eagles, osprey, and kingfishers routinely in that part of the river.
Accessibility: Via Anacostia River Trail by bike or walking. Metrobus F1 and F8. Parking can get crowded if coming by car. Wheelchair accessible; some parking is very short walk to pier.
Kenilworth Park
Just south of its frequently-confused cousin, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, this site makes you feel like you’re in another world, not Washington, DC. From here the Kenilworth Ponds are easily accessible via canoe at high tide, and the barn swallows gathering overhead in the evening are a site to behold.
Accessibility: Via Anacostia River Trail by bike or walking. Metrobus U7 (0.7 mile walk from stop). Parking on grass field available. Short walk down a hill to the launch site.
Kingman Island
Created out of dredge material from federal government projects starting back in 1903, Kingman Island now hosts acres of the Anacostia River’s restored wetlands. Tours from this location see many of the infrastructure projects put in through the yeras juxtaposed with flourishin wetlands and wildlife.
Accessibility: Via Anacostia River Trail by bike or walking. Metrobus X2 (0.3 mile walk from stop). Parking at RFK available but not guaranteed during their events; driving not recommended. Follow walking directions for path to dock from RFK Lot 7 linked above.
Anacostia Park
Anacostia Park, part of the National Park Service, hugs a huge portion of the river. From here the river’s relationship to our urban community is most evident, and offers city views through the deeper waters. Depending on the tide, tours may take you through the “Gateway to Narnia” – the train bridge at the curve of the river where it turns from urban amenity to natural wonderland.
Accessibility: Via Anacostia Riverwalk Trail by bike or walking. Metrobus B2, 32, 36 (0.8mi walk). Plenty of parking, and very short and wheelchair-accessible walk to pier from there.
Diamond Teague Park Public Dock
You’ll launch under the shadow of Nationals Park at our southernmost tour location on the Anacostia River. See the river at its widest and deepest with the cityscape behind you.
Accessibility: We are not launching from the Earth Conservation Corps Dock! Please follow signs to the public dock. Via Anacostia Riverwalk Trail by bike or walking. Metro Green Line Navy Yard (0.5 mile walk from station). Driving not recommended.
