Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens was originally owned by Civil War veteran Walter B. Shaw. Longing for his homestate of Maine, he had wild water lilies planted on the estate. He later started W.B. Shaw Lily Ponds in 1912 which was visited by presidents and politicians. The area was bought by Congress in 1938 and now run under the National Park Service. Visitors today will find a wide variety of lotus and lily flowers, wetlands and wildlife that will make you forget you are minutes from the nation's capital. Be sure to check out their annual Lotus and Water Lilly Festival in July featuring hands on activities and performances.