The 95-Acre Secret Garden with 3 Lakes, Korean Bell Pavilions & Peaceful Woodlands Just Minutes from DC

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Virginia

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens packs over 95 acres of meticulously curated landscapes into Northern Virginia’s suburbs, but this isn’t your standard plant collection.

Between the Korean Bell Garden, three native lakes, and a rotating cast of seasonal blooms, it’s where locals escape the DC grind without hitting the Shenandoah trails. Here are some highlights.

The Only Korean Bell Garden in All of America

The impressive Bell of Peace and Harmony is made of bronze, weighs three tons, and stands 2.18 meters high.

It all started with Jeung-Hwa Elmejjad-Yi, who moved to the US from Korea as a teenager. The project cost about $1 million, with most funding coming from Korean-American donations and some from the South Korean government.

Stone Grandfathers That Guard Against Evil Spirits

Look for the unusual stone statues called Dol Hareubangs (“stone grandfathers”) in the Korean Bell Garden. These guardians with bulging eyes and hands on their tummies protect against evil spirits.

Each statue has a role: left hand higher means civil servant, right hand higher means military official. You’ll also find four tall jang-seung (wooden totem poles) representing spirit-fighting shamans guarding the garden boundaries.

Three Special Plant Collections That Help Save the Planet

Since 1999, Meadowlark has developed three native plant collections as part of international conservation efforts. You can see the Virginia Native Tree Collection with garden varieties like pawpaw and fringetree.

The Virginia Native Wetland showcases local trees such as river birch and bald cypress, plus water plants like fragrant water lily and shoreline plants including blue flag iris.

The Potomac Valley Native Plant Collection offers a quiet, shaded trail with labeled plants that might work in your own yard.

How This Land Turned From Private Property Into a Public Park

The park began when NOVA Parks bought the land back in 1960. They kept the existing plants while adding themed gardens and creating three lakes.

They started with hostas, day lilies, and cherry trees, later adding azaleas, lilacs, and irises. The visitor center opened in 1992, with the native plant program following in 1999.

Walking Paths For Every Age and Ability

The paved paths are great for kids, with an accessible lake trail perfect for strollers and wheelchairs. With about 30 different gardens to discover, you’ll find all kinds of local plants and animals among lakes, forests, and winding trails. Don’t miss the side trails through the woods and the cypress knees poking up from the water in the Virginia Native Wetlands area.

An Original Pioneer Cabin From the 1700s

A restored 18th-century log cabin shows what pioneer life was like in early Virginia. The old building serves as a history marker making an interesting contrast to the manicured gardens and modern structures.

NOVA Parks has carefully preserved it as part of their work to protect both the natural and historical heritage of Northern Virginia.

Three Lakes Full of Colorful Fish and Lazy Turtles

The three beautiful ponds – Lake Caroline, Lake Gardiner, and Lake Lena – are central features of the park.

Lake Caroline is full of colorful koi and turtles that you can watch from a bridge and gazebo. Weeping cherry trees surround the lakes, creating pretty reflections and peaceful water views.

The path to the lake is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, so everyone can enjoy watching the wildlife that adds to the garden’s biodiversity.

Photo Spots That Look Amazing in Every Season

Cherry blossoms, magnolias, tulips, and bluebells appear throughout the year. The cherry blossom display rivals DC’s famous Tidal Basin but without the crowds.

Early birds can sometimes catch special 5:30 AM openings for perfect morning light photography. Two-hour portrait sessions are available for $50 plus admission.

Special Activities From Easter Egg Hunts to Winter Lights

Annual favorites include an Easter Egg Hunt, the Korean Bell Garden Celebration in May, and the Winter Walk of Lights from November through early January.

The Winter Walk of Lights transforms the garden into a half-mile paved trail glowing with countless sparkling lights. Roast marshmallows and sip hot chocolate while enjoying themed light displays, winter walks, and bird-watching sessions.

Other Great Places to Visit Near Meadowlark Gardens

Done taking in the beauty of Meadowlark? Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts sits just 1.43 km away, with shows from May through September.

Other nearby spots include Nova Wild, Billy Goat Trail, and Tysons Corner Center for shopping. Vienna itself has plenty of dining options to explore after your garden visit.

Visiting Meadowlark Gardens

The garden is at 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court in Vienna, Virginia.

• Hours: Open daily (weather permitting) with the Visitor Center open 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM (Nov-Mar) and 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM (Apr-Oct)
• Admission: Adults $8, seniors/kids 6-17 $4, under 6 free

A single annual pass costs $45 and includes one guest, while a family pass at $60 covers two members, two guests, and all family members under 18.

The gardens are easiest to reach by car via Route 66 and 267 Toll Road. No direct public transportation exists, though Spring Hill is the closest Metro station.

No outside food or drink inside the garden fence (there’s a picnic area outside), and dogs are welcome only on the first and third Wednesdays ($6 per dog).