Penguin Fountain

Rate this place

Parks

District-Of-Columbia

Nearby: Fort Stevens Recreation Center Takoma Recreation Center

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Penguin Fountain is a popular attraction in the state of District of Columbia.

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Located in the National Zoological Park, the fountain features a group of bronze penguins standing on a rocky base with water cascading down. It was commissioned in 1939 and designed by Paul Manship.

The Penguin Fountain is a must-visit for anyone interested in art and nature. The playful penguins and the serene surroundings make it a unique experience. Visitors can also enjoy watching real penguins at the zoo.

Apart from the fountain, the National Zoological Park has a wide variety of animals to see, including elephants, lions, and pandas. The park also offers educational programs and guided tours.

Interesting facts about the area include that it was established in 1889, making it one of the oldest zoos in the country. It is also home to more than 1,500 animals representing over 300 species.

The best time of year to visit the Penguin Fountain and the National Zoological Park is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. However, visitors should be aware that some areas of the zoo may be closed during the winter months.

In summary, the Penguin Fountain is a beautiful and unique attraction in the District of Columbia. It is part of the National Zoological Park, which offers a fantastic experience for animal lovers of all ages. Visitors can enjoy the playful penguins, surrounded by other amazing animals, and learn about conservation efforts. The best time to visit is during the spring and fall, but the park is open year-round.

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

Related References