Washington, D.C.'s famous
cherry blossoms are nearing peak blooms, according to the National Park Service, but you still have some time to plan ahead to see them in Michigan. The District of Columbia's Tidal Basin cherry trees, originally gifts from Japan, are expected to reach their
peak between March 28-31 this year, the park service said on X. The peak bloom date is "defined as the period when 70% of the Yoshino Cherry blossoms are open,"
according to the park service . About 3,800 cherry trees grow around the basin and national mall. "Peak Bloom varies annually depending on weather conditions and usually occurs during the last week of March or the first week of April," NPS said. "Extraordinary warm or cool temperatures have resulted in Peak Bloom as early as March 15 (1990) and as late as April 18 (1958)." While Washington's trees are blooming now, in northern Michigan, cherry blossom season occurs from late April to early May,
Traverse Bay Farms said, representing the "inevitable shift from frigid winter to fruitful spring, reinforcing the transient yet cyclic nature of life." While Washington's annual National Cherry Blossom Festival is currently taking place, Michigan hosts the
National Cherry Festival each year at the end of June.
Where can I see cherry blossoms in Michigan?
Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula and Old Mission Peninsula in the Traverse City area are hot spots for cherry orchards, the Traverse City website notes. In Grand Rapids, the Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, at 1000 E. Beltline Ave., includes a number of cherry trees for guests to enjoy.
When is Michigan's Traverse City cherry festival 2025?
Traverse City's National Cherry Festival begins on June 28 through July 5 this year. The festival hosts a numbers of events, including the
Cherry Royale parade , concerts, cherry-themed activities and an
air show. The festival also crowns the
national cherry queen. How long do cherry tree blooms last?
The length of the blooming period depends on the weather,
according to the National Park Service said of Washington's trees. Cool and calm weather can extend the length of blooming period, but a rainy, windy day can cause the blossoms to fall abruptly. A late frost can prevent the trees from blooming altogether. "The Yoshino trees typically bloom for only several days, making a short-lived scene of splendor that is one of Washington, D.C.'s most anticipated events," NPS said.
Where are the best views of Washington's cherry blossoms?
If you're heading to Washington, you can find cherry trees scattered throughout the capital, but the highest concentration of trees is in Potomac Park, around the Tidal Basin near the Jefferson Memorial, close to the National Mall. The Washington tourism department also
recommends off-the-radar spots such as the National Arboretum, Anacostia Park, Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown, Stanton Park and Oxon Run Park. You also can view the
blossoms via a livestream. Why does Washington, D.C., have cherry trees?
The cherry trees were given "as a gift of friendship to the People of the United States from the People of Japan," the park service says. More than 3,000 cherry trees of various varieties
arrived in Washington from Yokohama on March 26, 1912.
When is the 2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival?
The park service, in collaboration with the
National Cherry Blossom Festival, celebrates the bloom in the district from March 20 to April 14. Multiple events are scheduled for the festival, including a parade, concerts and fireworks for residents and for visitors who descend upon the city during the season. The dates for some events, such as the Jefferson Memorial Cherry Blossom Ranger Talk, ranger-led lantern walks, and the Pups N' Petals Dog Walk have not yet been
announced by NPS .
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA Today. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
