Kingman Island, River island in Washington, D.C., United States

Kingman Island is a river island in the Anacostia River in the eastern part of Washington, D.C. It is made up of tidal marshes, open meadows, a small lake, and a network of walking paths that connect its different sections.

The island was formed in 1916 when the US Army Corps of Engineers dredged the Anacostia River and deposited the material there. For decades the land sat largely unused until restoration work turned it into a wetland area open to the public.

Kingman Island draws birdwatchers who come to spot migratory species that pass through the Anacostia corridor each season. Interpretive signs along the trails explain how the wetland works and what animals depend on it, making the visit feel educational without being formal.

The island is reached by a pedestrian bridge near the former RFK Stadium and entry is free. Visiting in spring or fall gives you the best combination of mild weather and active wildlife along the trails.

The island is named after Harry Kingman, a local youth worker who advocated for disadvantaged children in the city during the first half of the 20th century. The name has nothing to do with the natural character of the place, which surprises many visitors who expect a geographic origin for it.