WAshington, D.C. VIsitor's GUide

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WASHINGTON, D.C. VISITOR’S GUIDE

Welcome

Welcome to Washington! I am excited that you have chosen to visit our nation’s capital. My staff and I have put together this guide to help you plan your trip to this historic city. From monuments and museums to restaurants and shopping, there are so many exciting sites to see here in Washington.

I encourage you to try to see as much as you can while you are in town. Whether you choose to rent a bike, tour the city by foot, or utilize the D.C. Metro system, there are a variety of options to help you get around. Some of my favorite attractions are the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Phillips Collection. I also always love catching a game at the Washington Nationals Stadium, though my loyalty will always be with the Minnesota Twins!

The Jefferson Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial, are some of D.C.’s most popular attractions. There are also nineteen free Smithsonian museums that have something to capture every interest. It’s also great to make a trip to Arlington National Cemetery where you can pay your respects to our fallen veterans and watch the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

If you have any questions during your visit, or need assistance, please call our Washington office at (202) 225-2271. After all, this office doesn’t belong to me, but to you and all the residents of Minnesota’s Second Congressional District. Don’t forget to share with me some photos of your experience in D.C. via my social media accounts.

Once again, welcome to Washington. Enjoy your stay, and I hope to hear from you soon!

Kindest regards,

Tours Near Capitol Hill

United States Capitol Tours of the U.S. Capitol are offered from 8:40 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Saturday. The tour includes visiting the Crypt, the Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall. The tour does not include visiting the Senate and House Galleries, which require separate passes. You can obtain these passes by stopping by our Washington, D.C. office during your visit. Our office is located in 1523 Longworth House Office Building, across the street from the Capitol.

Library of Congress Public tours of the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building are available on a first-come, first-served basis without prior reservations Monday through Friday from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM, and Saturday from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Individuals and families with no more than 10 members may join a public tour. Inquire at the Jefferson Building, Ground Floor Information Desk for availability at least 30 minutes prior to tour time. All tours are fully accessible and free of charge.

Supreme Court Although the Supreme Court does not offer guided walking tours, visitors are encouraged to tour public portions of the building on a self-guided basis. The Supreme Court Building is free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. It is closed on weekends and all federal holidays. In addition to the Courtroom, portions of the first and ground floors of the Supreme Court Building are open to the public. Visitors should be aware that the business of the Court may from time to time affect public access to the building or alter programming offered.

United States Botanic Gardens: More than 200 years ago, George Washington envisioned a botanical garden when outlining plans for the capital. This was intended to show the importance of plants to the nation and so far it has done so and more. This garden is not only aesthetically pleasing, it also educates the public about the ecological importance of plants. The facility is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is free of charge.

National Archives Encounter the original founding documents of the United States in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, the permanent home of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, and Bill of Rights. These three documents, known collectively as the Charters of Freedom, are instrumental to the founding and philosophy of the United States. Admission to all of the National Archives Museum exhibits is free.

Sites on the National Mall

For more than 200 years, the National Mall has symbolized our nation and its democratic values, which have inspired the world. The National Mall - the great swath of green in the middle of our capital city and stretching from the foot of the United States Capitol to the Potomac River - is the premiere civic and symbolic space in our nation. You can visit the beautiful monuments along the National Mall day or night, 24 hours a day.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is a unit of National Mall and Memorial Parks. This presidential memorial is located along the western shore of the Tidal Basin, taking visitors on a walk through time as FDR's four terms in office are chronicled through quotes carved in stone and fascinating bronze artwork.

Jefferson Memorial The Jefferson Memorial is a unit of National Mall and Memorial Parks. From within the circular colonnade, a statue of Thomas Jefferson stands holding the Declaration of Independence and peering out to the Tidal Basin. This is a particularly beautiful spot during cherry blossom season.

Korean War Veterans Memorial The Korean War Veterans Memorial was dedicated in 1995. Its Wall of Remembrance and 19 stainless steel statues commemorate the sacrifices of the millions of Americans and allied partners who fought during the Korean War.

Lincoln Memorial Construction on the Lincoln Memorial began on February 12, 1914. The building stands at the far western end of the National Mall. The statue of Lincoln gazes out from a solemn chamber in a building surrounded by 36 columns, each representing a state in the union at the time of the Lincoln's death. Dedicated in 1922, the Lincoln Memorial is the most visited site on the National Mall.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial honors Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy and the struggle for freedom, equality, and justice. A prominent leader in the modern civil rights movement, Dr. King was a tireless advocate for racial equality, working class, and the oppressed around the world.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial The Vietnam Veterans Memorial includes the names of over 58,000 servicemen and women who gave their lives in service in the Vietnam Conflict. The memorial includes the Vietnam Veterans Memorial "Wall," the "Three Servicemen Statue" and the "Vietnam Women's Memorial."

Washington Monument Built to honor George Washington, the United States' first president, the 555-foot marble obelisk towers over the National Mall. Visitor’s may acquire tickets through Recreation.gov to ride the elevator to the 500 foot observation deck.

World War II Memorial The World War II Memorial was dedicated on May 29, 2004 to honor the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the U.S. during World War II, the more than 400,000 who died, and the millions who supported the war effort from home.The Memorial is located adjacent to the Washington Monument, in the heart of the National Mall.

Near Washington D.C.

Arlington National Cemetery - A rlington, Virginia Pay your respects to our fallen veterans and visit the Kennedy gravesites, the U.S. Coast Guard Memorial, U.S. Army Gen. John J. Pershing's gravesite, the Tomb of the Unknowns (where you can see the changing of the guard) and the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial. Arlington Cemetery is accessible via the Blue Line and you can begin your visit to at the Welcome Center, located by the main cemetery entrance (Memorial Drive).

Mount Vernon - Mount Vernon, Virginia Visit the historic home of America's first president, George Washington, just a short drive from Washington, D.C. in northern Virginia. Combining an authentically interpreted 18th century home, lush gardens and grounds, intriguing museum galleries, immersive programs, and first-rate dining and shopping, Mount Vernon is an incomparable national treasure. Admission is $20 for adults, $12 for children, and free for children 0-5 years old.

Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center - Chantilly, Virginia The Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia is the companion facility to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.. At this location, two large hangars display thousands of aviation and space artifacts, including a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, a Concorde, and the Space Shuttle Discovery. Admission is free, and parking is $15 before 4:00 PM.

Smithsonian Museums

Comprised of 19 free museums, galleries, and the National Zoological Park, the Smithsonian is the largest museum and research complex in the world. Start your journey at the Smithsonian Visitor’s Center located inside the Smithsonian Castle on the National Mall where you can plan your entire visit. Below are a few of Angie’s favorites.

National Zoo Always free of charge and open 364 days a year, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex and is home to 2,700 animals representing more than 390 species. This includes the famous Giant Pandas.

African American History and Culture Museum The newest museum in the Smithsonian system opened fall 2016 and is devoted to the documentation of African American life, art, history and culture.

Air and Space Museum Make sure you don’t miss this fantastic museum which includes exhibits with hundreds of aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, rockets, and other artifacts. Some highlights include the 1903 Wright Flyer and a lunar rock you can touch.

American History Museum This important museum includes many scientific, cultural, social, technological, and political developments of the United States. Highlights include the flag that inspired the national anthem, George Washington’s military uniform and Dorthy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz.

National Portrait Gallery This significant gallery tells the stories of our nation through the individuals who have characterized the United States for hundreds of years. The America’s Presidents exhibit features the nation’s only complete collection of presidential portraits outside the White House.

National Museum of the American Indian This museum cares for one of the world's most expansive collections of Native artifacts, including objects, photographs, archives, and media covering the entire Western Hemisphere, from the Arctic Circle to Tierra del Fuego.