Visiting our nation’s capitol is an extraordinary experience. From the interactive exhibits at the International Spy Museum to the solemn memorials in Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, DC and the surrounding area has something for visitors of all ages.
To help provide residents of Missouri’s Ninth Congressional District the best DC experience possible, I am pleased to offer my assistance in providing scheduled tours for many of the attractions listed below. Please feel free to e-mail my staff in my Washington, DC office at Hulshof.Tours@mail.house.gov or call us at (202)225-2956 for additional information about these attractions and to inquire about the possibility of setting up a tour:
- George Washington’s Mount Vernon: Seasonal tours (April through October) are available Monday through Friday starting at 8:45 am. The tour allows visitors to view the Mount Vernon’s grounds, stables, gardens, George Washington’s tomb, and the mansion. While admission fees apply, my office can help facilitate favorable placement in line for constituents.
- The Kennedy Center: Tours are offered Monday through Saturday at 9:30 am and at 4:30 pm. The tour includes the Hall of States, the Hall of Nations, the main theaters as well as the artwork within the Kennedy Center. Tour requests must be made three weeks in advance.
- The Pentagon: Tours are offered Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and are available by reservation only. Contact my staff three weeks in advance to arrange a tour.
- The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing: Offered Monday through Friday at 8:00 am and at 8:45 am (additional times are provided during the summer). Learn about the history of our currency and observe the production of U.S. dollars. In general, tours are limited to ten people or less, however, special consideration is afforded to school groups. Tour requests must be made two months in advance.
- The U.S. Capitol: Offered Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. A member of my staff will take you on a personal guided tour of the U.S. Capitol. Attractions in the Capitol include the Rotunda, National Statuary Hall, Old Supreme Court Chamber, and the chambers of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. Please contact my office at (202)225-2956 to set a date and time.
- The U.S. Library of Congress: Offered Monday through Saturday at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 2:30 pm. The Library of Congress holds 119 million items including the personal and public papers of 23 presidents. The main reading room with its magnificent domed ceiling is one of the most impressive rooms in Washington, DC. Tour requests must be made three weeks in advance.
- The U.S. National Archives:
- Open everyday for the Fall & Winter Season (Day after Labor Day through March 31) from 10:00 am through5:30 pm (closed December 25 in observance of Christmas).
- Open every day for the Spring Season (April 1 through the Friday before Memorial Day weekend) from 10:00 am through 7:00 pm.
- Open every day for the Summer Season (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day) from 10:00 am through 9:00 pm.
- The Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence are on public display in the Rotunda of the National Archives building.
- The U.S. Department of State: Offered Monday through Friday at 9:30 am, 10:30 am, and 2:45 pm (subject to cancellation). The tours focus on the State Department’s Diplomatic Reception Rooms and the art contained in these rooms.
- The U.S. Supreme Court: Tours offered Monday through Friday 9:30 am through 3:30 pm. View our nation’s highest court, the great hall and learn about the history of the court. Tours are restricted to six people or less.
- The White House: Tours offered Tuesday through Saturday from 7:30 am to 11:00 am and are available by reservation only. My staff will be pleased to attempt to arrange a self-guided tour of the Presidential residence.
To have a tour arranged during peak visiting months (typically March thru September) of the White House my staff will typically need to make a tour request on your behalf at least four to five months in advance. For off-peak months (typically October thru February) the request will need to be made two to three months in advance. Due to the high demand and limited availability of White House tours, I highly recommend contacting my office as far in advance as possible.
For security purposes, the White House requires all visitor security information to be sent to them least two weeks in advance. Once a tour has been arranged, my staff will let you know what specific security information will be required to gain entrance.
Because of the large volume of visitors to Washington, DC, many popular attractions and tours are booked far in advance. That being said, please never hesitate to contact me; my staff and I are always more than willing to do whatever possible to accommodate constituent requests.
For additional information on Washington, DC attractions, please see the following links.
Annual Events:
Monuments, Museums, and other Attractions:
Tour Services:
Travel: