A visit to Washington, D.C. can be an exciting and educational experience for people of all ages. Congressman Shadegg is happy to provide tour passes, as available, to the following sites:
White House
Visitors are invited to take a self-guided tour through several prominent rooms, including the Red Room, the Green Room and the Formal Dining Room, and a walk through the East Wing. Tours are offered from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, excluding all federal holidays. Visitors should note that tours of the White House are only made available by contacting their congressional representative, and are approved on a first come, first served basis. Therefore, it is recommended that visitors wishing to take the tour submit their reservation 3 to 6 months in advance. Visitors should also be aware that, as a security precaution, the White House requires legal name, Social Security number, date of birth and country of citizenship to be provided.
**NOTE: handbags, bookbags, backpacks, purses, food and beverages of any kind, strollers, cameras, video recorders or any type of recording device, tobacco products, personal grooming items (make up, hair brush or comb, lip or hand lotions, etc.), any pointed objects (pens, knitting needles, etc.), aerosol containers, guns, ammunition, fireworks, electric stun guns, mace, martial arts weapons/devices, or knives of any size are forbidden. There are no storage facilities on the White House premises at which to store such items during your tour. Please plan accordingly.
The United States Capitol
Congressional staff-guided tours of the United States Capitol begin by taking guests into the Capitol Visitor Center and include trips to Statuary Hall and the Rotunda, where they can view the inside of the world-famous dome. The Capitol is open for tours from 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Public tours are available during the same hours, but advance reservations are suggested as only a few same-day passes are available. Visit www.visitthecapitol.gov for more information or to book your public tour of the Capitol.
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is a popular attraction, as it is responsible for the printing of the United States’ paper currency. Visitors can watch the process as blank sheets turn into “wallet-ready” bills. Tours are given Monday through Friday, at 8:15 and 8:45 am and 4:00, 4:15, 4:30 and 4:45 pm during the peak season of April through August, and are shortened to morning tours only for the rest of the year. Public tours are also offered, however during peak months, they tend to run out quickly.
Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center stands as one of the proudest centers for the performing arts, as well as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy. Tours are given at 9:45 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, and guests of the afternoon tour are treated to a free concert (performances vary). Please note, public tours are not offered, but the public is welcome to come in and browse.
Library of Congress
As the United States’ oldest cultural institution, and the largest library in the world, the Library of Congress welcomes visitors with an extensive tour that highlights its art and architecture, history and collections – including the Gutenberg Bible. From March to November tours are offered at 8:30 am, 1:45 pm and 3:45 pm, and for December through February, tours are only offered at 1:45 pm. Public tours of the Library of Congress are also available, but expect extensive lines during peak months.
Supreme Court
Guests are invited to sit in on a 30 minute courtroom lecture, as well as tour the exhibits and theater. Tours are given at 2 pm, Monday through Friday when the court is not sitting. Public tours are also available, every hour from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.
National Archives
Visitors to the National Archives are treated to first hand views of the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights and the U.S. Constitution, not to mention scores of documents and records relating to genealogy, American Indians, military and more. Guided tours are offered Monday through Friday at 9:45 am and self-guided tours are also available by reservation, which is recommended during peak season (March through September). Public tours are also available.
Pentagon
Open for public tours since the United States’ Bicentennial Celebration in 1976, visitors are taken on a 60 minute tour of the Pentagon, the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense. The tours are led by active duty Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen. Points of interest include the September 11th Memorial, the Hall of Heroes and the Native American Display. Group tours are available from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. Visitors should note that legal name, date of birth and country of birth are required, for security purposes, a week before the scheduled tour.
There are a limited number of passes available for each site, so it is a good idea to make your request at least several months in advance. As this information is subject to change throughout the year, I recommend that you call Sara Mueller in my Washington, D.C. office to ensure times and availabilities of tours.
Other Popular places to visit:
Arlington National Cemetery
International Spy Museum
Mount Vernon
National Gallery of Art
National Portrait Gallery
National Zoo
Smithsonian Museums
Union Station
United States Holocaust Museum
Washington Monument
Washington National Cathedral
Helpful resources:
The Architect of the Capitol: http://www.aoc.gov/
Washington, D.C. Tourism Information: http://thedistrict.com/
The National Park Service: http://www.nps.gov
The Smithsonian Institution: http://www.si.edu/
We are happy to provide additional Washington, D.C. tourism information. If you are planning a trip to our Nation's Capitol in the near future, please contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-3361.