Mark Pryor - United States Senator of Arkansas Photo of a flag Arkansas First
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Washington, D.C., our nation's capital, is an exciting place to visit for children and adults. Not only does Washington serve as the seat of our federal government, it also offers an abundance of cultural, entertainment and historical experiences. I hope that the following list of tours, monuments, memorials and landmarks will help you plan an enjoyable and safe visit.

Graphic of a star SITES TO SEE Graphic of a star

United States Capitol   United States Capitol The United States Capitol is open to the public Monday through Saturday, 9 AM to 4:30 PM . Due to heightened security measures, self-guided tours are now prohibited. Free guided tours are offered on a first come, first serve basis, or by calling your senators or representatives in advance. Senate Gallery passes are available in my office in Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 255. 
     
White House   White House The White House is open for limited public tours.  If you are interested in scheduling a tour, please contact my Washington, DC office for assistance.   My staff will forward your request to the White House and contact you when a decision on your tour is made by the White House Visitor Center staff.
     
Supreme Court  

Supreme Court The Supreme Court is open to the public, Mondays through Fridays, from 9 AM to 4:30 PM . The line to observe oral arguments forms on the outside plaza as early as 8 AM. Tickets are not necessary for admission. The Court admits visitors every half hour, on a first come, first served basis. Court sessions begin at 10 AM with seating limited to 250. There are public lectures every half hour from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM on days that the Court is not sitting.

     
Library of Congress  

Library of Congress Guided tours of the Library of Congress are offered Monday through Saturday at 10:30, 11:30, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 PM . Tours meet in the Great Hall of the Thomas Jefferson Building . Spanish language tours are given on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 AM . Tours are limited to 50 people. The tour includes an award-winning film about the Library, a tour of the Thomas Jefferson Building and an introduction to the Library's "American Treasures" exhibit. Reservations are not required but please call the Visitor Services Center of the Library at (202) 707-4684 to inquire about tours for groups of 10 or more.

     
Bureau of Engraving and Printing   Bureau of Engraving and Printing The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is the largest producer of security document in the United States . VIP tours of the Bureau are 45-minutes in length, and are conducted by a personal guide. This tour is designed for constituents of Congressional Representatives and Senators, and offered at 8 AM and 8:15 AM during the work week. During the summer, a 4 PM VIP tour is also offered. Tour requests can be submitted through my office, with at least two months advance notice.
     
Federal Bureau of Investigation  

Federal Bureau of Investigation The one-hour, guided tour includes exhibits which present information on how the FBI works; some of its most famous cases; the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted List"; its services and jurisdictions; and its investigative responsibilities. The FBI will be closed to all tours until further notice.

     
Pentagon   The Pentagon Tours of the Pentagon have been canceled indefinitely due to the events of September 11, 2001 . School groups can contact the Pentagon for tours.
     
Treasury   The Department of the Treasury The Department of the Treasury formulates financial, economic, and tax policy; manages the national debt, and oversees the distribution of currency. Tours of the Treasury have been canceled indefinitely due to the events of September 11, 2001 . However, their website offers an online "virtual" tour.
     
Graphic of a star MEMORIALS & MUSEUMS Graphic of a star
     
Thomas Jefferson Memorial  

Thomas Jefferson Memorial Dedicated to our third President, the Jefferson memorial celebrates his architectural as well as governmental influence in America history. The Jefferson Memorial is open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. The lower lobby has a book shop and displays about Thomas Jefferson.

     
Lincoln Memorial  

Lincoln Memorial Dedicated to our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln's memorial is one of the most impressive sights in DC. The Lincoln Memorial overlooks the Reflecting Pool, the Washington Monument and the Capitol. The Lincoln Memorial is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. Located in the lower lobby is a museum with exhibits and memorabilia.

     
FDR Memorial   FDR Memorial This memorial serves as a tribute not only to a man, but to a world-wide leader who brought American through the Great Depression and World War. The FDR Memorial is among Washington 's newest additions, and one of the most unique. The memorial is open, with park rangers available, from 8:00 a.m. to midnight . It is open 5:00 p.m. (extended hours are 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. April-September).
     
Arlington National Cemetary   Arlington National Cemetary Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of many of this country's most honored leaders and servicemen. The cemetery is located on the Virginia side of the Potomac, just across the Memorial Bridge from the District.
     
Washington Monument  

Washington Monument The Washington Monument is open daily year-round. Hours of operation are 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM. Free tickets are available at the ticket kiosk on 15th Street at the base of the Monument. Advance tickets are available for a service charge through Ticketmaster.

     
Vietnam Veterans Memorial   Vietnam Veterans Memorial Located adjacent to the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial stands as a poignant symbol of America 's valor and a recognition of the men and women who sacrificed their lives in the Vietnam War. It is open daily from 8:00 AM to 11:45 PM.
     
   

Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima) The Marine Corps War Memorial depicts one of the most famous incidents of World War II: American soldiers raising the flag over Mount Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima. The memorial honors all Marines who have lost their lives in defense of the United States .

     
Navy Memorial  

Navy Memorial Visitors to the Navy Memorial are immediately drawn to the statue of the Lone Sailor, which represents all people who have ever served in the Navy. Adjacent to the statue is the Naval Heritage Center, open 9:30 AM - 5 PM , Tuesday through Saturday. During the summer, the US Navy Band regularly performs at the memorial.

     
    National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial honors America 's federal, state, and local law enforcers who risk their lives to protect our citizens. The Memorial sits on three acres of federal park land at Judiciary Square, and the visitor center is located two blocks away at 605 E Street NW. Visitor center hours are: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM; Saturday: 10 AM - 5 PM; Sunday: 12 PM - 5 PM.
     
US Holocaust Memorial Museum  

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is America 's national institution for the documentation, study, and interpretation of Holocaust history. No passes are needed to enter the Museum, special exhibitions, or the interactive learning center. Timed passes are needed to visit the Permanent Exhibition and can be obtained at the Museum each day or in advance by calling 1-800-400-9373. Museum hours are 10 AM to 5:30 PM daily, closed on Yom Kippur and Christmas. Extended hours (10 AM to 8 PM) are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from March 14th to June 29th.

     
National Archives  

The National Archives The National Archives and Records Administration is currently closed due to renovations. It will reopen with limited exhibits in September 2003, and open fully in 2004.

     
National Cathedral  

National Cathedral The National Cathedral is located on Mount Saint Alban in Washington , DC , which is one of the highest points in the city. There are several different tours conducted by the National Cathedral. Please visit their website for tour descriptions and times.

     
Smithsonian Instutions   Smithsonian Institutions Admission is free to all of the Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo in Washington , D.C. Most museums offer free highlights tours daily on a walk-in basis. For a list of the museums, times and other information, visit the Smithsonian's website.
     
Graphic of a star HELPFUL PLANNING LINKS Graphic of a star
     
Washington Metro  

Metro Washington, D.C. is a difficult city to navigate by car and parking is always limited. The metro system is an easy, safe and clean way for visitors to get around town.

     
Official DC Tourism Page  

The Official DC Tourism Page  This site provides up-to-date information about landmarks, special events and local accommodations.

     
Washington Weather   Washington Weather Provides the latest information on weather conditions in and around the Washington area.
     
   

 
                 
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