Chuck Grassley

United States Senator from Iowa

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Visiting Washington, D.C.

Senator Grassley’s office provides tour information and arrangements for Iowans planning a trip to Washington, D.C.

Tickets to popular tourist sites -- including the United States Capitol, the Bureau of Printing and Engraving, the Kennedy Center, the White House and the FBI Education Center -- are available through Senator Grassley’s office. Tour tickets to attractions are limited. Iowans are encouraged to submit requests as far in advance of their requested tour dates as possible. Due to the timing of when tickets are released, requests can’t be accommodated more than three months in advance. Our nation’s capital is a popular destination.  Therefore, it is important to note that tickets go very quickly during peak seasons in the spring and summer months.

Iowans can submit tour requests up to three months prior to their visit via email with the form below, or call Senator Grassley’s Washington office at (202) 224-3744. Requests containing the same information found on the form may also be faxed to Senator Grassley’s office at (202) 224-5136.  Iowans need only submit one form per party.

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Your Information
Tour Information

Dates you will be touring (please do not include arrival and departure dates):

Tours of Interest

Senators, representatives and their staff work daily in this building that doubles as a tourist attraction.  The Capitol’s chambers, rotunda, art and architecture provide a behind-the-scenes perspective of how Congress works. Senator Grassley offers staff-led tours of the United States Capitol at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. each weekday, excluding federal holidays. Due to size limitations for staff-led tours, groups larger than 40 should book their tours through the Congressional Visitor Center.
Website: Capitol Tours

Constituents looking to see how money is produced will want to visit the Bureau of Engraving and Printing while in Washington, D.C. Congressional tickets to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing are available in the early morning and late afternoon for groups smaller than ten people. Congressional tickets go quickly but public tours can also be booked on the bureau’s website.
Website: Bureau of Engraving and Printing Tours

The Kennedy Center continues to host performances and promote arts education since its opening in 1971.  Highlights of the tour include: the Center’s main theaters, the Hall of States and Hall of Nations, and art from around the world. Congressional tours of the Kennedy Center are available Monday through Friday at 4:30 p.m. Public tours are offered throughout the day.The Kennedy Center continues to host performances and promote arts education since its opening in 1971.  Highlights of the tour include: the Center’s main theaters, the Hall of States and Hall of Nations, and art from around the world. Congressional tours of the Kennedy Center are available Monday through Friday at 4:30 p.m. Public tours are offered throughout the day.
Website: Kennedy Center Tours

Home to the President of the United States, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue symbolizes the heart of the executive branch of government.  Tours of the White House are granted on a first-come, first-served basis at the discretion of the White House Visitors Center. The White House requires a minimum of 21 days advance notice and a maximum of three months. If your visit is within these requirements, our office is happy to submit a request on your behalf. Security information is required for every person in your party wishing to tour the White House. The White House is open for tours on most Tuesdays through Saturdays during the year.  Typical White House hours include Tuesday-Thursday 7:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Friday 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Saturday 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.  The self-guided tour of the East Wing is subject to cancellation by the Visitors Office due to official business that may come up.
Website: White House Tours

The FBI Education Center is open Monday through Thursday for tours booked through Congressional offices. Tours are only conducted at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Security information is required. Tours fill up quickly and last approximately two hours. A minimum of four weeks advance notice is required.
Website: FBI Education Center Tours

Attractions with Public Tours

The National Archives Museum

The National Archives houses an impressive collection of historical documents and exhibits including the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights. Reserved tours can be booked online for a nominal fee. Walk-up tours are available every day except on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Website: National Archives Museum

 

Washington National Cathedral

The National Cathedral provides visitors an opportunity to marvel at neo-gothic architecture and enjoy religious solace. Public tours are available as well as services and special events.
Website: Washington National Cathedral

 

Library of Congress

Located on Capitol Hill, the Library of Congress offers tours of the nation’s oldest  federal cultural institution. Three buildings on Capitol Hill are associated with the Library of Congress but constituents should report to the Jefferson Building located at the corner of 1st and Independence Avenue Southeast for tours.
Website: Library of Congress

 

Washington Monument

An obelisk located in the center of the National Mall memorializes our first president, George Washington. For those interested in going to the top of the Washington Monument there are two types of tickets available: a limited number of free, walk-up tickets are available daily and tickets reserved online in advance for a $1.50 fee per ticket. Tickets are given out on a first-come, first-served basis and go very quickly during the summer months.
Website: Washington Monument

 

The Pentagon

Home to the Department of Defense, this building is available for tours on a limited basis. It is important to note the Pentagon is located across the Potomac River in Virginia but is Metro accessible.
Website: The Pentagon

 

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

This museum serves as a living memorial to the Holocaust. The powerful exhibits are very popular with school groups and tickets can be hard to come by. When available, tickets can be reserved online in advance for a nominal fee. Walk-up tickets are also available on a limited basis. We suggest going early to try to obtain walk-up tickets.
Website: Holocaust Memorial Museum

 

The Supreme Court Building

Historic court cases and judicial business have occurred in this building. Courtroom lectures are available on the days when the Court isn’t in session.  Constituents who are interested in hearing an oral argument should review the Court’s schedule on its website.  Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis so plan to arrive early.
Website: Supreme Court

 

The Smithsonian Museums

This group of museums has exhibits for Iowans of all ages. There is free admission for all Smithsonian Museums and the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., and no advance tickets are needed.
Website: Smithsonian Museums

 

**All tours are subject to change at the discretion of the host.  Please refer to their respective websites for the most up-to-date information.**