Washington DC is the most popular destination for school tours. The National Mall draws millions of visitors every year as does the Smithsonian Institution. There is no limit to the variety of things you can learn in the many world-class museums in DC. And, of course, it’s the only place where you can visit the seat of our national government.
School tours love the chance to visit the White House. Though White House tours take advanced planning and careful security measures, they are possible and thrilling to every student who gets to experience one. The White House Visitors Center offers a unique complement or alternative to the White House tour. It offers exhibits and video on the famous residence, and a view of the same is just a few steps away.
Capitol Hill is a favorite government tour in DC as well. This beautiful, imposing structure is truly magnificent inside and out. Tours of Capitol Hill are always thrilling, filled with interesting trivia, familiar statues, and so much to learn about our government. The Supreme Court offers a self-guided experience. There are busts of all the chief justices in the beautiful hall, and in the chamber you can view proceedings or lectures on days when court is not in session.
Historical Sites are also the right choice for school tours to DC. Mt. Vernon offers a wonderful experience as students tour the beautiful estate beloved by George Washington. They’ll learn more about our first President with every bit of trivia on these grounds. Arlington National Cemetery is another wonderful walking tour with favorite spots like the gravesite of President Kennedy, the magnificent amphitheater (pictured), and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Ford’s Theater and Petersen House offer another must-see historical site in DC as students walk in the footsteps of one of our nation’s greatest tragedies, the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.
On the National Mall groups find many of DC’s famous monuments and memorials. Groups love the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. Nearby Jefferson and FDR Memorials complete those honoring presidents. Students always recognize the haunting, black wall of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, but they’ll find many surprising details in that and the other war memorials like the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the World War II Memorial. Groups will also want to visit the Pentagon’s 9/11 Memorial. The Illuminations Tour takes you to all the memorials beautifully illuminated after dark.
Along the National Mall sit many of the Smithsonian museums. The Smithsonian Institution is devoted to the increase of knowledge. Its museums and facilities overflow with artifacts that inspire learning on every fascinating subject. Popular museums include American History, Air & Space, Natural History, and the Museum of the American Indian. Other favorite DC museums outside the Smithsonian include The Newseum, dedicated to journalists and the headlines they’ve captured from around the world. Students also love the Museum of Crime and Punishment, highlighting infamous criminals and allowing students to participate in crime-solving techniques.
This is only a glimpse of one of the most exciting cities in the world for school tours. The educational value is unmatched in DC’s many amazing and entertaining attractions. Contact us for more.
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