DC Monuments Walking Tour: Small Group, Big Ideas

On this interactive walking tour, we will explore some of DC’s most iconic monuments, learning about the people they honor and those who made them. We will talk as a group about what monuments mean to you and why we have them. Come prepared to walk about a mile (1.6km). There will be benches, but not at every stop. A water bottle is recommended. Most importantly, bring your curiosity (and your camera!). So, who am I? I’m glad you asked! My name is Shelley and I adore talking about people, especially the ones that lived in the past. I started my career as a ranger with the National Park Service – you know, those people with the funny hats. You could have met me at The Frederick Douglass House, Cape Cod National Seashore, or The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal during my seven years of service. I have a Master's in museum studies and a Bachelors in anthropology and linguistics. I’m excited to meet you!

1. 1

   Washington Monument

   25 min

   The tour will begin with the Washington Monument, which is dedicated to the United States’ first president, George Washington. We will view and discuss the monument from a distance. If you wish to see the monument up close, I recommend you do so before the tour.

2. 2

   National World War II Memorial

   20 min

   The World War II Memorial honors the service of the 16 million Service Members who were part of the U.S. Armed Forces, the support of millions on the home front, and the 405,399 Americans who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   30 min

   The Vietnam Veteran Memorial is made up of three separate parts: the Three Soldiers statue, the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial (The Wall). While here, we will talk about how the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was created and how it is used today to honor those who died during the war.

4. 4

   Korean War Veterans Memorial

   25 min

   The Korean War Veterans Memorial honors the sacrifices of the millions of Americans and allied partners who fought during the Korean War with a moving Wall of Remembrance and 19 service men statues.

5. 5

   Lincoln Memorial

   20 min

   We will end our tour at the Lincoln Memorial, which is dedicated to the nation’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, who led the country during the American Civil War and was crucial to ending slavery.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.