Lincoln Assassination Tour with Ford's Theatre & Petersen House

The first Lincoln Assassination tour to go into Ford's Theatre! Step back in time to April 14, 1865, and investigate the conspiracy that shattered a nation. while exploring various Civil War era sites that stand today. You will walk the exact streets where the plot unfolded and track John Wilkes Booth’s movements leading up to Lincoln's murder and his desperate escape route down Baptist Alley. Stand at the site of the Star Saloon where the assassin threw back his final drink, and step inside the historic Petersen House to see where President Lincoln took his last breath. Our expert guides dismantle the myths and lay out the raw facts of America's most infamous true-crime story right where it happened. Please note: Between May 28 and August 31, Ford's Theatre closes its interior to tour groups for repairs on select dates. Theatre availability is noted in the tour option.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   10 min

   Meet your guide in our welcome center where you will begin the story at the historic location of the National Intelligencer and see original newspapers about Lincoln's Assassination on display.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   15 min

   Follow the footsteps of those involved in the Lincoln assassination, from conspirators to victims, while learning about Washington, DC in the Civil War Era. See key sites including where John Wilkes Booth lived, where he procured a horse, and the location of the former homes of several characters involved. Learn where Booth was prior to the events of April 14th, 1865.

3. 3

   Penn Quarter

   Pass by

   Explore the historic neighborhood of Penn Quarter as you learn the stories of the conspirators of Lincoln's assassination, visit buildings that remain from the Civil War area, and learn about what once stood in the area.

4. 4

   National Portrait Gallery

   20 min

   See an original portrait of Abraham Lincoln, his life and death masks, and visit the hallway where he held his inaugural ball, once home to the US Patent Office.

5. 5

   Ford's Theatre

   45 min

   Explore the Museum at Ford's Theatre with a personal guide and learn the stories of the rare artifacts on display relating to the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Then take a guided tour of the actual theater while learning more about the events around Lincoln's assassination. *IMPORTANT: Ford's Theatre museum is closed for visitors May 28 through August 31 2026 for repairs, and the theatre is closed on select dates. Check your selected option to see if the Theatre is available.

6. 6

   Petersen Boarding House

   10 min

   End your tour at the house President Lincoln was taken to after his fatal shot at the theater, with entry to explore inside and see the room where he died the following day.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

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