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Exploring America » Eastern US, US Cities » Washington D.C.

Washington D.C.

Capitol Building

Credit Destination DC

Washington, D.C. is the perfect tourist destination for anyone in America! The Smithsonian Institute makes this city one of the most educational of those in the U.S.! They have a museum for almost every interest. They have an African Art Museum, an Air and Space Museum, the American Art Museum, the American History Museum, the American Indian Museum, and so much more! Your educational group tour will even get the opportunity to see the Smithsonian Zoo! See places as famous and influential as the White House, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Pentagon! While in Washington, D.C., you can take the opportunity to remember those who fought for our freedom! The Vietnam and Korean Veterans Memorials are open to the public 24 hours a day and are lit extravagantly well at night. There are tons of historic government buildings and monuments that are sure to catch your eye! The beauty of the architecture, the wonderment of the history, and the chance to learn all combine to make Washington, D.C. one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. If your traveling group has never been to Washington, D.C, be sure to bring your camera to capture the memories and take some souvenir selfies in front of some of the most influential and historic government buildings in American history! You will never regret a trip to Washington, D.C. With so much to do, you’ll want to keep coming back to try to experience it all again and again!

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Sample Itineraries

2-Day Washington DC Tour

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Exploring America has created the perfect two day itinerary packed with all the highlights of Washington, D.C.

    •  Meet Your Congressman
    •  Smithsonian Museums
    •  One Night Lodging

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3-Day DC Black History Tour

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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said the famous words, “I have a dream,” that now stand as a national anthem for civil rights & equality.

    •  Two Nights Lodging
    •  Optional Tours
    •  Daily Tour Guide

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3-Day Washington DC Tour

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Your 3-day group tour in Washington D.C. should be rich with American history, fascinating museums, beautiful memorials & government buildings.

    •  See Original U.S. Documents
    •  Two Nights Lodging
    •  View the White House

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4-Day DC & Williamsburg

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This tour will allow you to explore the history and government of the United States.

    •  Four Museums
    •  Meet Your Congressman
    •  Two Cities in Four Days

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4-Day Washington DC Tour

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Washington, DC, is the most popular tour destination for groups.

    •  Five Memorials
    •  See Capitol Hill
    •  Meet Your Congressman

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5-Day Washington DC Tour

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Your group will enjoy 5 days in Washington DC as you will have time to investigate and explore our nation's Capitol.

    •  Four Nights Lodging
    •  Four Museums
    •  National Archives

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Law & Order DC Tour

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This tour is nonstop action all about crime, punishment, and the prevention of it.

    •  Guided Tour of the Pentagon
    •  Supreme Court
    •  Three Nights Lodging

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Attractions

FDR Memorial

FDR Memorial Fireside Chat StatueThe FDR Memorial is located in Washington, D.C. The U.S. National Park service is the second location that contains this iconic history Franklin Roosevelt made a famous speech at this location in 1936. The first memorial consisted of a marble block stone that now stands at the National Archives Building, facing the U.S. Navy Memorial. The dedication took place on May 2nd, 1997. In August 1955, a decade after Roosevelt’s death, Congress established a commission to create a memorial of the 32nd U.S. president. Four years later, a location for the memorial was chosen. It was halfway between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, along the Tidal Basin. Many design competitions were held over the years but it wasn’t until 1978 that a design was chosen. The commission decided Lawrence Halprin’s design was the best memorial design, a 7.5 acre memorial that represented both President Roosevelt and his era. Unlike the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, which are compact, covered, and focused on one statue of the presidents, the FDR memorial is vast, uncovered, and focused on several different aspects. Specifically, it focused on numerous statues, quotes, and waterfalls. Halprin’s design tells the story of the president and the country in chronological order. There are four rooms which represent the 12 years of FDR’s presidency. The memorial now stands as a reminder of some of America’s tougher times, including World War II and the Great Depression.

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The Pentagon

Pentagon EntranceThe Pentagon, also known as Department of Defense headquarters, is located in Washington, D.C. The location is considered to be one of the world’s largest office buildings. Tours are offered and dynamically highlight the respective missions of the five Armed Services, the office of the Secretary of Defense and the joint staff. There is a 60-minute presentation that will include a 1.49 mile walk through the building. The group will view: colorful displays, historic photographs depicting significant moments in military history, including the 9/11 Memorial Chapel. The building was constructed at the start of World War II to bring all offices of what was then termed—the department of war together in a single building. The location now contains offices for the departments of the Army, Air Force, and navy, and the office of the Secretary of Defense. Leaders of the United States military have played critical roles in American foreign policy and military operations abroad—from the Cuban Missile Crisis to the Iraq Wars.

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National Zoo

National Zoo SignThe Zoological Park, also known as the National Zoo, is located in Washington, D.C. The zoo is 163 acres and will take several hours for the group to see all of the featured animals and exhibits. There are various animals that are located outdoors for visitors to observe. These include: sloth bears, seals, giant pandas, great cats, and sea lions. The zoo has a new exhibit featuring 58 different species all coexisting peacefully under a brightly colored, open-air pavilion. It is called the Speedwell Foundation Conservation Carousel. The exhibit features some beloved endangered species including: giant pandas, Komodo dragons, and cheetahs. The attraction will be fun for all ages! Other exhibits include Amazonia, Asian Trail, American Trail, and Primates. Amazonia features a living tropical forest, home to free-ranging animals, and a large aquarium in which dozens of fish species swim. While on the Asian Trail, the group will observe seven species including the following: fishing cats, red pandas, sloth bears, clouded leopards, Asian small-clawed otters, a Japanese giant salamander, and giant pandas. Guided tours are also available along with programs offered by rangers.

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Pentagon Memorial

Pentagon Memorial at Night

Credit Destination DC

The Pentagon Memorial is located in Washington, D.C. It commemorates the 184 lives lost in the Pentagon and on American Flight 77 during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. This Memorial encompasses 1.93 acres and sits on the western side of the Pentagon. Each victim has an individual unit bench engraved with their name, hovering over a pool of water that glows with light at night. The units are organized by a timeline based on the ages of the victims and are placed along age lines parallel with the trajectory of Flight 77, each marked with a birth year, ranging from 1998 to 1930. The Pentagon Memorial was dedicated and officially opened to the public on September 11, 2008. The construction of the location was funded by private donations. Centex Lee LLC built the Memorial and it was designed by Julie Beckman and Keith Kaseman. It was commissioned by the Washington Headquarters Service in 2003. If the group would like an audio tour, they are available through dialing a number and listening to a 24-minute guide. You will be shown to different points of interest throughout the memorial.

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The Smithsonian Institute

Smithsonian Castle Towers

Credit Destination DC

The Smithsonian Institute has got to be one of the favorite attractions of the many tourists that visit Washington, D.C. every year! Consisting of 19 different museums on almost every topic you could think of and even a zoo, this museum is a wonderful way to spend a day in Washington, D.C. African Art, Air and Space, American Art, American History, American Indians, Natural History, there’s a museum for all of these and more! With tons of artifacts and exhibitions, this is one of the most famous museums in the country, and they’re great with kids of all ages! There are even interactive exhibits offered at many of the different museums that are sure to get everyone interested! These museums alone are enough reason to come to Washington, D.C. This is something everyone in your group will love and it will show them how to see the world in many different lights! See artifacts as historic as the first working airplane, a T-Rex skeleton, original Native American artifacts, the Hope Diamond, and so much more in this amazing string of museums that no one will want to miss. The Smithsonian Institution is the perfect place to visit if you are looking for something educational and beneficial for your traveling group! With an adequate amount of information for your travel group, you simply can’t afford to miss a museum like this! Don’t let your group be one of the few to miss out on this amazing opportunity to see the world and all it has to offer at one of the biggest and best museums in American history!

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National Mall

The National Mall and Memorial Parks is visited by millions each year and is located in Washington, D.C. This location contains iconic historical landmarks. There are a variety of outdoor activities including: Golf, Tennis, and the Tidal Basin Paddle Boats. If you enjoy guided tours, there are a few options available including the following: talks, walks, runs, bikes and more. There are also several memorials and monuments for visitors to enjoy. These include but are not limited to: the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, African American Civil War Memorial, Constitution Gardens, the Korean Veterans War Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the World War II Memorial. The landscape of the National Mall is amazing and breathtaking. It features gardens, fountains, reflecting pools, cherry trees, and blossoms. There are botanical gardens that display thousands of tulips, pansies, and annuals in over 170 flower beds.

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Madame Tussauds, D.C.

Madame Tussauds is located in Washington, DC. This location is a museum that gives visitors access to historical figures through up-close and personal interaction. They also have a Sports zone where people can play Golf or Baseball while standing alongside famous athletes. Guests can also mingle with some famous celebrities as well. Some themed rooms and Galleries include the following: The Presidents Gallery, the Civil Rights gallery, Behind the Scenes, Glamour Room, and the Media Room. The Presidents Gallery is an exhibit that displays all forty-four U.S. presidents. It is interactive, exciting, and educational all at the same time. The Gallery is comprised of fourteen highly themed and immersive rooms. The group will learn about the history of the United States of America through the lives of its iconic leaders. Behind the Scenes gives you a glimpse into the artistry known as wax sculpting. Visitors will learn about Madame Tussauds 250 year-old trade secrets in wax sculpting techniques that are still used in modern-day productions of so many life-like creations. You can see Madame Tussaud herself (in wax of course) sculpting the head of Benjamin Franklin. Finally take the step and become immortalized by dipping your hands in wax.

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Korean War Veterans Memorial

Korean War Veteran Memorial StatueThe Korean War Veterans Memorial is one of the most fascinating and sensitive of the memorials in Washington, D.C. and when visited at dusk, the Memorial becomes even more realistic. This awe-inspiring Memorial was built to honor the courageous soldiers who served in the Korean War, while paying particular attention to those who were killed, or missing in action, or those who were taken as prisoners of war. In it, 19 American soldiers are brilliantly depicted seven feet tall and making their way through Korea’s harsh terrain. These detailed statues are made of stainless steel, wear gear and clothing authentic to the Korean War-era, and appear to be walking into the wind. Your tour group will be astonished by the amount of realism the detail in this memorial brings to such a saddening topic. The Mural Wall is comprised of 41 panels and measures 164 feet long. It was ingenuously designed from 15,000 photographs of various different aspects of the War. The final product displays 2,400 etched images from all the armed forces. If your educational group tour chooses to visit the Pool of Remembrance, you will get the enchanting view of the peninsula-like area representative of the Korean peninsula and see lists of the statistics of the War. Lined in black granite and surrounded by shade trees, a plaque on the wall reads the famous words “Freedom is not free”. Visiting the Korean War Veterans Memorial will be one of the most inspiring and motivating things you do while visiting Washington, D.C.

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The Supreme Court

Supreme CourtThe Supreme Court of the United States is located near the U.S. capitol in Washington, D.C. Visitors can take advantage of programs including lectures given in the courtroom. There is a cafeteria available to the public that serves soups, salads, sandwiches and beverages. The group may also tour the building on their own. The Supreme Court was built from 1931-1935. The first courtroom session was held on Monday October 3, 1935. There are statues of justices made of marble for your viewing pleasure. The design of the Supreme Court was done by Cass Gilbert. The lectures are offered by trained Docents and last for 30 minutes. During this time, visitors of all ages will learn about the judicial functions of the Supreme Courte, history of the Building, and the architecture of the courtroom. The group is also encouraged to explore a variety of exhibitions found on the ground floor of the Supreme Court. They highlight the work of the nation’s highest Court, the lives of individual justices, and the architecture of the building. Current exhibitions include: The Supreme Court building: America’s Temple of Justice, In War and In Peace: The Supreme Court and the Civil War, Sandra Day O’Connor, First Woman Justice on the Supreme Court, The Power of Image: Charles Evans Hughes in Prints, Photographs and Drawings and Capturing Justice: Judicial Portraits by Augustus Saint-Gaudens.

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DEA Museum

The DEA Museum is located in Arlington, VA, near the Pentagon City Mall. It welcomes those 10 years of age and over to come to the location. Their mission is to educate visitors on the history of the Drug Enforcement Administration and on the impact of drug addiction from the past to the present day. Some featured exhibits include: Illegal Drugs in America, Good Medicine, Bad Behavior, as well as virtual exhibits. Illegal Drugs in America exhibit depicts the story of the history of drugs in the United States. The U.S. Drug Enforcement administration was founded in 1973. The agency was created to enforce federal drug laws. Today the biggest challenge for the DEA is to control the dramatic change with regard to organized crime. Good Medicine, Bad Behavior, emphasizes drug diversion in the United States. Specifically, the exhibit explores the issue of prescription substance abuse and how it is gripping America today. It is interactive and Features include the following: recreations of period pharmacies, depictions of significant cases, and displays illustrating the impact of these substances on the human body. There is also a resources section available for visitors to gain more information on this important subject. You may take literature home from this part of the exhibit. Rogue internet pharmacies are also highlighted in the display. The group will come out of the DEA Museum with a further understanding of drug abuse in our country both in the past and the current issues that are taking place today.

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Newseum

Newseum StudioThe Newseum is located in Washington, DC. It is known to be one of the top museums to visit while you are in the area. This location contains 14 galleries and 15 4D Theaters. The exhibits feature both historical and current events. Exhibits include but are not limited to the following: : The New York Times—Ochs-Sulzberger Family Great Hall of News, News Corporation News History Gallery, NBC News Interactive News room, the 9/11 Gallery, the Bloomberg Internet, TV and Radio Gallery, and the Pulitzer Prize Photo Gallery. The Bloomberg Gallery features two 25-foot high media walls depicting the evolution of news in the media. The radio was the first form of news that was broadcast. Next was the Television which added images to the stories. The final step in news broadcasting was the internet. These are part of the exhibit and the gallery also has a display devoted to pioneer broadcaster Edward R. Murrow. The 9/11 Gallery explores the horrendous events that occurred on September 11, 2001. It also features front pages from around the globe as well as first-person accounts about the attacks. William Bigart was a photojournalist who lost his life while covering the events and he is featured in the Gallery as well. There are also photos that were taken by Bigart during his final moments on display.

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The Washington Monument

Washington Monument

Credit Destination DC

Most people recognize this tall, sleek structure as a symbol of our nation’s capital. This is fitting considering what the monument actually does represent. Standing taller than any structure in Washington, D.C., and according to current zoning laws likely to be the tallest in the city ever, the Washington Monument is the centerpiece for the world-famous National Mall. Here you’ll find almost all of the presidential and war memorials so popular for Washington, D.C., group tours. Much thought always goes into the design of any monument, and Washington’s was no different. This unique shape with its imposing height was chosen to symbolize George Washington’s prominence in our history. He is often called the Father of our country, and designers wanted his memorial to be equally distinguishing among the capital’s many monuments. That intent was certainly captured in this dramatic, over 555-foot, obelisk-shaped structure, recognizable around the world. And this should be true as it is the tallest stone structure on the planet. On clear days it has a visibility of 30 to 40 miles. Around the base of the Washington monument stand 50 flags. Inside, visitors find a statue depicting George Washington as well as information and artifacts about him. Then from the observation deck within, visitors can view the amazing visibility for themselves and get a unique view of Washington, D.C.’s, other prominent buildings, including those on the National Mall. Behind the Washington Monument, the beautiful, rectangular Reflecting Pool gives a unique view of the monument itself. This pool was specially designed to minimize ripples from the wind, allowing for a crystal-sharp reflection of this amazing structure.

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US Holocaust Memorial Museum

Holocaust Memorial MuseumThe United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is one of the most memorable and emotional experiences offered in Washington, D.C. The goal of this museum is to not only show the horrors of the Holocaust and what the survivors lived through, but to make sure something of this magnitude never happens again. While visiting this museum, your group will learn about the Holocaust through artifacts, testimonials, and interactive exhibits that show the lives of the children who survived it. Little is left to the imagination when your group sees displays of shoes from Holocaust victims, a freight train like those used to transport Jews, and descriptions of the gas chamber methods. The permanent display is the most memorable for many visitors. At the beginning of this display, visitors are given an “identity card” that provides a photo and information on a person who really lived during the Holocaust. This card details the life of the person and describes their fate. This will make the museum feel personally related to you and make it all the more emotional. Throughout the permanent exhibit, your educational travel group will be shown Nazi propaganda, films of Nazi rallies, recordings of Hitler’s speeches, Nazi political posters, newspaper articles, films of medical experiments, models of death camps, and survivors recounting their personal experiences in the Holocaust. The final part of this exhibit will show the Aftermath of the Holocaust. Mass graves, starving prisoners, and troops entering the German death camps are shown through video display and images. There is even a Remember the Children floor to the museum. This is an immensely emotional and memorable experience for anyone who visits.

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Museum of the American Indian

Statue at National Museum of American IndianThe Museum of the American Indian is a wonderful educational center for anyone interested in the Native Americans and the way they lived their lives not so long ago. This museum has one of the most extensive collections of Native American artifacts in the world! Over 12,000 years of history is collected here. More than 1,200 indigenous cultures are represented by the over 825,000 items on display inside the museum. In addition to this, the museum also has photographs. There are 324,000 images from the 1860s to the present! There are daily special events and hands on activities offered to help visitors truly get into the history! This museum is a fantastic way to show any person the history of the Native American people, and with all of the exhibitions and artifacts there, it’s easy to get caught up in the history. Your educational travel group will love seeing the world in a way that portrays the lives of the American people in a way that justly identifies their love of nature and respect for the earth around them. When your travel group is shown the betrayal of the American Indians’ trust the United States committed, they will rightly be saddened. You will not regret a trip to this amazing exhibition of the American Indian tribes and their history in the United States. This is a wonderful museum with something to suit everyone’s educational desires. Your group will not want to miss an exhibition as touching and diverse as this.

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Museum of American History

National Museum of American History Flag DisplayThe Museum of American History is a museum you cannot miss! This is one of the most interesting and historically diverse museums the Smithsonian offers. Your group will love the wide range of artifact topics offered for observation in this Museum! It has many interesting exhibits and collections your travel group is sure to love! Advertising, agriculture, art, clothing and accessories, coins, currency, and metals, communications, all of these have a history, and this Museum is dedicated to the showing of times gone by for all this and many more subjects! Your group will love the amazing exhibits and will be awestruck by the amount of artifacts offered. See everything from the ruby slippers worn in The Wizard of Oz and the Muppet character Kermit the Frog, to the more than 5,000 instruments of European and American history. Medical science artifacts are available to see and represent almost every aspect of the medical practice. Your educational travel group will even get the opportunity to see the history of what our country eats! Study the food fads from the past and the history of how food was made. Ovens, cookie cutters, kettles, ice cream making machines, home canning jars, and wine making equipment are displayed. Your group will see every side of history, whether it be art, food, or media, there will definitely be something of interest for everyone! Whatever the reason to visit, this Museum will certainly be a favorite stop in your trip to Washington, D.C., and will leave everyone wanting to come back all over again!

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Museum of Natural History

nationalmuseumnaturalhistory_rotundaThis museum is recognizable by its green dome, underneath which you will learn fascinating things about our earth. The exhibits inside help you experience the earth’s history and parts of it you have never even seen. You’ll learn more about the land and sea as well as some of the creatures who have and do live here. Through it all, you’ll gain a greater understanding for the human connection to our planet. Dinosaurs, ocean life, and curiously-colored gem stones will all open your eyes to earth’s wonders. You’ll see millions of insects and plants carefully preserved for study. This museum takes you on your very own journey of discovery from soil to sea and back again – throughout history and all around the globe.

 
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American Art Museum

American Art Museum Lincoln GalleryThe American Art Museum is a wonderful Museum that portrays the art and its evolution through American history and also history’s effect on art. Your group will certainly enjoy viewing the largest collection of American art in the world! Recently, the Museum has started accepting video games into the multimedia section and is displaying them as a form of art. This is a good example of how art can come from anywhere and can be taken for granted, especially in a society like we have today. In this Museum, you will get the chance to see works from some fantastic American artists, some as famous as Georgia O’Keeffe! This establishment shows all forms of art, whether they are sculptures, paintings, films, photographs, or video game multimedia. There’s something for everyone to enjoy when your group make a visit here! This Museum boasts a collection any rising artist needs to see! There is an amazing array of artifacts and there’s nothing like seeing the real thing! Three centuries of artwork is proudly displayed in this amazing facility, capturing the character and artistic view of every artist featured. This museum has a dedication to the collection and understanding of American art and celebrates the creativity of the human being. When your educational group visits this Museum, you will be viewing one of the most inclusive and largest collections of American art in the world. Allow your educational travel group the amazing opportunity to see the world and its history through the eyes of some of the most creative people on the planet!

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African Art Museum

African Art MuseumThe African Art Museum is an amazing cultural exhibit displaying the differences between the traditional art we see in America and the art that describes the way of life in Africa. It is also the largest publicly held collection of contemporary African art in the United States! In the Museum, your educational group will find more than 9,000 objects representing almost every country in Africa dating from ancient to recent times. The African Art Museum contains just about every type of art you could think of! They show textiles, photography, sculpture, pottery, paintings, jewelry, and video art. Educational travel groups will enjoy the chance to view the amazing works of such an influential people! The lectures, public discussions, films, storytelling, musical performances, and workshops that help to improve your better understanding of the African culture will make the educational process come alive! This will be an experience you remember for years to come! Your group will get the opportunity to see the relics of the African people and view the world through their eyes. This Museum is more than unique and your educational travel group will adore the amazingly kept artifacts and the combination of different art styles kept in each floor. Masks, paintings, and more will make you want to wander every floor! Don’t let your travel group miss out on an amazing opportunity to see the largest publicly held collection of African artifacts in the United States today! Who knows when you’ll get the chance to visit again?

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Air and Space Museum

Air and Space MuseumThe Air and Space Museum in the Smithsonian is an excellent place for history, flight, and space lovers! This Museum has thousands of objects on display over the topic of flying and exploring space. Your educational tour group will absolutely love seeing amazing artifacts like a lunar rock you can actually touch, Albert Einstein’s Planetarium, a Public Observatory, and even the first successful airplane! Imagine the excitement on your groups’ faces when they get the amazing opportunity to see the advancements of flight and space technology over the years. The Lunar Exploration Vehicles exhibit displays the Apollo Lunar Module, Lunar Orbiter, Surveyor, Ranger, and Clementine spacecraft. Your educational tour group will get to see objects that have actually been on the moon! Your tour group will have the time of their lives as they explore every thought they have ever had about flight and space exploration. This Museum even has a more sensitive exhibit meant to memorialize the men and air machines of World War II. In the exhibition Moving Beyond Earth, your group will be told the recent history of human spacecraft and think of future possibilities for our space exploration expedition. Seeing these amazing exhibits will brighten up a dull day for any group tour! There are even flight simulators offered for use of the public to help your sense of imagination! Flight simulation rides are a guaranteed way to bring even more fun to the already exciting artifacts and displays offered by the Air and Space Museum!

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Museum of Crime & Punishment

National Museum of Crime & Punishment Car DisplayThe Crime and Punishment Museum is located in Washington, D.C. It is also known as the Crime Museum. The exhibits and activities that are available focus on the history of crime, and crime Scene investigation. All of the exhibits are interactive in nature. The museum has several galleries throughout the facility. They include: A Notorious History of American Crime, Punishment: The Consequence of Crime, Crime Fighting, and Crime Scene Investigation. A Notorious History of American Crime is a gallery that gives visitors a glimpse into the evolution of crime and the criminal through the ages. It begins with the medieval knights and greedy pirates and continues with the gun-slingers of the old American West. The gallery also displays crime in today specifically white-collar criminals that hide behind a computer screen and are able to steal a person’s identity. Punishment: The Consequence of Crime involves the group gaining first-hand experience in the severity of a criminal’s punishment when caught. Features include: a booking room, mug shots, and a Lie Detector Test.

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Mount Vernon

Aerial LautmanGeorge Washington, the commander in chief of American forces in the revolutionary war and the first president of the United States along with his wife Martha Washington, called Mount Vernon home for more than forty years. This location is now one of the most popular historic estates in America. It is situated along the Potomac River in northern Virginia, just 16 miles south of Washington, D.C. Today, groups can visit the following locations: the Mansion, more than a dozen original structures, Washington’s Tomb, and nearly 50 acres of his plantation. The estate also contains a working blacksmith shop and the Pioneer Farm, a 4-acre demonstration farm with a reconstructed slave cabin and 16-sided treading barn. The Ford Orientation Center shows an inspiring film, We Fight to Be Free. You will also want to stop by the Donald W. Reynolds museum. It is home to 25 Theaters and Galleries which tell the story detailing the life of George Washington, with over 500 original artifacts, 11 video presentations and even an immersion theater experience. The Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant is a charming place to dine featuring the option to enjoy candlelit dinner daily. The inn offers 6 intimate dining rooms 2 with fireplaces, all with colonial charm, costumed colonial servers, and delicious regional and colonial cuisine. Mount Vernon is an American landmark and also a lasting reminder of the life and legacy of the father of our country.

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Lincoln Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

Credit Destination DC

The Lincoln memorial honors Abraham Lincoln who was the 16th president of the United States. He fought to preserve our nation during the Civil War, from 1861-1863. This location has been the sight for many famous speeches since its dedication in 1922, including Marten Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963. The memorial has a beautiful structure with seven-foot diameter columns that stretch 44 feet high. The design of the memorial is similar to a Greek temple design. There are 36 columns that represent the number of states in the Union at the time of Lincoln’s death. There is a 19-foot larger than life-size marble statue of Lincoln that is inscribed with the words from both the Gettysburg Address and the Second Inaugural Address that sits in the center of the memorial. The group members may also consider visiting the memorial at night because it is illuminated and gives you a more exquisite view and is also less crowded during the nighttime hours of operation.

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Jefferson Memorial

Jefferson Memorial at Night

Credit Destination DC

The Jefferson Memorial is located in Washington, D.C. The memorial honors the author of the Declaration of Independence and the third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson. The location contains a 19-foot statue of Thomas Jefferson, as well as excerpts from the Declaration of Independence. This iconic structure is noted for its circular marble steps, portico, a circular colonnade of Iconic order columns and a shallow dome. Over 2 million visitors come to the memorial each year. Take the time to view the beauty of the cherry trees and blossoms while at the memorial. Its dedication took place in 1943. There are interpretative tours given by the park rangers. They are also available if group members have questions during the visit. Thomas Jefferson firmly believed in equal rights, democracy, and education available to all, freedom of religion and separation between church and state. Jefferson was also a writer, musician, scientist and inventor.

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Arlington National Cemetery

tomb of the unknown D.C. Arlington National CemeteryArlington National Cemetery serves as a memorial to Veterans who have lost their lives in various wars. Our former president, John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy are buried at this location. John F. Kennedy was assassinated in November, 1963. This location is well-known and contains some interesting history within its gates. Over 4 million people visit this memorial each year. Upon entering the gates, you will find a Welcome center, which contains maps, guidebooks, exhibits, and a bookstore. You may tour the grounds on your own or take the interpretative shuttles. The shuttles will take the group to the Arlington House which sits atop the highest point of the cemetery and then return to the center. When visiting this historical landmark, don’t forget to stop by the tomb of the unknowns. This tomb was dedicated in 1921. It stands on a hill overlooking Washington, D.C. It contains remains of soldiers from WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Also during your visit, make sure to check out the Arlington house. This location is the former home of Robert E. lee, known for assisting in healing the nation following the Civil War. The house sits atop a hill with the best view of D.C. It is now preserved as a memorial of Robert E. Lee and contains interesting artifacts.

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Meet Your Congressman

Everyone remembers the hard-to-miss political campaigns that roar over radios, stare at you from your television, stand on the signs in people’s lawns, and even speak to you through the phone during election times. All of this advertising done, but how much do you really know about the person you potentially voted for? Here is one fantastic way to truthfully understand your elected congress person. This opportunity to meet your congressman can be a once in a lifetime experience for anyone and a great way to teach your travel group or educational tour about the process of election and the responsibilities of a congressperson. Ask questions and explore the mind of a Politian when you take advantage of this remarkable instance in which your group will truly learn what it means to be an American and see the impact of their opinions and how just one vote may change the life of an individual! This would be a great addition to any group wanting to learn about our government or just learn in general. For any young aspiring politicians, in the group, this meeting will be something memorable an influential. You may even get the chance to first-hand hear the life story of the person you chose to represent you. Your educational travel group will not want to miss an opportunity as rare and as valuable as this! Help to sculpt the minds of your group as well as maintain a sense of American pride and recognition when you see your congressperson for yourself!

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Capitol Hill Tour

Capitol Building Exterior

Credit Destination DC

The United States Capitol is located in Washington, D.C. This iconic building is a part of Capitol Hill. This location is a must-see for your adult group! There are a variety of activities and tours available for visitors. Some of the tours include: Capitol and The Congress During the Civil War tour, North Brumindi Corridor, the Exhibition Hall Family Program, and the War of 1812. The Capitol and the Congress During the Civil War features the following: explore how the Capitol was used during the Civil War, critical debates that took place during the War and also key judicial decisions that were made during the time period. The Exhibition Hall Family Program is a 20 minute tour that involves understanding historical documents and artifacts. Through stories and objects, explore and learn how congress and the Capitol have changed in conjunction with the country over time. The Brumindi Corridor is a special tour offered allowing visitors the opportunity to view the ornate paintings on the walls and ceilings. These were designed by Constantino Brumidi and are located on the first floor in the Senate Wing of the Capitol.

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