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Free historic sites and heritage experiences in Washington, DC - Morning at the Korean War Veterans Memorial on the National Mall

Free Things to Do: History & Heritage in Washington, DC



Pay tribute to American history and heritage at these memorials, museums and more in the nation’s capital.

Washington, DC is full of free things to do, and many involve American history, heritage and culture. Below, you will find numerous free museums and attractions, including the city’s iconic monuments and memorials on the National Mall. After exploring these landmarks, there’s no doubt you will have a better understanding of the United States and its incredible history.

 

As you plan your seasonal excursion, please make sure to check out our travel status update and what's open and reopening in the city.

01

Pay tribute to the soldiers who served in World War II

@jamieliscious - Fall day at the National World War II Memorial on the National Mall - War memorials in Washington, DC


The stunning National World War II Memorial is one of the National Mall’s most popular destinations. The memorial features two 43-foot arches, a 17-foot pillar for each state and a field of 4,000 gold stars, all in honor of those who served and supported the efforts from home. If you want to honor local World War I participants, stop by the nearby DC War Memorial, one of the Mall’s hidden gems.

02

See the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Arlington National Cemetery

@mattbridgesphotography - Changing of the Guard ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery - Historic sites near Washington, DC


Visit Arlington National Cemetery to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The ceremony is held every hour on the hour from Oct. 1-March 31, and every half hour from April 1-Sept. 30. Then, continue your exploration of the country’s largest military cemetery, where you can also visit the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy.

03

Visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

@elalvarortiz - Summer scene at Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the National Mall - History and heritage site in Washington, DC


Reflect on the sacrifices of American servicemen and women at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, designed by sculptor Maya Lin. Etched into the memorial’s wall are 58,307 names of those who died or were lost, all appearing in chronological order. A short walk to the south will bring you to the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, which specifically honors the 265,000 women who served during the war.

04

Chill with the commanders-in-chief at the National Portrait Gallery

America's Presidents Museum Exhibit at Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery - Free Museum in Washington, DC


At the National Portrait Gallery, which reopens to the public on May 14, marvel at the nation's only complete collection of presidential portraits outside The White House. The impressive America’s Presidents gallery includes the addition of interactive touch screens that allow you to discover the context of each president and other visual materials.

05

Learn of the Native American experience at the National Museum of the American Indian

@hannah.zakaria - Sunrise at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian - Free history and heritage museum on the National Mall in Washington, DC


Native American history is on full display at the National Museum of the American Indian, which reopens to the public on May 21. Explore a range of artifacts and exhibits that tell the Native American tale and how the culture still influences daily life in the U.S. today. One of its major exhibits, Americans, is a must-see, as is the National Native American Veterans Memorial, located outdoors on the museum's grounds.

06

Take in the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial

@k2salomon - Ulysses S. Grant Memorial in front of U.S. Capitol - History and heritage sites in Washington, DC


Situated just to the west of the U.S. Capitol Building, this bronze and marble sculpture honors Ulysses S. Grant, the Civil War Commander of the Union Armies and a President for two terms. The towering and majestic piece features Grant on horseback, making it the largest equestrian monument in the United States. The sculpture also faces the Lincoln Memorial, which is situated nearly two miles to the west. This symbolically links Grant and Lincoln, the general and President that saved the Union.

07

Embark on a self-guided tour of the Historic Congressional Cemetery

@havardphotos - Children at Historic Congressional Cemetery in Washington, DC


Founded in 1807, the picturesque Historic Congressional Cemetery became the go-to choice for interment of members of Congress and their families. The 37-acre still-active cemetery is the final resting place for many American luminaries, like composer John Philip Sousa and FBI leader J. Edgar Hoover.

08

Turn back the clock with the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps

Twilight Tattoo - Summerall Field, Fort Myer, Arlington


Enjoy a virtual rendition of Twilight Tattoo, an hour-long sunset military pageant at Summerall Field on the grounds of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Virginia. Different ceremonial units of the military, including the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and the U.S. Army Voices, perform a free concert beginning at 7 p.m. via livestream on Facebook and YouTube.

09

Walk through the Korean War Veterans Memorial

@mikijourdan - U.S. veteran on Honor Flight taking selfie in front of Korean War Veterans Memorial - The National Mall in Washington, DC


Trek among the 19 statues representing the American military servicemen who fought in the Korean War in this multifaceted memorial. There’s also a 164-feet mural wall which reflects the statues, creating a visual of 38 soldiers, a reference to the 38th Parallel that divided North and South Korea during the conflict. In addition, a granite wall displays the famous words, “Freedom is Not Free.”

10

Admire the Star-Spangled Banner flag at the National Museum of American History

Star Spangled Banner Exhibit at Smithsonian National Museum of American History - Washington, DC


The Star-Spangled Banner flag on display in the National Museum of American History was the same flag flying over Fort McHenry in Baltimore on Sept. 13-14, 1814 as the British Navy attacked, inspiring our national anthem. The museum, which reopens to the public on May 21, also features in-depth exhibits on American enterprise, transportation, religion, the presidency and much, much more.

11

Check out the new Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial

This Frank Gehry-designed outdoor memorial was erected in honor of the nation’s 34th president and Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe during World War II. The space became a spectacular addition to DC’s lineup of monuments in the fall of 2020. Located at 540 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024, the site honors Eisenhower’s legacy in a four-acre urban park and features a variety of pieces that symbolize his inspirational feats.

12

Witness the legacy of Lincoln at the reopened Ford's Theatre

@roostandwander - President Lincoln's booth at Ford's Theatre - Historic site in Washington, DC


President Abraham Lincoln’s unparalleled legacy remains alive and thriving at Ford’s Theatre. National Park Rangers provide free tours of the theater and the underground museum that explores events leading up to his assassination. You can also admire the incredible 34-foot Lincoln Book Tower. For safety protocols and advance tickets, visit the Ford's Theatre website.

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