A Washington, DC tour is mayhap the greatest field trip you lot can plan for your students. No other destination is more rich in our land's history, and no other metropolis provides so many incredible tour options per square mile. Read on for our 10 must-meet sites.

capitol

1. U.S. Capitol

A visit to the hub of representative commonwealth in our country should be at the peak of whatever school tour of Washington. Information technology is a gorgeous monument, a working function building and the forum of all national legislation. For a personal tour with extra access (and less lines), contact ane of your U.Due south. Senators or Fellow member of Congress and request a staff-led tour.

white-house

2. White House
Sure, you can view the iconic abode through the blackness atomic number 26 gates. But yous and your students tin also walk right inside and bout the President'south function and residence (well, the public rooms.) When y'all you call that Senator or Congressman'southward office for a Capitol bout, be sure to request a White House bout for your class. You lot tin can request a bout upwardly to half-dozen months in accelerate.

supreme-court

iii. Supreme Courtroom

Visitors are welcome to bout the offset two floors of the building that houses the highest federal courtroom. Trained docents lead 30-minute programs that introduce the judicial functions of the Courtroom, the history of the Edifice, and the architecture of the Court. When the Court is in session, tours are bachelor only after Court adjourns for the mean solar day, and then be certain to check the Courtroom agenda.

lincoln-memorial

iv. Lincoln Memorial

This Presidential monument is powerful in both calibration and symbolism. It features the iconic large seated sculpture of President Lincoln, inscriptions of two of his speeches and a cute view of the reflecting puddle, Washington Monument and the National Mall. It was also the site of Martin Luther King, Jr. 's "I Have a Dream Speech" and other moments in history.

air-and-space

five. Smithsonian National Air and Infinite Museum

The world's largest and most significant collection of aviation and space artifacts, this museum will provide students with a comprehensive history of human flight. For a bit of fun amidst the history, jump for an IMAX planetarium testify!

tomb-arlington

6. Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Ceremony

Arlington National Cemetery is a moving tribute to the dauntless veterans and dwelling house to several historic memorials and tours. The Tomb of the Unknowns is guarded 24 hours a twenty-four hour period, 365 days a year, in any conditions by Tomb Guard sentinels. In an elaborate war machine ritual, the guard is inverse every hour on the hour Oct – March, and every half hour April – September.

holocaust-museum

vii. U.s.a. Holocaust Memorial Museum

This museum strives to serve as a living memorial to the Holocaust, and inspire "citizens and leaders worldwide to confront hatred, forbid genocide, and promote human dignity." Due to the sensitive nature of the subject field affair, the Permanent Exhibition is recommended for age xi and up. Schoolhouse groups should use the Museum's online group reservation system.

mount-vernon

viii. Mount Vernon

Located just south of the District near Alexandria, Virginia, George Washington'due south abode offers a glimpse into 18th century plantation life and the beginning of our democratic nation. The Slave Life Bout is an important add-on to the bout of the mansion.

frederick-douglass
9. Frederick Douglass National Celebrated Site

When Douglass bought the nine-acre manor of Cedar Hill he became the first African American to buy a habitation in the Quondam Anacostia neighborhood. The 21-room Victorian mansion tour and programs teach visitors near Douglass' efforts to abolish slavery. Set high in the hills, the house and its grounds also open upwards onto one of the well-nigh breathtaking views of Washington.

washington-national

10. Washington National Cathedral

The Cathedral is a spiritual resource for all faiths of the people of America. Tours, led past a Cathedral docent, provide an overview of the Cathedral's fine art, architecture, history and mission. Grouping reservations are required.

Take y'all taken students to Washington? What are YOUR must-see sites? Share in the comments!