The Washington Monument was completed in 1884 and quickly became one of Washington D.C.’s earliest favorite attractions. The monument stands in honor to one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Rising to the impressive height of over 555 feet, the Washington Monument is famous as the most visible structure in Washington D.C., in addition to being the world’s tallest stone structure.
It was designed to pay tribute to General George Washington, the United States’ first president and “Father of our Country,” the monument recognizes Washington’s leadership in the fight for independence. Located at the end of the Reflecting Pool and opposite of the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument is patterned after the classic Egyptian obelisk. This marble, granite, and sandstone structure offers amazing views of not just the city but the surrounding thirty miles as well.
Visit the Washington Monument
The Monument is open every day except July 4 and December 25.
Summer Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (May 31 – September 6, 2010), with the last tour beginning before 9:45 p.m. Rest of Year: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the last tour beginning before 4:45 p.m.
Washington Monument admission is free, but a ticket is required.
The Washington Monument Lodge, located along 15th Street, opens at 8:30 a.m. for distribution of free, same day, timed tickets on a first come first serve basis. One person may pick up as many as six tickets as well as select their preferred ticket time from what remains available for that operating day. All individuals (including children) must have a ticket.
During peak season, tickets run out quickly and the line for tickets forms at 7:00 a.m. or earlier; please plan accordingly.
If you wish to reserve tickets, you may do so by visiting the National Park Service ticket website at http://www.recreation.gov, or by calling 1.877.444.6777 for individual tickets or 1.877.559.6777 for group reservations. There is a $1.50 service charge per ticket. These tickets may be picked up at the “will call” window of the Washington Monument Lodge on the day of your tour.
During the peak season tickets frequently are reserved months in advance.
