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Lincoln Memorial
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Lincoln Memorial: Tours & Tickets

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Washington, DC

See all 161 tickets & tours

5 historical facts about the Lincoln Memorial

Opposite the White House on the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial is one of Washington, D.C.'s most treasured landmarks – despite the stiff competition! How did it become an icon of the "American Way?" Here are a few reasons plucked from the history books!

It took decades to start building

It took decades to start building

Though not built until 1922, a memorial had been planned since Lincoln's death in 1867. The original's cavalcade of colossal statues was finally deemed overambitious and scrapped!

It utilizes materials from around the US

It utilizes materials from around the US

Henry Bacon, the architect, used Colorado marble for the exterior, Indiana limestone for the inner walls, Alabama marble for the ceiling, and pink Tennessee marble for the floor!

The structure was controversial in its time

The structure was controversial in its time

Many considered the Greek-doric monument too grandiose for a man as humble as Lincoln. The suggested alternative was a simple log-cabin shrine!

It was the site of a groundbreaking concert

It was the site of a groundbreaking concert

More than 75,000 witnessed African-American contralto Marian Anderson perform at the memorial after being refused permission to sing at the nearby DAR Constitution Hall.

It became an icon of the Civil Rights Movement

It became an icon of the Civil Rights Movement

Undaunted by the memorial's engravings of Lincoln's seminal speeches, Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" to a crowd of 250,000 after the March on Washington.

Our insider tips

What are the opening times?

The Lincoln Memorial is open to visit 24 hours a day, however, Rangers are on duty to answer questions and give talks from 9:30AM till 11:30PM.

How to get there?

The nearest Metro station is Foggy Bottom on the Orange and Blue lines. If you're hiring a car then exit at intersection Independence Ave. SW & Daniel Chester French Dr. SW. Parking is available at Ohio Drive. (Handicapped parking can be found directly across from the memorial at Daniel Chester French Drive SW.)

Good to know

  • When should I visit?
    Open 24 hours
  • Is it expensive?
    Free!
  • Will I need a guide?
    Not necessary, but recommended!
  • How to get there
    Take the Metro to Foggy Bottom
  • Additional information
    To avoid crowds, visit the Memorial after dark. It is quite majestic all lit up!

What people are saying about Lincoln Memorial

Overall rating
4.4 / 5
based on 3,445 reviews

Great experience and value (time & money wise)! Highly recommend!!!!!

Tour Guide Josh was AWESOME. As a second generation tour guide, he was so knowledgeable and engaging. He did a fabulous job!! Driver Thomas provided a safe and comfortable ride, even providing ice cold bottled water on a very hot August day! We would never have gotten to all these places on our own, or learned as much. An excellent experience at a very affordable price. So glad we took this tour - great way to experience DC!

Washington, DC: Full-Day Tour and Boat Cruise Reviewed by

History on a bus ride and walking tour: Who would've thought?

This tour was one of the best experiences I had while on the East coast. Our tour guide, Sally, was EXTREMELY knowledgable and made the tour so interesting and fun. Without her, my dad and I would have been wandering aimlessly around D.C., trying to figure where to go and how to get there and what the historical significance of each place was.

Washington Under the Stars: 3-Hour Night Bus/Walking Tour Reviewed by

Great way for the family to visit the sights!

Chris was a knowledge & excellent host. He took us through the various sights of DC an explained everything in a friendly and informative manner. I would really recommend this to families as it was fun for the children and they were able to learn without getting bored! Thank you Chris for a lovely afternoon in your beautiful city.

Washington, DC 3-Hour Bike Tour Reviewed by

One of the best day trips we’ve been on, guide Brian very knowledgable

Thought this trip may be crammed, but opposite was true, plenty time to see the various highlights the coach visits. The driver was safe and smooth, the onboard guide was informative and friendly. If you’re in New York and have a day to spare, do it! It was one of the highlights of our holiday!

Washington, D.C. Day Trip from New York Reviewed by

Amazing guide and driver must be the best in the business

Highly recommended from the knowledge of the guide to the itinerary I have been on many excursions and without doubt this was the best, many thanks to Alan and Adam of Tour America for making this such a memorable experience, a wonderful excursion made even better by the guide and driver

Washington DC Day Trip by Bus from New York City Reviewed by

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