The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center

First... Find it! It's below ground so if you are using Google maps to find your way, look for the stairs down in front of the capital. Navigation takes you close, but keep going till you find it! It's a beautiful facility, but honestly the day we were there it was so crowded that we were overwhelmed a bit. I'd recommend that you plan a private tour through your senator's office... It's a lot more intimate than the public tour and you can plan your day more easily. Security is serious so don't bring food, drinks etc. The cafeteria is good but you can't take anything with you so plan to eat there.. or wait. It's a great opportunity to see where our government works.
4 7 years ago (17-05-2018)

Be ready to spend a little bit of extra time to get through security. It can also be an area with a bunch of school groups and crowds in general. But once you're in, there is an interesting mini-museum on the opposite side from where you enter in the lower atrium. That mini-museum is almost worth the trip by itself! Of course, you have to do the capitol tour. So much history.
5 7 years ago (12-05-2018)

A top 10 stop in DC. It's the only way into the Capitol if you are visiting. Located on the east side of the Capitol Building. (That's behind the building if you are looking from the National Mall. ) On top of Capitol Hill. There's a small shuttle for those who need it. When you arrived at the courtyard at the top continue across and down the stairs. The Visitor Center is located UNDER the courtyard. Entrance is free but be aware no food, drink, liquids, aerosols except for limited medical items. You can obtain a free pass for an orientation film and guided tour of the building or if none are available, visit the Exhibition Hall. Get a closeup view of a life size replica of Freedom, the statue that stands on top of the Capitol Building.
5 7 years ago (14-05-2018)

Beautiful building. It was well kept and neat, and very orderly. The tour could have been longer and the tour guide could have given more information on the individual statues that she chose to point out. Otherwise, it was great!
4 7 years ago (01-06-2018)

It was a very interesting visit! We were able to go into the chamber and watch a session. It was a great experience for the students to have. The lunch area was not set up well at all for a large group and the food was nothing all that special, but it was good enough to get by.
4 7 years ago (02-06-2018)