Washington DC Hidden History Mall Tour

The National Mall is known for museums, monuments, and memory on a national scale. However, the "People's Park," as it is sometimes known, contains a history that goes well beyond these massive edifices. Explore a different side of the National Mall while still seeing the major sites, such as Capitol Hill, the Washington Monument, the Smithsonian Castle, and more. 
This tour visits the exterior of several well-known landmarks on the Mall and enters a couple of lesser-known sites. Perfect as a complementary activity to a visit to the Capitol Building, or any of the Smithsonian Museums, this tour is ideal for guests who enjoy off-the-beaten-path and unique historical information.

This tour is approximately two hours, and circles around the primary part of the National Mall, with a halfway stop in front of the Washington Memorial for a bathroom break and an opportunity to purchase souvenirs, water, or snacks.

Meeting Point

Ulysses S. Grant Memorial

Washington, DC 20004, USA

The closest metro station is the Federal Center SW station on the blue, orange, and silver lines, or the Judiciary Square station on the red line.

What's included:

• An experienced tour guide who will share the lesser-known history of the National Mall.

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours

Capitol Hill

First St and East Capitil St NE, , Washington DC, 20004, District of Columbia

Tour begins in front of the Capitol Hill building, at the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial.

10 minutes

National Museum of the American Indian

Fourth Street & Independence Avenue, SW, Washington DC, 20560, District of Columbia

At this stop, guests will learn about the local American Indian tribes that lived in the DC area, and the history of the brothel that used to exist on the land where the museum now stands.

10 minutes

National Air and Space Museum

6th St. and Independence Ave SW, Washington DC, 20560, District of Columbia

This was the former location of the largest Civil War hospital in DC, where poet Walt Whitman used to visit with and help nurse injured soldiers.

10 minutes

Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building

900 Jefferson Dr SW, National Mall, Washington DC, 20560-0004, District of Columbia

The Arts and Industries Museum was designed by Adolph Cluss, a former Communist and German engineer who built cannons for the Union Army and later constructed buildings all over Washington.

5 minutes

Washington Monument

2 15th St. NW, Washington DC, 20024, District of Columbia

This is the half-way point in the tour, where guests will be able to visit the visitors center, use a bathroom, and purchase souvenirs.

15 minutes

Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center

1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW, , Washington DC, 20004-3002, District of Columbia

This building stands at the epicenter of DC's largest 19th center red-light district, Murder Bay. Guest will hear about the brothels and Madams that used to rule this rough and tough neighborhood.

10 minutes

Old Post Office Pavilion

1100 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC, 20004-2501, District of Columbia

This tower of the Old Postal Museum is run by US Park Service and provides views of the city rivaling those of the Washington Memorial, without the wait! Guests will enter to take in the views and surely some stunning pictures.

10 minutes

The National Archives Museum

701 Constitution Avenue NW, , Washington DC, 20408-0001, District of Columbia

This was location of the first municipal market in Washington, DC, where over 600 stalls provided products to Washingtonian citizens for over 100 years before it was torn down to make way for the National Archives.

5 minutes

The National Council of Negro Women

633 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA

This building held the 2nd headquarter of the National Council of Negro Women, founded by activist and suffragist Mary McLeod Bethune. The building is the first black owned building on Pennsylvania Avenue.

10 minutes