Washington, DC

Capitol Tours

Your visit to the historic U.S. Capitol can now begin at the Capitol Visitor Center. If you are from South Dakota and are interested in taking a tour of the Capitol, you can also contact my Washington, DC office by calling 202-224-5842 or writing to: 136 Hart Senate Office Building | Washington, DC 20510

In your request, please include your name, address, daytime phone number, available dates for a tour and the number of tickets needed.

Public tours of the Capitol are also available through the Capitol Guide Service Monday through Saturday. Tickets are handed out at the Capitol starting at 9:00 am on the South side of the Capitol.

Gallery Passes

Passes to the Senate and House galleries are available in my office upon request.

My office is able to make touring arrangements at the places listed below. However, please note that tickets for tours are based on a "first come, first serve" basis and tend to max out in advance of the tour date. Be sure to submit your requests to my office 2-3 weeks in advance of your vacation.

Bureau of Printing and Engraving | Library of Congress | The White House* (groups only) | The National Cathedral

White House Tours:
Tours of the White House are available on a limited basis through congressional offices. If you are interested in a White House tour please contact my office at 202-224-5842. Please understand there is very limited availability.

1. Requests should be made at least 4-6 months in advance. Peak tourist season in Washington, DC is March through September. Please give as much notice as possible if you are planning a visit during these months.
2. Tours are scheduled Tuesday through Thursday between 7:30 am and 11:00 am; Friday, between 7:30 am and 12:00 pm; and Saturday, between 7:30 am and 1:00 pm. Please note some dates may be canceled at the discretion of the White House due to special events.
3. Tour decisions are made by the White House Visitors Office approximately 2 weeks prior to your requested tour date. My office will contact you when we receive notification from White House staff.
4. In order to honor your request my office must submit security information, including legal name (first, middle initial, and last), Social Security Number, and date of birth, of each individual wishing to participate in the tour.

NOTE: Please remember all tour approvals are made by the White House Visitors Office and are subject to last minute cancellation. On September 4, 2009 President Obama announced that visitor access records to the White House Complex will be made publicly available 90-120 days after the date of visit. This policy includes all guests touring the White House. Please be aware that your full name and the date of your visit will be part of the publicly released records. Your date of birth, Social Security Number and all other information provided will not be released.

For additional information about the White House, visit the White House Visitor Center located on the southeast corner of 15th and E Streets or the official White House website at http://www.whitehouse.gov.  The Visitor Center is open seven days a week from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.

If you would like my office to further help you plan your trip to Washington, DC, please follow the links listed below to see what I can do for you.

Would you like to see the Senate or the House in Action?

Congressional tickets for the Senate and House of Representatives galleries in the U.S. Capitol are readily available through my Washington office. These tickets can be ordered in advance or can be picked up during a visit to the DC office.

Things to do in Washington, DC: Albert Einstein Memorial Statue | Arlington Cemetery | Corcoran Museum | Eastern Market-Capitol Hill | Foreign Embassies of D.C. | John F. Kennedy Center | Mt.Vernon-the Home of George Washington | National Arboretum | National Zoo

Getting Around DC: Washington, DC Metro | Map of Capitol Hill | Map of The Mall

Helpful Links: Washington Post Visitors Guide | Disability Guide | Washington Weather