Visiting the Washington Monument in Washington DC

by Jay Williamson

After an intense period of hard work, the government has fixed Washington … the Monument that is.  (The city itself remains the same dysfunctional place that President Kennedy famously described as having southern efficiency and northern charm.)

The Monument, damaged in a 2011 earthquake, underwent a 3 year, $15 million repair project to fix approximately 150 cracks in its edifice.  It reopened to the public on May 12, 2014.  Visitors can obtain free same day tickets at the Washington Monument Lodge on 15th street on a first come, first serve, basis or pay a mere $1.50/ticket handling fee to purchase reserved tickets online and have them delivered to your door via mail.  The reserved ticket option is highly recommended, as it lets you plan your day around your entry time, avoid lines, and the potential disappointment of not getting tickets.  You can make reserved purchases here.

What you’ll see:

After getting past security, visitors travel by elevator up 500 feet to unparalleled views of the city.  Four sets of windows offer views in each direction (N,S,E &W)  with helpful pictures to explain some of the less renown buildings and structures.  However, the highlight has to be seeing the “famous” sites from on high - the Capitol, the Jefferson, White House, and the Lincoln Memorial are all visible in unobstructed views.

Some views from the top: 

Additional highlights include the exposed stonework and a few museum exhibits.  Young and old builders alike will be amazed by how the stones fit together to form the structure.  Visitors can view the notch work and workmanship that went into creating this magnificent structure.  During the elevator ride down, Rangers treat you to a view of the many commemorative stones from each state donated to help build the structure.

View of The Washington Monument from the Lincoln, Photo by Jay Williamson, All Rights Reserved

More Information:

Washington Monument
Washington DC 

for hours, tickets, instructions, directions, and restrictions,  please visit http://www.recreation.gov/tourParkDetail.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=77811 



Photos property of Jay Williamson and Kid Trips LLC, all rights reserved.