Walking the Washington Mall

Walking the Washington Mall takes you along a two-mile green strip of land in the heart of Washington, DC. The Mall reaches from the Capitol building to the Lincoln Memorial and is a National Park. It’s a great place to walk and enjoy the historic and iconic sights.

Poet Walt Whitman wrote in the 1800s that the Washington Mall is a place of “democratic vistas, where the American people assemble to play, attend cultural events, or petition the government for change.” So much of American history has taken place within these two miles, and it’s amazing to be here in person.

Here are some of the highlights and landmarks right down the center that you will see walking the Washington Mall. And a word of warning: On a map, this looks like a small park you can easily jaunt along from end to end. Those two miles seem very long when you’re on the ground, especially in 90+ degree heat. But the sights are worth the effort!

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The Capitol

At one end sits the distinctive Capitol Building. When you are in this lawmaking arm of the government, you are said to be “on the hill.” It’s not steep, but it does anchor one end of the Mall. The cornerstone of the building was laid by President George Washington in 1793. Construction stalled and the Capitol finally opened in 1819. This is a majestic building from any angle.

Want to tour the Capitol? Head for the Know Before You Go website page to find out more and book a tour. You can also contact your congressperson to ask for a guided tour. Reservations are recommended. Tours are conducted Monday through Friday.

When you arrive for a tour, look for the guides in red jackets or vests. No food or drink is allowed when you enter the building.

Points of interest inside include the The Rotunda, a large, domed, circular room located at the center of the Capitol. It is used for ceremonial events and is lined with historical paintings and sculptures, Also you will want to see the National Statuary Hall. Originally the House of Representatives Chamber, this hall now displays statues of prominent Americans donated by each state. Each state is allowed to contribute two statues.

You can also see the Senate and House Chambers, the legislative chambers where the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives conduct their business. The public can view proceedings from the galleries when in session.

Another fascinating place in the Capitol Building is the Crypt. Located directly beneath the Rotunda, the Crypt was intended to be the burial place for George Washington. It now houses exhibits and marks the center point of the building’s four quadrants.

Allow about two hours to check in, go through security, and tour the Capitol.

The Library of Congress

Near the Capitol Building is the lovely Library of Congress. In fact, a tunnel runs underneath and connects the two buildings.

The Library of Congress is a treasure trove of history, art, and culture. When visiting, you’ll want to see the Thomas Jefferson building where Jefferson’s library is on display. This building also houses the Great Hall, which is the main entrance to the building and is stunning with its grand architecture, marble floors, and elaborate ceiling. (Look up!).

A famous part of the library is the Main Reading Room, which is the centerpiece of the Library of Congress. You can view it from a gallery to get a breathtaking perspective of the room’s architecture and décor.

The John Adams building displays photographs and other visual documents.

Consider taking a guided tour for a more in-depth experience and insights from knowledgeable docents.

The Library of Congress is closed Sundays and Mondays. Sign up for a timed entrance ticket before you visit.

The Supreme Court

Next door to the Library of Congress, you’ll find the Supreme Court.The Supreme Court was established in the Judiciary Act of 1789. This Act created a Supreme Court with six justices. It also established the lower federal court system.

Visitors are allowed to observe court proceedings. Check the website for hours and more information.

Washington Monument

From far and near you can see the Washington Monument, soaring 555 feet in the sky. On completion in 1885, it stood as the tallest structure in the world. A steam-powered elevator whisked visitors to the top. It’s run by the National Park Service today.

You will want to walk around the base of the monument, and you can go up inside. Visit the official website for information on hours and tickets.Timed reservations are advised.

World War II Memorial

Walking the Washington Mall, just past the Washington Monument, you come to the impressive World War II Memorial. This honors the 16 million Americans who served in uniform in the war. Granite columns representing each of the states and territories at the time of war curve around a fountain. A wall of 4,048 stars, each standing for 100 people, represents the more than 400,000 Americans who paid the price to win the war.

Secret detail: An etching of Kilroy was Here, a World War II graphic, is hidden behind the Delaware column. It took us more than one trip to find it!

Lincoln Memorial

Continue walking the Washington Mall and you will reach the famous reflecting pool between the Washington Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial.

Rallies, concerts, and parties take place around this pool. The most well known is likely the all-day event when Martin Luther King stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech. When you get to the stairs, look for the notation in the landing for the exact spot where King stood on that day.

On to the Lincoln Memorial. Lincoln sits looking out on the Washington Mall. Read the words of his Gettysburg Address etched in the wall beside him. Seeing my favorite president larger than life in this stately memorial was so moving.

Here is the view from the top of the Lincoln Memorial steps. See the Capitol Building WAY in the distance?

Walking the Washington Mall gives you a feeling for how fragile the country is, how close it came to being split in two, what problems are still not solved, and how all arms of the government are imperfect but work to balance each other. It’s quite a perspective, and beautiful, too.

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