Services
Visiting Washington, D.C.

visiting washington, d.c.

If you love real history like I do, our nation's capital is a fascinating destination, and I'm ready to make your visit as enjoyable as possible. My office can assist Iowans in arranging tours of some of the most popular sites in Washington, D.C., including:

United States Capitol
The White House
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts
Federal Bureau of Investigation Education Center
Library of Congress
U.S. Supreme Court

Tours may be requested up to six months in advance. Because of the high demand for tours and limited availability, Iowans are encouraged to submit tour requests as early as possible.

Request a Tour

u.s. capitol

LIMITED AVAILABILITY: The Capitol’s chambers, rotunda, art and architecture provide a behind-the-scenes perspective of how Congress works. Senator Grassley offers staff-led tours of the United States Capitol at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. each weekday, excluding federal holidays. Due to size limitations for staff-led tours, groups larger than 30 should book their tours through the Congressional Visitor Center.

Due to COVID-19 protocols, space for these tours is limited.

NEW! – Guided Walking Tour of Capitol Grounds

Continuing COVID-19 protocols limit the number of tours available in the Capitol building. But don’t let that stop you from exploring the Capitol grounds. Starting in the summer of 2022, Senator Grassley’s staff is offering guided walking tours of the Capitol grounds. This staff-led tour will cover every angle of the historic building with details of its construction, as well as information about the surrounding landscape, nearby statues and neighboring buildings. This tour is a great way to experience the Capitol building from the outside while learning fascinating details about its rich, storied history. We invite you to join us on this one-of-a-kind excursion. The staff-led walking tour covers roughly one mile and takes about one hour.

the white house

Tours of the White House are granted on a first-come, first-served basis at the discretion of the White House Visitors Center. You may request a White House tour through Senator Grassley’s office up to six months in advance. These tours are in very high demand with limited availability, so Iowans are encouraged to request White House tours as early as possible. The White House does not accept requests within 21 days of the tour date. Security information is required for every person in your party wishing to tour the White House.

Typical White House tour hours are:

Tuesday-Thursday: 7:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Saturday: 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

The self-guided tour of the East Wing is subject to cancellation by the Visitors Office due to official business that may come up.

Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Iowans interested to in seeing how money is produced may enjoy a visit to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Tours of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing booked through congressional offices are available in the early morning for groups smaller than ten people. Congressional tours are also available in late afternoon during the summer months. Congressional tours fill up quickly but public tours can also be booked on the bureau’s website.

John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts

The Kennedy Center continues to host performances and promote arts education since its opening in 1971. Highlights of the tour include the Center’s main theaters, the Hall of States and Hall of Nations and art from around the world. Congressional tours of the Kennedy Center are available Monday through Friday at 4:00 p.m. Public tours are offered throughout the day.

FBI Education Center

The FBI Education Center is open Monday through Thursday for tours booked through Congressional offices. Tours are only conducted at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Security information is required. Tours fill up quickly and last approximately two hours. A minimum of four weeks advance notice is required. Groups of 12 or more visitors must book their tour directly with the FBI.

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

As the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution, the Library of Congress primarily serves as the research arm of the United States Congress. For more than 220 years, the Library of Congress has been an incredible resource for members of Congress, their staff, and the public. The Library of Congress offers self-guided tours every 15 minutes from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with the last tour of the day beginning at 4:30PM.

U.S. SUPREME COURT

The Supreme Court is the highest tribunal in the nation for all cases and controversies arising under the Constitution or the laws of the United States. As the final arbiter of the law, the Supreme Court is charged with ensuring the American people the promise of equal justice under the law and, thereby, also functions as guardian and interpreter of the Constitution. The Supreme Court offers self-guided tours between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM on days when the court is not in session. Additionally, the public is welcome to attend oral arguments when the court is in session.

ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM