Lincoln's Cottage sits on a hilltop in Northwest Washington, D.C.

Presidential History in the D.C. Area

Naturally, you know about the slightly famous residence on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, but Washington D.C. also gives homage to many past presidents. Where should you go outside the traditional history museums to get a glimpse into the lives of past leaders? We’ve narrowed the list for you with our five spots for an insider’s view of these elite men.

Ford’s Theatre (511 10th St., NW; 202/347-4833; fords.org)
It’s might seem a little creepy to be in the same space where President Lincoln was assassinated, but Ford’s Theatre continues to be a thriving show space and museum so visitors have a sense of awe and inspiration. Renovated last February, you won’t find a bad seat in the house to see the dozens of performances that cross the stage. Roped off, of course, is the alcove where Lincoln sat before his untimely death, and those itching for more lore about the 16th president can travel downstairs to a museum with visual anecdotes from the Civil War or stop by during the day for a presentation of the events leading up to his assassination.

Woodrow Wilson House (2340 S St., NW; 202/387-4062; woodrowwilsonhouse.org). Welcome to Washington D.C.’s only presidential museum. The Woodrow Wilson House, where the 28th president spent the last few years of his life, is carefully preserved to reflect the period that Wilson lived in. The setting is just a few blocks from Dupont Circle; you’ll find White House memorabilia, personal family trinkets and lavish settings meant to entertain foreign guests. Stroll outside to the garden, where special springtime events are often held. [img credit: Todd A Smith]

Mount Vernon (3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, Va.; 703/780-2000; mountvernon.org). Don’t miss the dwelling of our nation’s first president on roughly 500 acres of historically preserved land just 16 miles outside of D.C. In addition to George Washington’s mansion, the visit also includes a museum, the Washington tombs, a greenhouse, a memorial to 18th-century slaves and collections of period-specific artifacts. The estate is open 365 days a year, though we would stop by Feb. 22, George’s birthday. Look for tons of kid-friendly events on the calendar. [img credit: Mount Vernon Ladies]

President Lincoln’s Cottage (Intersection of Rock Creek Church Rd., NW and Upshur St., NW; 202/829-0436; lincolncottage.org). High on a hilltop is the real home of Honest Abe, where you can explore his cottage with a guided tour of his former abode. Be warned, it’s not your average “here’s his rocking chair” visit—the emphasis is on decisions Lincoln made in his time at the cottage, including Union wartime plots and the development of the Emancipation Proclamation. Another false lead? The “cottage” is 34 rooms, which we’re sure you’ll enjoy investigating. Check out the Robert H. Smith Visitor Education Center adjacent to the cottage for interactive exhibits and other Lincoln relics.

The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial (West Basin Dr., SW; nps.gov/fdrm)
Take a walk along the Tidal Basin for a dedication to the 12 years that FDR served as the nation’s president. The four outdoor rooms offer an interesting perspective on the tumultuous years, including sculptures inspired by real-life photos, a 10-foot statue of FDR showing him in a wheeled chair and a scene from his inaugural parade as a symbol of hope and optimism for the American people. We especially love the statue of his little furry sidekick, Fala.