President’s Park (White House)

Hours

The grounds of President's Park are open year-round. Temporary area closures may be in place due to events and activities. U.S. Secret Service operations may also temporarily affect access to areas of the park.

The Visitor Center is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day & New Year's Day).

(Note: Many places fill to capacity on busy, nice weather days, especially holiday weekends. Please call ahead or visit the official website to get the most up-to-date information before visiting.)

Fees

None. Tours are also free.

Activities

President's Park:

• Stroll through the park.
• Walk a lap or two around the Ellipse sidewalk. (one lap = 0.6 mile) Learn about the Ellipse, First Division Monument, General William T. Sherman Monument, Butt-Millet Fountain, Haupt Fountains, District Patentees Memorial, Boy Scout Memorial, Zero Milestone, Second Division Memorial, Bullfinch Gatehouses, and National Christmas Tree
• Find the "BIG RED ONE" flower bed during the spring and summer seasons.
• Participate in annual special events such as the Easter Egg Roll, White House Fall and Spring Garden Tours, or Christmas Pageant of Peace; stop by the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion or the White House Visitor Center for the most current schedule.
•  Observe park wildlife such as gray squirrels, migratory birds, and an occasional sighting of a red-tailed hawk, or bald eagle. For your safety, please do not feed the squirrels. They will bite.
• Take photographs of the White House, Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial and the surrounding monuments and buildings.

Visitor Center:

• Visitors can view, listen, and interact with a number of exhibits in seven different areas of the Great Hall. The centerpiece of the introductory gallery is a large White House model with an interactive touchscreen allowing visitors to explore the White House's architectural changes over time, milestones, and other White House activities throughout its history. Other exhibit areas include approximately 100 historical artifacts, history and geography of President's Park, and the White House's role as a stage, home, office, and museum. The new film, The White House: Reflections From Within, offers a reflection of White House experiences from the point of view of Presidents, First Ladies, and First Family members. The film is opened-captioned for those who are hearing impaired or deaf.

Retail Store:

• The new White House Historical Association's new retail store features beautiful gifts, publications, collectibles, and many other items inspired by the White House. The treasured White House Annual Christmas Ornament is also available. All products sold reflect and support the associations educational mission to enhance the understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of the executive Mansion. Proceeds from the store contribute to the Association's mission including support of the White House Visitor Center.

Public tour requests must be submitted through one's Member of Congress. These self-guided tours are generally available Tuesday through Saturday (excluding federal holidays or unless otherwise noted).