Top Things to do in District of Columbia
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5 Military Museums in District of Columbia That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in District of Columbia, District of Columbia including Rock Creek Park, National Museum of the United States Navy, National Guard Memorial Museum, National Museum of American Jewish Military History, Clara Barton's Missing Soldiers Office Museum.
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1. Rock Creek Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 281 reviews
Not just a park in the city, but a kind of leisurely museum, with a scattering of Civil War forts, a cemetery and a 19th-century mill within its bounds.
Reviewed By michaeljE3760TZ - Washington DC, United States
I have lived in DC for 23 years and 21 of those in Mt. Pleasant which is just 5 minutes away from access to Rock Creek Park where Peirce Mill is located. On weekends and holidays, portions of the main road through the park, Beach Drive is closed off to motor vehicle and on warm summer days is filled with bikers, joggers, walkers, skaters/bladers, and puncuating by picnickers at park sites scattered in between the closed off roads. There is the mill, the creek itself, which is beautiful in winter snow, many miles of trails through the woods, a horse stable that offers riding lessons, a golf course that meanders through the trees in a rustic oasis with few others around, and the National Zoo is in the park as well. I like to drive down to the mill and go sit beside the low dam wall with a sandwich on a sunny Saturday afternoon and just breathe the fresh air, looking across the mowed meadow of green grass and daffodils in dapples sunlight through the trees, with a cool breeze blowing along the creek (it can be 10 degrees cooler down here on hot summer days), and gaze at the craftmanship of the old stone mill and its waterwheel. One of the very best things about Washington DC and a true gift for me to live practically in it!
2. National Museum of the United States Navy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
Welcome to the National Museum of the United States Navy located in the historic Washington Navy Yard in Washington, DC. Housed in one of the historic buildings of the former Naval Gun Factory, the museum was established in 1961 and opened to visitors in 1963. As the flagship museum of 10 naval museums, the NMUSN represents the entire history of the United States Navy. Inspiring the honor, courage, and commitment of the Navy and the public, our collection includes over 5,000 artifacts and works of art spanning more than 240 years. The museum is located within an active military facility. A valid ID is required. Go to our “Plan Your Visit” page to learn more about base access. www.history.navy.mil/nmusn
Reviewed By xlr8or - Cleveland, United States
We were able visit this museum with relatives and had a wonderful time. It truly has U.S. Navy historical items from the very beginning. A special treat was that we were able to see the Alvin and the Trieste deep submersibles. Wish it were larger.
3. National Guard Memorial Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By BrandonK850 - Flagstaff, United States
I have stayed nearby this museum multiple trips without ever knowing this museum was here. I am sorry I missed it until now. The upstairs is a working office for National Guard and veteran support efforts, but the downstairs is the museum. The front doors are buzz in only, so ask at the intercom to be let in. The lobby of the downstairs museum has miniatures in glass cases showing national guard representations from each of the represented states. The Medal of Honor area was excellent with dioramas to help show the scenes in various stories about soldiers and what they did to receive the honor. The library is a nice area with many historical works. The main museum display is more like many other museums with displays and descriptions of the different approach to National Guard service through the ages. Quiet place with very few people wandering through at the same time.
4. National Museum of American Jewish Military History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By RecreationV - New York City, United States
This is a small museum, an hour is enough. But take your time, read and listen to the audio/visual displays and allot two hours if you can. This is not a museum about the wars the US has been involved in. It's focus is about Jewish soldiers and veterans from the establishment of the Colonies all the way through our more recent conflicts. The focus however is on WWI and WWII veterans and service honorees.
5. Clara Barton's Missing Soldiers Office Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Explore the unassuming boarding house rooms where Clara Barton lived and worked during the Civil War. These rooms were Barton's home base first as she braved the battlefield, then as she searched for 63,000 + missing soldiers.
Reviewed By BeccainPA - Milford, United States
Any trip to DC is not complete without a tour of the Clara Barton Missing soldiers office. This museum is just a few minute walk north of the mall at 437 7th Street NW. There is a charge, $8, but hearing all the things Clara Barton accomplished is inspiring. The hours are limited, so make sure you check. Currently, they are open Thursday through Saturday, from 11-5. They do offer guided tours that last about 1 hour. Clara gathered and delivered supplies for civil war soldiers, provided first aid to soldiers on the battlefield, After the war, she started the Missing Soldiers Office to help families find their loved ones who had been soldiers. Last but not least, Clara started the American Red Cross!!! If you want to hear the story of a woman who never took no for an answer, or just to see a beautiful old building, you have to take a tour of the Clara Barton Missing Soldier Office. We had been to DC before, but had never been here before. We will recommend this museum to anyone visiting DC. They also have an elevator for anyone to use to get to the 2nd floor.
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