Woodrow Wilson House Washington DC
Discover the retirement home of President Woodrow Wilson, a preserved museum offering an intimate look at his life and the 1920s.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Guided tours available
Woodrow Wilson House Washington DC
Best Time
Guided tours available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the retirement home of President Woodrow Wilson, a preserved museum offering an intimate look at his life and the 1920s.
"An intimate and informative glimpse into presidential history, with charming gardens."
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended for in-depth insights you'd miss otherwise! :ticket:
🚶♀️ Arrive at Gift Shop First
Tours often start a short walk away at the gift shop, not the house itself. :world_map:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Presidential Retirement Home
The House
See where Woodrow Wilson lived out his final years, preserved with period furnishings and personal effects.
Edith Wilson's Influence
Exhibits
Discover the story of Edith Wilson, who effectively managed the White House after her husband's stroke.
Peaceful Garden Retreat
Garden
Enjoy a quiet moment in the charming garden, a lovely spot for a peaceful stroll in DC.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Prepare for Intimate Spaces
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended for in-depth insights you'd miss otherwise! :ticket:
🚶♀️ Arrive at Gift Shop First
Tours often start a short walk away at the gift shop, not the house itself. :world_map:
💧 Stay Hydrated
It can get warm inside, especially during summer tours. :droplet:
🎒 Bag Policy
Backpacks must be stored in provided lockers. :backpack:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended for in-depth insights you'd miss otherwise! :ticket:
🚶♀️ Arrive at Gift Shop First
Tours often start a short walk away at the gift shop, not the house itself. :world_map:
💧 Stay Hydrated
It can get warm inside, especially during summer tours. :droplet:
🎒 Bag Policy
Backpacks must be stored in provided lockers. :backpack:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the knowledgeable and sweet tour guides, finding the house to be an intimate and informative glimpse into Woodrow Wilson's life and the 1920s. The garden is also a noted pleasant feature. However, some find the house small, potentially hot during visits, and have had mixed experiences with guide clarity or house policies like backpack storage.
"The house was too small to host too many visitors at the same time. It was hot during the visit. I learned that the president can accept gifts without reporting and there was no value restriction. The house he bought with financial help by his friends and he kept 5000 gift items. All First Ladies visited Mrs Wilson during her lifetime. The last First Lady visited her was Jacqueline Kennedy. What an interesting story."
Jane Jing
"Tour guide was very sweet and considerate. Went for a 30 minute highlights tour but would’ve loved a longer one. Not the biggest place, so I would encourage questions."
Jinhee Park
"My experience is not good over here, they don’t allow you bring backpack during the tour, you have to lock them in the safe box, ironically the box is stuck so I can’t lock it by myself (the staff come to help). Even Smithsonian’s museum allow visitor hold their backpack, I don’t why a small historical house not allow that. The house itself is very good and full of different staffs, but the docent is awful, he’s out of breath and made people hard to hear his instruction, and his body condition made me worry about if he have the ability to do this one hour tour. He talked a lot during the tour, that cause we finish the tour 10 minutes late, only reason for that is he doesn’t know how to choose the best part to tell visitors. Highly recommend the house hire some professional docent instead of retired person. The docent also not allow people randomly walk to different rooms in one floor, and every people need to crowded into a very small and hot room. The AC in every room is too weak, make everyone sweeting during the tour. I visited a lot of historical houses before, never have such experience like in the Woodrow Wilson House. If you guys really want to attract more people to come, you may need to think about how to improve everything for this house."
Jack Liu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Woodrow Wilson House is located on Embassy Row. It's accessible by public transportation, with several bus lines stopping nearby. Parking can be challenging in the area, so consider ride-sharing services or public transit.
Street parking is available but can be limited and metered. Some visitors recommend using ride-sharing services or public transport to avoid parking hassles.
Taking a bus is a convenient option from downtown. Check local transit apps for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is typically around $10 for adults and $5 for students. Booking a guided tour is highly recommended as it provides the most comprehensive experience.
It's advisable to book your tour online in advance, especially for weekend visits or specialty tours, as the house can only accommodate a limited number of visitors at a time.
The house is generally open for tours on weekends, with specialty tours available by appointment during the week. It's best to check their official website for the most current hours and tour schedules.
Student discounts are often available. Check the official website or inquire when booking your tour for any other potential discounts.
The garden is often open to visitors, weather permitting, and can be a pleasant place to explore. However, to see the house's interior and exhibits, a guided tour is necessary.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Tours are typically about an hour long and led by knowledgeable guides who share details about Wilson's life, his presidency, and the house itself. Visitors often appreciate the personal stories and historical context provided.
Due to the historic nature of the house, accessibility can be limited. It's recommended to contact the house directly to inquire about specific accessibility accommodations.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to ask your guide or check for posted signs regarding interior photography.
You'll see period furnishings, personal effects of Woodrow and Edith Wilson, and exhibits detailing their lives and the era. The house offers an intimate glimpse into their post-presidency life.
While children can visit, the tours focus on historical details that might be more engaging for older children and adults. The garden offers a more relaxed space for younger visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The charming garden offers lovely photo opportunities, especially during blooming seasons. The exterior of the historic house also makes for a picturesque backdrop.
Interior photography rules can vary. It's always best to confirm with your tour guide or look for signage indicating where photos are permitted.
Generally, flash photography is discouraged inside historic homes to protect artifacts. Always follow the guidelines provided by the staff.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Consider booking a tour during a less crowded time if possible. Discuss the concept of a president's retirement and the role of a First Lady beforehand to pique their interest. The house's smaller size means tours are intimate, so managing expectations about space and quiet is key.
🏛️ History Buffs & Students
Students, particularly those studying American history or political science, will find the house a valuable resource. The insights into presidential decision-making, the role of the First Lady, and the historical period are excellent for academic understanding. The student discount also makes it an accessible option.
🚶♀️ Couples & Day-Trippers
Combine your visit with a stroll through the surrounding Embassy Row neighborhood, known for its beautiful architecture. The house's manageable size makes it perfect for a half-day excursion, allowing ample time to explore other nearby attractions in the city.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Woodrow Wilson
After his presidency, Wilson retired to this house in Washington D.C., where he lived until his death in 1924. The house itself became a testament to his life and the era he inhabited. It was later preserved as a museum to offer the public a glimpse into the private life of a significant American president.
Visitors can explore the rooms where Wilson spent his retirement, surrounded by his personal belongings and artifacts from his time in the White House. The museum also touches upon the complex aspects of his legacy, including his views on race and segregation, offering a more nuanced understanding of his impact on American history.
Edith Wilson: The First Lady Who Stepped In
During this critical period, Edith Wilson took on an unprecedented role. She acted as her husband's gatekeeper, controlling access to him and essentially managing the flow of information and decisions. While not officially holding the title of president, her influence was immense, leading many to refer to her as the 'shadow president'. She reviewed all documents, briefed the president, and communicated his decisions to the cabinet.
The Woodrow Wilson House preserves artifacts and tells the story of Edith's remarkable stewardship during her husband's illness. Her actions highlight the evolving role of First Ladies and the extraordinary circumstances that can shape presidential power. Visitors can learn about her dedication and the significant, albeit unofficial, responsibilities she undertook.
A Glimpse into 1920s Life
Visitors can see how a prominent figure like Woodrow Wilson lived after leaving public office. The collection includes elaborate gifts of state received by the President, showcasing diplomatic relations and international recognition. The house also features everyday items that reflect the lifestyle of the affluent in Washington D.C. during that period, including early examples of modern conveniences like zinc sinks.
This intimate setting allows for a personal connection to history, moving beyond grand political narratives to the more personal aspects of life. It provides context for the social and cultural shifts occurring in America during the interwar years.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit