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National Historic Site · District of Columbia

Ford's Theatre National Historic Site

National Historic Site in District of Columbia. No entrance fee.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Historic Site
StateDistrict of Columbia
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkShenandoah (76 mi)
Closest airportDCA (3 mi)
Picture of the front of Ford's Theatre
Where a nations destiny was met. Photo: NPS Photo

Ford's Theatre National Historic Site is a national historic site run by the National Park Service in District of Columbia.

In the park service’s words

On April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated at Ford’s Theatre. Discover how everyday people experienced a national tragedy and how we have remembered a fallen leader. Today, in partnership with Ford’s Theatre Society, live dramatic productions highlight Lincoln’s love of the theatre and the power of stories to connect us to ourselves and our history.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

  • Explore Ford's Theater (1 to 3 Hours): On the night of April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was shot in Ford's Theatre by John Wilkes Booth. He died in the early hours of April 15, in the small back bedroom of a boarding house across the street. Lincoln, who had struggled through the Civil War to preserve the union, lived long enough to see it maintain
  • Red Line - DC Metro (1 to 2 Days): Embrace the outdoors, explore interactive exhbits and stand where history happened by taking the Red Line to visit some of DC's National Park Sites. Each of the parks listed here are 1 mile or less from each metro stop (about a 20 minute walk) or a 10 minute bus ride away.
  • Orange Line - DC Metro (1 to 2 Days): Discover lotus and lily flowers at Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens, or explore the many memorials just a short walk from the Orange Line. Each of the parks listed here are 1 mile or less from each metro stop (about a 20 minute walk) or a 10 minute bus ride away.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee. While there is no park entrance fee, timed reservations are required due to space limitations. Limit 6 tickets per customer. These reservations carry a small fee that benefits the Ford's Theatre Society, the official park partner. Visitors are advised to purchase advance tickets at least one day in advance. Free, same-day tickets may be available at the Ford's Theatre box office while supplies last. Parking: Ford’s Theatre is located near the Metro Center and Gallery Place/Chinatown metro stations. An independent parking garage is located directly next to the theatre. Parking fees are not validated.

Hours: Daily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM. Ford's Theatre National Historic Site is generally open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The box office opens daily at 8:30 a.m. for tickets and reservations. As Ford's is a working theatre, parts of the site, especially the theatre, may be closed or operating with modified hours. For the daily schedule of what is open, what can be included in your visit, and what tickets are available, please visit the Ford's Theatre Society calendar webpage.

Getting there

Ford's Theatre National Historic Site is located on 10th Street NW, between E and F streets, in downtown Washington, DC. The site is within walking distance of the Metro stops at Metro Center and Gallery Place. Parking garages and metered street parking are located nearby.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) Washington, DC No road route 3 Large hub
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) Dulles, VA No road route 23 Large hub
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) Baltimore, MD No road route 27 Large hub

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Weather

Washington DC gets to see all four seasons. Humidity will make the temps feel hotter in summer and colder in winter. Spring (March - May) Temp: Average high is 65.5 degrees with a low of 46.5 degrees Summer (June - August) Temp: Average high is 86 degrees with a low of 68.5 degrees Fall (September - November) Temp: Average high is 68 degrees with a low of 51.5 degrees Winter (December - February) Temp: Average high is 45 degrees with a low of 30 degrees

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Shenandoah, about 76 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Ford's Theatre National Historic Site?

No entrance fee.

Where is Ford's Theatre National Historic Site?

In District of Columbia. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, about 3 miles away.

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