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The Green Adventures

Park Service site · District of Columbia

Lincoln Memorial

Park Service site in District of Columbia. No entrance fee.

TypePark Service site
StateDistrict of Columbia
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkShenandoah (74 mi)
Closest airportDCA (3 mi)
Lincoln Memorial at Dusk
One of the most photographed memorials, no matter the hour. Photo: NPS Photo

Lincoln Memorial is a park service site run by the National Park Service in District of Columbia.

In the park service’s words

"...as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the Union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever." Beneath these words, the 16th president of the United States sits immortalized in marble as an enduring symbol of unity, strength, and wisdom.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

  • Reflect on Lincoln's Legacy (5 to 30 Minutes): Few places in Washington, DC, are as well-known or as inspiring as the Lincoln Memorial. Here you can experience how a nation remembers one of its great leaders, and the enduring values of union, emancipation, justice, and healing.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee. Timed entry tickets are required to visit the undercroft and museum on the lower level. For advance reservations, visit Recreation.gov or call 877‑444‑6777 beginning May 26, 2026. You may get same day tickets at the Korean War Veterans Memorial starting June 25, 2026.

Hours: Open 24 hours, every day. The Lincoln Memorial is open to the public daily. Restrooms, museums and elevators close in the evenings.

Getting there

From the Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro Station, go south on 23rd St NW until you reach the Lincoln Memorial. From the Smithsonian Metro Station, go along the National Mall past the Washington Monument and the World War II Memorial until you reach the Lincoln Memorial. The Lincoln Memorial is on the opposite side of the National Mall as the U.S. Capitol Building.

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 22 Large hub
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) Baltimore, MD No road route 28 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 experiences 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 (Source: www.usclimatedata.com)

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 74 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Lincoln Memorial?

No entrance fee.

Where is Lincoln Memorial?

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

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