Washington DC: Lincoln Assassination Walking Tour & Ford's Theatre Entry

Summary

Walk in Lincoln’s last footsteps through DC stories and echoes

You’ll trace Lincoln’s final steps through downtown DC alongside an expert guide who brings Civil War history alive. Stand inside Ford’s Theatre and Petersen House with reserved entry—smell old wood, hear real stories, feel the weight of that night. It’s not just facts; it lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the group at first—turns out “meet by the statue” is trickier when there are three statues in sight. Our guide, Marcus, waved me over with a grin and didn’t make a big deal of it (thankfully). Right away, he started weaving stories about Washington DC during the Civil War, pointing out buildings that weren’t even there anymore. I could smell roasted peanuts from a vendor nearby and kept thinking how different the city must’ve felt back then—no sirens, just horses clopping along these same streets.

We followed the actual path John Wilkes Booth took on April 14th, 1865. Marcus had this way of pausing right where something happened—like outside what used to be Mary Surratt’s boarding house—and letting us just stand in the moment. He told us where Booth got his horse (I pictured it tied up awkwardly on a busy sidewalk now) and showed us spots where conspirators plotted. Someone in our group asked if people back then sensed anything was off that night; Marcus just shrugged and said, “Hard to say. The city was tense, but nobody expected this.”

Inside Ford’s Theatre, it felt strangely quiet even with other visitors around. The air smelled faintly musty—old wood and velvet maybe? We saw artifacts from the assassination: a battered top hat, tiny handwritten notes. I tried to imagine sitting in those seats as shots rang out. The museum part was heavy but fascinating; I caught myself lingering over a bloodstained pillow longer than I meant to. Afterward, we walked across to Petersen House. Standing in that cramped bedroom where Lincoln died…well, I still think about that silence.

I didn’t expect to feel so connected to these places—or to laugh as much as we did (Marcus does a pretty good Lincoln impression). If you’re looking for a day trip in Washington DC that actually sticks with you, this Lincoln assassination tour is worth it. It includes reserved entry everywhere so no waiting around outside—which honestly made all the difference on a humid day like ours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lincoln assassination sites and tours

• Follow footsteps of Lincoln conspirators
• Explore Museum at Ford's Theatre
• Tour Ford's Theatre building
• Visit Petersen House and Lincoln's death room

Top questions

How long is the Lincoln Assassination Walking Tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

Does the tour include entry to Ford's Theatre?

Yes, reserved entry into Ford's Theatre is included.

Can I visit the room where President Lincoln died?

Yes, entry into Petersen House includes access to see the room where Lincoln died.

Is this walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on this tour are wheelchair accessible.

Are children or infants allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are permitted.

Is public transportation available near the meeting point?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby.

Will there be a local guide during the tour?

Yes, an expert local guide leads the entire walking tour.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are welcome throughout the experience.

What’s included

Your day includes reserved entry into both Ford’s Theatre (with its museum) and Petersen House—the very places tied to Lincoln’s final hours—plus a 2.5-hour guided walking route through downtown Washington DC led by an expert local guide who shares stories and points out key sites along the way.