National Mall - Ranger Led Bike Programs - Tour Topics (U.S. National Park Service)

National Mall and Memorial Parks Bike Tours

Join National Park Service rangers every Saturday and Sunday for FREE guided bike tours of the Nation’s Capital. All tours (*except Family Tours) start at 1:00 P.M. from the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Plaza (at the base of the memorial steps) and last approximately three hours.

*Family Tours begin at 2:30 P.M. from the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Plaza (at the base of the memorial steps) and last approximately two hours.

Topics include On This Date in History, Unexplored Tales of the City, Off the Beaten Path, History of the Mall, People of DC, and Family Tours. All riders must have their own bike, helmet, and water.

On this Date in History

Special One-of-a-Kind Topics Only Available on These Historic Anniversaries

Presidential assassinations, Civil War battles, the sinking of the Titanic, the Burning of Washington, birthdays and other anniversaries abound in our most in-depth and detailed tours. These one-of-a-kind tours interpret the history of our more celebrated holidays and lesser known anniversaries on the dates on which they occurred. Come learn more about these extraordinary dates in history with National Park Service rangers.

Unexplored Tales of the City

Truth is Always More Fascinating than Fiction

The truth surrounding the Presidents of the United States; strokes, heart attacks, depression, gout, dysentery, or worse. They’re human too, but their job description often hides the truth from the public. Were you taught that George Washington cut down a cherry tree or Abraham Lincoln wrote his Gettysburg Address on the back of an envelope while riding a train? The truth regarding these and other misunderstood legends is just the beginning concerning these tours. These tours prove once and for all that true American history is stranger than fictitious American history.

Off the Beaten Path

Discover Lonely and Overlooked Landmarks

You may have seen them on a map, driven past them hundreds of times, or even walked up to one of them out of curiosity. What are they, who do they memorialize, and, more importantly, why are they here? In a city full of colossal and iconic memorials to great figures and even greater deeds, these statues, urns, and symbolic gestures of friendship and remembrance can be found all over, yet, their stories have gone largely untold, until now. Find out from our rangers some of the stories of these lonely landmarks.

History of the Mall

Explore the History of America’s Front Yard

The history of the National Mall is as diverse and fascinating as the history of our nation itself. From George Washington’s vision of the Federal City to the District of Columbia of today, how has this span of green space in the heart of the Nation’s Capital been altered over time? How has this area been influenced by great natural, cultural, historical, and social events throughout time? Come see and hear how the National Mall has evolved into what we experience today.

People of DC

Famous Names, Extraordinary Stories

Get to know the people behind the city. See and hear how the influential personalities of Washington, DC have affected the city, the landscape, the architecture, and the culture of the Nation’s Capital over time. Presidents, first ladies, governors, mayors, authors, poets, famous and infamous characters alike have helped shape the history of Washington, DC. These people have influenced not only the city, but the entire nation. These are their stories.

Family Tours

Special Tours Designed with Families in Mind

These tours are shorter in time and mileage than our normal tours and focus on a family friendly learning environment. Our rangers provide a fun and interesting tour that engages the whole family in a low traffic, park setting. The National Park Service has teamed up with a local organization called Trips for Kids to offer these tours to the general public. Visit their website: http://www.tfkmetrodc.org for more information.

Tours are two hours in length and begin at 2:30 P.M. Check schedule for dates. Reservations are required. Tours are geared for children up to age 12. Note that this is a Family Tour. At least one parent/adult MUST be along with their child/children. All participants MUST have their own bike and helmet. Need to rent a bike and helmet? Trips for Kids may be able to help. Visit their website for more information.

The History of the National Mall – Myth Busters Edition

Fact or Fiction- Can you tell the difference?

Have you heard the story about George Washington’s wooden teeth or the other face carved on the back of Abraham Lincoln’s head in the Lincoln Memorial? The city of Washington, DC was created out of a swamp…right?

National Park Service rangers will lead families on a journey through the myths and legends surrounding the National Mall. This tour is an excellent introduction to the history of the National Mall. Participants will discover fascinating details about the lives of American presidents and the way we memorialize them. Discover how these famous and infamous stories started, and find out if truth is indeed stranger than fiction!

Parents– Please note: all participants (children and adults) must have their own bike and helmet. Reservations for Family Tours are required. Please call Bike Program Coordinator Ranger Jason Martz 202-438-4391 to make reservations. Space is limited.

Amazing Events in the Nation’s Capital

Whoa... That happened here!

Did you know that parts of the city were set ablaze by British soldiers during the War of 1812, or that Abraham Lincoln was not the only President to be assassinated in Washington, DC? Have you heard about the Cherry Tree “Rebellion” that almost halted construction of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial?

National Park Service rangers will guide families through the ages to discover exciting events that took place in and around the National Mall. From hot air balloons over the White House, to canal boats floating down Constitution Avenue, the National Mall has witnessed scores of amazing and notable events in time.

The Hunt is on! The search for symbols on the National Mall

Have you ever wondered if there is anything hidden inside the monuments and memorials on the National Mall? If you did, you’re right! There are symbols, some in plain view, others hidden, which are clues about the person or event being memorialized that help visitors better understand the structure. Plants, animals, and even different types of stone have meaning. You just need to know where, and what, to look for. What can the leaves at the World War II Memorial teach us? Who is that man in the painting at the Lincoln Memorial? What is George Washington leaning on? You will never look at the monuments and memorials on the National Mall the same way again!