Lincoln Assassination Tour with Petersen House Entry
Description
Plunge into the gripping timeline of April 14, 1865, and investigate the conspiracy that shattered a nation. You will walk the exact streets where the plot unfolded and track John Wilkes Booth’s desperate escape route down Baptist Alley. Stand at the site of the Star Saloon where the assassin threw back his final drink, and step inside the historic Petersen House to see where President Lincoln took his last breath. Our expert guides dismantle the myths and lay out the raw facts of America's most infamous true-crime story right where it happened. Please note: Between May 28 and August 31, Ford's Theatre closes its interior to tour groups for repairs. During this summer window, we adapt the route to feature alternative historic sites that keep the narrative moving. Regardless of the season, your journey will always include the Petersen House, Baptist Alley, the Star Saloon, and the imposing exterior of Ford's Theatre.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Follow the footsteps of those involved in the Lincoln assassination, from conspirators to victims, while learning about Washington, DC in the Civil War Era. See key sites including where John Wilkes Booth lived, where he procured a horse, and the location of the former homes of several characters involved. Learn where Booth was prior to the events of April 14th, 1865.
Explore the Museum at Ford's Theatre with a personal guide and learn the stories of the rare artifacts on display relating to the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Then take a guided tour of the actual theater while learning more about the events around Lincoln's assassination. *IMPORTANT: Ford's Theatre is closed for visitors May 28 through August 31 2026 for repairs, During this time no entry to Ford's will be possible. Tour will still visit Petersen House and Aftermaths Museum.
End your tour at the house President Lincoln was taken to after his fatal shot at the theater, with entry to explore inside and see the room where he died the following day.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- *IMPORTANT: Ford's Theatre is closed for visitors May 28 through August 31 2026 for repairs, During this time no entry to Ford's will be possible. Tour will still visit Petersen House and Aftermaths Museum.
Reviews(514)
Great tour. We really enjoyed all the details. It was just the right amount of walking and information. Everyone really enjoyed themselves.
Very informative and entertaining! I learned a lot!! Our tour guide Dash was extremely knowledgeable!
I recommend this tour. The guide was exceptional. He was knowledgeable and friendly. The street tour was as good as the theater and Peterson house.
Our guide was passionate about providing the best possible experience for us. I felt as though I were walking along the streets with the characters, we were so immersed. I am so glad we found this tour!
Good pace, detailed info documenting myth from truth. Upbeat knowledgeable guide, Shane communicated well and kept us on schedule.
Thank you for the awesome review! We love separating myth from truth on our Lincoln Assassination tour. Shane is a fantastic guide, and we're so glad his upbeat energy and deep knowledge of Washington DC history kept the tour educational, entertaining, and right on schedule. Thanks for visiting Ford's Theatre and the Petersen House with us!
Shane was great. The tour was fun and informative. We visited the Clara Barton Museum, the alley behind Ford’s Theater, Ford’s Theater, and the Peterson House.
Thanks for calling us a "sneaky great tour"! It oddly fits with the assassin theme of the story. We love diving deep into Washington DC history. Shane is fantastic at bringing the Lincoln Assassination story to life, from the Clara Barton Museum and the infamous alleyway to Ford’s Theatre and the Petersen House. We're thrilled you had a fun and informative time exploring with us!
Only complaint was more time at Ford theatre museum portion would have been nice but hard to do with structured your, I get it. Extremely entertaining and formidable guide. Very well done and money well spent. One other note: it is NOT a private tour. Prior to our tour we had to listen to some blowhard woman and her husband whine about how it was supposed to be. We also booked online and it most definitely does NOT say that. Hopefully the company stayed strong and didn’t refund them because they were wrong. Bunch of babies. How’s that for direct?
Glad you enjoyed and thanks for your feedback and support! The theatre only allows guests a limited time in the museum and require everyone to exit after 20-30 minutes, something we wish could change as some would like more time to explore the exhibits. A good note for anyone exploring Ford's Theatre whether with us on on their own. We appreciate your support on the other matter. We found her comments insulting to our other guests, such as yourself. I am glad this didn't put a damper on your day! I hope you can join us for another tour while in town. Cheers! Liam
First hour of tour is walking to Ford’s Theater. Walking through the actual theater where President Lincoln was assassinated gives you chills, and the entire experience is presented with incredible care and historical detail.
Thank you for the beautiful review! Walking the path of history before stepping into Ford’s Theatre and the Petersen House truly is a chilling and powerful experience. We're so glad you appreciated the incredible care and historical detail our guides pour into this Lincoln Assassination walking tour. Thanks for exploring Washington DC with us!
Tony was an awesome guide ! Very knowledgeable obviously: his delivery was very clear and easy to hear. Learned a lot of things I did not know before we started. Highly recommend !!
Even as non Americans, the story and experience was fantastic!, and gave a special insight into the nations history
