National Museum of American History, Washington DC

This was my favorite museum I've seen so far of the Smithsonian Museums in DC. Expect to spend 2 1/2-4 hours here. Note: The Museum is free but parking is EXTREMELY limited since it is near the National Mall and next door to the Museum of Natural History (I recommend visiting both of these in the same day if you can). There is no parking garage and while there is street parking, it is VERY, VERY limited and it is only allowed for 2 hours (not enough time to see everything). Use public transportation if possible. Ok- so we visited 6/2022 and the famous Wizard of Oz Ruby Red slippers are not currently on display BUT THERE IS SO MUCH ELSE TO SEE. The ACTUAL Flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star Spangled Banner" is on display. The actual hat President Lincoln wore to the Ford's Theater the night he was assassinated was on display. The Presidential Ladies Fashion exhibit was my favorite- it is a 100+ year tradition for a First Lady to donate one of her gowns to the Smithsonian Museum. The American Red Cross Ambulance was really neat. The actual counter and chairs from Woolworth's Diner from the Greensboro Civil Rights Sit-In is on display. The Currency exhibit is exceptional. It was fun to see Julia Child's Kitchen. The Transportation Through the Ages exhibit has a lot of amazing vehicles of all kinds, and plenty of trains for my "Sheldon-like" train-loving husband. There are lots of interactive exhibits for kids and teens. I highly recommend this museum.

Incredible museum that features nearly all facets that encompasses American history. There is so much to see and explore that you can’t even do it all in a single day. This museum includes the history of mechanical devises, food culture, transportation history, pop culture, presidential history, and so much more. This museum really has it all. Since it is owned by the Smithsonian, admission is at no charge! It is very clean, accessible, well maintained, and certainly informative and educational for people of all ages. This is a museum that everyone should experience in their lifetime and I would fully recommend going here.