Petersen House Tours and Tickets

Q: What’s the best way to experience the Petersen House?

There are plenty of ways to experience the Petersen House. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:<ul><li><a href="/tours/Washington-DC/Lincoln-Walking-Tour-in-Washington-DC/d657-41376P6" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Night of Lincoln's Assassination Walking Tour</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Washington-DC/Lincoln-Assignation-Tour-with-Fords-Theater-and-Petersen-House/d657-41377P11" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Lincoln Assassination Tour with Ford's Theatre and Petersen House</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Washington-DC/Lincoln-Assassination-Spies-Patriots-Truths-and-Myths-Tour/d657-455518P11" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Lincoln Assassination Walking Tour: Spies, Patriots, Truths, Myth</a></li></ul>

Q: How much does it cost to visit the Petersen House in 2025?

As it's part of the Ford's Theatre National Historic Site, Petersen House requires a timed-entry ticket. There are limited free tickets available at the box office on a first-come first-served basis. You can also reserve tickets online for a fee of US$3.50 per ticket. Reservations are recommended.

Q: How much time should I plan to spend at the Petersen House?

Visitors typically spend 15–30 minutes at the Petersen House, depending on their level of interest in the exhibits and their pace of exploration. If you’re visiting as part of a combined Ford’s Theatre and Petersen House tour, put aside at least 1.5–2 hours for the entire experience.

Q: Is the Petersen House accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Yes, the Petersen House is wheelchair-accessible, thanks to accessible entryways and an elevator. Service animals are welcome here and in other parts of the Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site. You can access the Petersen House’s back porch via an elevator in the lobby of the Center for Education and Leadership.

Q: Are there any nearby attractions to visit along with the Petersen House?

Yes, you can visit several nearby attractions along with the Petersen House—many are within walking distance of the attraction. They include The Lincoln Memorial, the National Portrait Gallery, the National Archives Museum, the White House, and the various Smithsonian museums along the National Mall.

Q: What are the best times to visit the Petersen House to avoid crowds?

The best times to visit the Petersen House are typically during weekday mornings and off-peak tourist seasons. From January to early March, the Petersen House sees fewer visitors, while spring and fall are popular for school field trips and tours. Weekends and school vacation periods tend to be busier due to family outings and group tours.

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Best Seller

Lincoln Assassination Tour with Ford's Theatre, Petersen House

On the night of April 14, 1865, John Wilkes Booth shot Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theatre and vanished into the Washington night, launching one of the greatest manhunts in American history. Follow that story on the very streets where it happened; visit the boarding house where the conspiracy was planned, Baptist Alley where Booth's horse awaited, Ford's Theatre, and the Petersen House where Lincoln died the next morning. Led by an expert guide and inspired by Manhunt, this tour brings the events of April 1865 vividly to life with stories, hidden details, and insights most visitors miss. More than sightseeing, it's a chance to stand where history happened and experience one of America's most dramatic stories firsthand. See beyond the crowds and modern cityscape, revealing the hidden clues, overlooked locations, and human drama behind the assassination. Experience Lincoln's final hours in a way no book, museum, or documentary can match.

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Lincoln Assassination Tour with Ford's Theatre, Petersen House

2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Likely to Sell Out

Lincoln Assassination Tour with Civil War Sites & Petersen House

Join a DC expert on a one-a-kind experience to learn about the Civil War history of Washington. We begin with the lead up to the Civil War and how the US Capitol was the staging ground for its beginning. Next we see the home and office of Clara Barton. From there we walk up to the Portrait Gallery and discuss key players in the Civil War and its inception all in a building that acted as a Civil War Hospital. We finish by discussing the plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. We will see the exterior of Ford's Theatre and visit the room across the street where President Lincoln took his final breath. Highlights include: See Civil War Monuments and Memorials Learn about prominent Civil War figures and see President Lincoln's life masks in the National Portrait Gallery Hear the events of the Lincoln assassination and see the room where the president passed away

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Lincoln Assassination Tour with Civil War Sites & Petersen House

2 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(2)

from $65

Likely to Sell Out

Step into one of history's most dramatic nights—tracing Lincoln's final hours through Civil War-era D.C. Unlike rushed, generic museum visits, this guided tour takes you inside Ford's Theatre and the Petersen House with reserved access, revealing hidden details and untold stories. You see the theatre booth where the President was shot, stand in the very room where Lincoln drew his last breath, and more. This 2-hour small-group tour offers an intimate look at these historic sites. 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.

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Lincoln Assassination Tour with Ford's Theatre & Petersen House

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(529)

from $65

Likely to Sell Out

Abraham Lincoln Life, Legacy and Assassination Tour

Follow in the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln on this tour through Washington, DC, exploring the assassination of America's 16th President. Beginning near the National Archives, learn about Lincoln's presidency, the Civil War, and the dramatic events of April 14, 1865. Visit key locations connected to Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth, including the Willard Hotel, National Theatre, National Hotel, Chinatown, and the Lincoln Memorial. Near Wok and Roll, the site of the former Surratt Boarding House, discover where Booth and his co-conspirators planned the assassination plot. The tour concludes in the Ford's Theatre district with exterior visits to Ford's Theatre and Petersen House, where Lincoln was taken after the shooting and died the following morning. The tour does not enter either site, but guests may explore the area after the tour. Between May 28 and August 31, Ford's Theatre's interior is closed for repairs. During this time, the tour will visit the exterior of the theatre only.

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Abraham Lincoln Life, Legacy and Assassination Tour

2 hoursFree Cancellation

3.5

(23)

from $69

Washington D.C. Lincoln Assassination History Walking Tour

This walking tour reveals what happened on the night that changed the history of a nation forever. Journey back in time to learn about the three-pronged attack designed to change the course of U.S. politics and Government, and its impact on American and world history. This thrilling one-of-a-kind walking tour doesn’t just visit the main landmark locations involved in the plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln but immerses you in incredible insights and revelations that will make you look upon the assignation of the 16th President of the United States in a completely different light as well as other assassinations. With your expert local Washington D.C. guide, you will journey back in time to learn about the three-pronged attack designed to change the course of U.S. politics and Government. The assassination of the 16th President of the United States is shrouded in mystery, intrigue, and conspiracy; however, this tour will reveal the truth behind the infamous night.

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Washington D.C. Lincoln Assassination History Walking Tour

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

3.5

(4)

from $52

Likely to Sell Out

Night of Lincoln Assassination: from White House to Ford Theatre

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(260)

from $49

Price varies by group size

New York and Washington Self Guided Narrated Tours with AI

With this AI app you're no longer restricted to crowded group tours or rigid scripts. Explore iconic sites like Times Square and the National Mall—or dive deep into lesser-known landmarks and hidden urban parks. Ask about literally anything that catches your eye—from a historic district to a secret street corner or a towering skyscraper. The city's secrets are yours to uncover. Point & Discover: Snap a photo of any monument or museum masterpiece to instantly receive a captivating and accurate story. It’s like having a historian in your pocket! Ultimate Freedom: Navigate seamlessly with interactive map-based audio tours. Your schedule, your pace, your rules. Choose Your Vibe: Select a narrator persona that matches your style—from a deep-diving scholar to a fun companion for the kids. Get Started: 7 Days of Premium Access available instantly for iPhone and Android.

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New York and Washington Self Guided Narrated Tours with AI

7 daysFree Cancellation

5.0

from $12

A Journey Through Washington DC In Lincoln’s Footsteps - Private

Explore the pivotal moments of Abraham Lincoln's life on this 6-hour tour through Washington, DC. An expert guide will lead you to significant sites connected to Lincoln’s presidency and the Civil War. You'll visit Lincoln’s Cottage, Howard University, and memorials honoring Civil War African American soldiers, Ford's Theater, culminating at the National Portrait Gallery, where the last photograph of Lincoln is displayed. This private tour combines luxury transportation with insightful storytelling, providing a deeper understanding of Lincoln’s legacy and its impact on the nation. - 6-hour guided tour focused on Lincoln’s life and legacy - Visit key historical sites including Ford’s Theatre and Petersen House - Luxury transportation provided throughout the journey - Ideal for history enthusiasts and those interested in American culture

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A Journey Through Washington DC In Lincoln’s Footsteps - Private

6 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

from $1,669

Per group

What are people saying about Petersen House

Lincoln Assassination Tour with Ford's Theatre & Petersen House

Ann_D, Aug 2026

No other like it!

Awesome tour guide. She knew the subject matter and was very engaging. Tour was a little shorter than expected but all good.

Lincoln Assassination Tour with Ford's Theatre & Petersen House

Kathy_M, Aug 2026

Informative and fun

A great way to learn very detailed facts about our history while still being fun and intriguing. Skye was very knowledgeable and entertaining.

Lincoln Assassination Tour with Ford's Theatre & Petersen House

Kristen_K, Aug 2026

Perfect Lincoln Tour for our family!

This tour was awesome! Skye was so wonderful and personable! She was so knowledgeable about Lincoln’s last day! We highly recommend this tour! We lucked out and were able to see Ford’s theater! The Petersen House is filled with many interesting artifacts!

Lincoln Assassination Tour with Ford's Theatre & Petersen House

Angelina_V, Aug 2026

Skye was so wonderful....

Skye was so wonderful. Our tour group was smaller, with only three of us, and she was great! Very knowledgeable. So sweet. Great tour!

Petersen House

4.5

(763)

Washington DC

Know before you go

It’s recommended to book tickets to the Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site online in advance of your visit; limited walk-up tickets are available.
Owing to its historic architecture, only limited sections of the Petersen House are accessible to wheelchair users.
The adjacent Ford’s Theatre Center for Education & Leadership provides access to the Petersen House and also contains a gift shop.

Petersen House Tours and Tickets

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What are people saying about Petersen House

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