Did you know that Union Station was build over DC’s first baseball stadium? Did you know that the statues in the Great Hall are made out of plaster? Did you know that Pierre L’Enfant was not paid for his work to design the District of Columbia, rather, he was either fired or encouraged to resign by Thomas Jefferson? Did you know that more people go to Union Station than to the local airports?
We did not know any of these things either. These were just some of the interesting facts that we learned on the Hidden Union Station tour. Our tour started at 10:00 in the morning. We met in the East Hall which you enter though the doorways under the clock.
Our family has been to Union Station many times. Pre-kid, mom would take metro from L’Enfant Plaza to Union Station every day after work. There was lots of time to pick up a new outfit but never took time to really appreciate how beautiful it is or knew the rich history behind it.
This tour taught all of us about how Union Station was built and the history that it holds. This tour has a lot of walking and a lot of steps. We were able to go into one of the still closed restaurants, up the stairs and behind the statues in the Great Hall. This made for amazing photos of the Capitol, the hall, and the statues. It is a view that few get to see.
We were also invited to Presidential Waiting Room. It is a part of Union Station that is closed to the public and not many non-presidential people get to see unless they are invited for a private event. We stood in that room and enjoyed its ornate beauty.
Our tour guide, Jennifer, carried an iPad where she was able to show us many historical photos and we could compare those to where we were standing. She knew almost everything about the history behind the station.
This tour costs $25 and is for ages 9 and up. We had a 9-year-old with us and she loved it. With up to 10 people on the tour, the group size is small enough that you can have all of your questions answered and get those perfect photos. There is also a fun goodie bag with a photo book presented in the middle of the tour. You can make your reservations at https://www.atlasobscura.com/experiences/hidden-union-station
This was a perfect family morning which we capped off with a burger and shake from one of the restaurants there and a quick stop to both of the chocolate shops. We are excited to head back at Christmas as the grand tree makes its return. We hope to get a glimpse of the Prince of Norway when he comes to celebrate his country’s gift.
