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Opened to the general public for the first time on June 25, 2026, the Lincoln Memorial undercroft invites visitors into a dramatic, previously unseen space beneath one of America’s most iconic monuments. This new 15,000‑square‑foot exhibit area reveals the massive concrete foundations that support the memorial and shares the story of how the Lincoln Memorial was built and how its meaning has evolved over the last century.

Let's meet at Columbia Island and hike to the Lincoln Memorial for a tour of the undercroft!

❶ What we'll do:

  • We'll cross the George Mason Bridge into Washington DC and walk about 2 miles through the FDR and Korean War memorials, arriving at the Lincoln Memorial by 11:30 am.
  • The timed tickets I have reserved for the undercroft tour are good from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, but we don't have to stay the full 2 hours if we finish early.
  • After the tour is complete we will recross the Potomac River over the Arlington Bridge and follow the Mount Vernon Trail about 2 miles back to Columbia Island.
  • The total hike is about 4 miles and should take about 2 hours at a moderate pace, plus however long we spend at the undercroft tour. The surface is mostly flat, paved trails. There is a flight of stairs on the Washington DC side of the George Mason Bridge.
  • Google map: https://tinyurl.com/2s38a3j3

❷ How to get there: Driving is recommended, but a little tricky.

  • The entrance to the Columbia Island Marina parking lot can only be reached from the southbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Use GPS 38.87549, -77.04945 in your nav device.
  • From I-395 S (the George Mason Memorial Bridge), take exit 10C and merge onto the George Washington Memorial Pkwy North. Exit left toward US-50 W/Memorial Bridge/Arlington Cemetery. Exit Memorial Circle onto VA 27 S/Washington Blvd. Exit left and merge onto the George Washington Memorial Pkwy South. Follow the sign to the Columbia Island Marina to turn right to enter the parking lot.
  • From I-395 N, take exit 8B for VA-27 E/Washington Blvd toward Rosslyn. Merge onto VA-27 E/S Washington Blvd. Use the right lane to take the ramp to Ronald Reagan National Airport/Alexandria/Mt.Vernon/I-395 and merge onto George Washington Memorial Pkwy south. Follow the sign to the Columbia Island Marina to turn right to enter the parking lot.
  • Metro: The meetup point is 1.4 miles/30 minutes walk (each way) from the Arlington Cemetery stop. If you choose this option you will be able to peel off from the group during our return walk, since we will pass near the metro stop. See https://goo.gl/maps/gTgTVzJNwjR2

❸ What to bring:

  • Water, comfy shoes, and a rain jacket or umbrella, if desired, just in case. Sorry, your furry friend is not permitted in the undercroft (service animals only).
  • Bags larger than 18"x16"x8" are not permitted. No food or drinks (except for food in sealed bags and bottled water) are allowed. No glass or ceramic items such as bottles or mugs are allowed. Matches, cigarette lighters, and anything that can cause a flame is prohibited.

❹ Cost: $1 per person, payable in cash to the organizer. (You do not have to buy your own ticket! I have already reserved 20 tickets; the $1 is reimbursement for the Recreation.gov service fee).

❺ Weather: The forecast is mostly cloudy, a high temperature of 90F, and a 15-20% chance of showers. Winds WNW at 8 mph. Updates here: https://tinyurl.com/55j8yk6y

❻ Advisories:

  • As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers.
  • There are multiple crosswalks along the route, including two across the busy GW Parkway. Use caution when crossing!!
  • The Mount Vernon Trail is a favorite with bicyclists, so keep an eye out for them.

❼ Administrative stuff: There are restrooms and drinking fountains at Columbia Island Marina parking lot and at several locations along our route. Please see the Google map.

❽ Notes:

Related topics

Events in Arlington, VA

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