I have been to the White House three times in my life and all three experiences were exciting and mostly memorable. They also span a timeline of about 40 years or so. And while much has changed, much has also stayed the same.

I first went when I was a kid of eight years old. I have to admit much of the significance of the experience was lost on me but I do remember my parents saying this was a big deal and my mom said we had to be quiet while the guide talked. I remember being ushered through in a small group of folks with a formal guide leading the tour. I remember two rooms - the state dining room and the blue room where the president would visit with dignitaries from around the world. I also remember a funny story or two of unusual pets kids had in The White House. But, like most things when you are that young, you don’t remember too many of the small details. I do remember you had to request tickets in advance from a Congress member, but that whole idea went over my head, so to speak.

The next time I visited I was in college. I was the guest of a friend who was working in an Iowa senator’s office. I remember being more impressed at this visit, maybe because I understood it more completely. I remember becoming more awed and understanding the tour more fully. I again recognized the blue room and the state dining room, but saw additional rooms such as the library and the green room. It was still an organized tour with a tour group moving from room to room. I also don’t remember a bunch more security than my previous visit about 15 years before, but I’m guessing there was some. I also remember my friend contacting me a few weeks prior to that visit and asking what potential days I wanted to visit the White House so she could request a ticket for me.

So, fast forward about 30 years and it seems that many things have changed. I still contacted my Iowa senator to get a ticket several weeks ahead but was a little surprised to see recommendations that it should be requested even earlier than before. Formal documents were required this time. The big surprise, though, was when I arrived on-site and waited for my ticket time to be ushered in. There was a long line of people down the street. I don’t remember that before. I also remember quite a few security checks, which are understandable given today’s world and the advances in technology. By the time I reached the building after winding my way through security, I was tired and warm. So, one tip would be that if you cannot stand in lines for long periods of time, perhaps the regular White House tour is not a good fit, particularly in the heat of summer. Please note that The White House is wheelchair accessible. There is a nearby visitor center with exhibits and additional information. Unfortunately, I did not make it there due to time constraints.

Once I was able to enter the White House, though, I got my second wind and was rather delighted to see we didn’t have a formal tour. You could go informally from room to room where there were informational signs and the room guides answered questions. I enjoyed this very much. I lingered longer at the Library (surprise, surprise for those that know me 😉) and was pleased there were photo opportunities too. It was fun, in other words!

By now, I have more knowledge of both history and politics and I enjoyed it much more than previous visits. So another tip is that you may want to read a bit about White House history and the American branches of government before you tour. In other words, sometimes having a bit more life experience comes in handy. At least that’s my experience. 😂

Thinking of touring The White House in the future? Here’s the current requirements below. Please note the 21-90 day window for ticket requests. Also note that no video recording is allowed. Also, no food or drinks are allowed so have a snack and some water before you get in line. No purses or bags are allowed as well.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/visit/

I should note I went on a DC tour after dark one night and then an inside tour another day. That is why you see White House photos both in daylight and at night.

Just be sure to contact your Congress person preferably 90 days in advance to get tickets!!! It’s a beautiful place steeped in so much history. It’s well worth the effort!

Here’s a few photos from my visit.