The Monarch Larva Monitoring Project is a little more in-depth. It only takes about five minutes to record an observation. Laura Lukens, the program coordinator for the Monarch Joint Venture, said Journey North and the Western Monarch Milkweed Mapper are good for submitting incidental observations and one-time sightings. For Utahns hoping to catch sight of the only known two-way migrating butterfly, there are several resources: Western Monarch Milkweed Mapper, Journey North and the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project.Įveryone is invited to share their sightings during the 10-day blitz through Aug. and southern Canada breeding grounds, down to central Mexico for hibernation. Note that street parking is often limited near the National Mall.Now is the time of the annual International Monarch Monitoring Blitz, fellow lepidopterists!Įvery year, the monarch butterfly flies up to 2,500 miles from its U.S. If driving, visitor parking is available on Ohio Drive, between the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials. If traveling by bus, take DC Circulator’s National Mall route or ride Metrobus routes 32, 34 or 36. The two closest Metro stops are Federal Triangle and Smithsonian, both on the Blue, Orange and Silver lines. Capitol and Lincoln Memorial. The easiest way to get to the monument is by taking the Metro. Maintained by the National Park Service, the Washington Monument is located on the center of the National Mall between the U.S. for cleaning.įind out more information with our Washington Monument tour and ticket guide for both groups and individuals. The Washington Monument is open 9 am to 5 pm daily (last available tour ticket at 4 pm) except for December 25. Until further notice, walk up tickets and group reservations will not be available.
Tickets listed as “Not Yet Released” will become available one-day before the tour date at 10 a.m. The new security structure can accommodate up to 20 visitors and has more modern screening equipment.ĭue to COVID-19, the Washington Monument is now allowing visitors to purchase 1 ticket, which will be valid for up to 4 people. The modern system gives the National Park Service operators better control of the elevator with remote access from the ground.īefore experiencing the new elevator, visitors will encounter another improvement to traveling to the top of the Washington Monument – an upgraded security screening facility at the base of the structure. Part of what makes traveling in the elevator so historic is that, on the two-minute descent, it offers a glimpse of the interior walls, which are lined with stones that commemorate George Washington, placed by states, civic groups and others. Capitol, the White House, Arlington National Cemetery and the Washington National Cathedral. The minute-long ride up 50 stories to the top of the world's tallest free-standing stone structure includes a video from the National Park Service about what to expect. From the observation deck, you can see nearly 25 miles into the horizon in every direction, including landmarks like the U.S. After undergoing years of renovations and reopening in 2019, the Washington Monument has raised expectations for visitors with a new state-of-the-art elevator that will efficiently move hundreds of visitors up to the observation deck daily.