If you’re a Christian school administrator or educator wanting to take students on an educational trip to Washington, D.C., you’re in the right place. Our nation’s capital holds unforgettable opportunities for Christian students to deepen their understanding of U.S. history, explore the intersections of faith and politics, and gain insights into God’s heart for people. 

Places like the U.S. Capitol Building and the Lincoln Memorial are conventional stops for many tours. But if you are considering a faith-forward educational tour of Washington with students, some other stops offer a unique perspective and engage students with thoughtful questions about culture, faith, and justice. In this article, we share some important places to include in your itinerary and a few fun activities that make the experience memorable.

Itinerary Suggestions for Washington

The Museum of the Bible

Located just a few blocks from the National Mall, the Museum of the Bible offers an immersive look at how the Bible has shaped history, cultures, and individuals over thousands of years. This museum is a must-see for Christian students, not only because of its extensive collection of biblical artifacts but also because it encourages visitors to consider how the Bible continues to influence today’s world.

  • Exhibits and Artifacts: Students can explore ancient manuscripts like the Dead Sea and Torah scrolls.
  • Interactive Experiences: Students can walk through a replica of Nazareth as it looked when Jesus lived on earth and experience high-tech, interactive Bible stories that help connect them with Scripture in new ways.
  • Questions for Reflection: Teachers and leaders might ask students to reflect on questions like, “How does God use Scripture to guide people and nations?” and “How can we, as Christians, share God’s love in today’s world?”

Including this learning experience in your itinerary inspires students to see the Bible as an active part of history and God’s continuing work in today’s world.

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site provides a valuable perspective through an in-depth look at one of the most influential abolitionists. Located just twenty minutes from the White House in the Anacostia neighborhood, this historic home is where Douglass, a former enslaved person turned orator, author, and activist, lived in his later years. Touring this site helps students explore how Douglass’s vehement opposition to Christians owning people as property shaped his advocacy for justice and equality.

  • A Legacy of Faith and Activism: Douglass often spoke about how his faith motivated him to fight for justice, making him a role model for students who want to live out their faith in action. His faith also caused him internal conflict since he passionately believed Christians should not own other humans. 
  • Personal Reflections: This tour stop encourages students to think about how they can embody God’s love in their communities, even in the face of injustice. It should invite students to consider whether their beliefs and actions align with God’s character.
  • Discussion Questions: As students tour Douglass’s home, it is valuable to ask how Douglass’s faith influenced his decisions and how we can live out God’s call for justice.

The National Archives: Connecting Faith with Governance

Though often overshadowed by more famous landmarks, the National Archives houses some of the nation’s most important documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. This stop allows students to examine how biblical values helped shape foundational American ideals and encourages reflection on how those principles connect with their beliefs.

Here are a few ways this part of your tour can connect faith and governance:

  • Viewing Key Documents: Students can consider the historical texts and explore how themes like justice, liberty, and human dignity reflect a Christian worldview.
  • Considering Modern Politics: With faith in mind, students might reflect on how they see these values upheld or challenged in our governing body today.
  • Group Reflection: Teachers could guide students to think about questions like, “How does my faith shape my understanding of freedom?” and “What role does God’s justice play in our government today?”

Build Some Memories While Students Learn

Fun Stop: International Spy Museum

For a fun addition to a day of history and reflection, the International Spy Museum is one of our top choices. This hands-on museum offers students a chance to step into the shoes of real-life spies and learn about espionage. Full of interactive exhibits, the museum keeps students engaged while teaching them about international relations, secrecy, and loyalty — offering a unique way to discuss the importance of integrity and trust, even in the high-stakes world of intelligence.

Iconic Dining Spot: Ben’s Chili Bowl

Ben’s Chili Bowl is a Washington classic. Located just across the street from the Lincoln Theater and the U Street African-American Civil War Memorial, Ben’s is known for its half-smokes and history as a meeting place during the Civil Rights Movement. This restaurant is an excellent spot for students to experience D.C. culture after visiting the Civil War Memorial. It connects students with the city’s rich past and its role in significant cultural and social changes, causing them to consider themes of justice and human rights. This dining experience will satisfy your hungry teens while placing them in the heart of Washington’s local culture and important history. 

Why Forge Tours Is the Best Choice for D.C. Student Tours

Forge Christian Tour Co. is more than just a tour provider; we are experienced tour planners and guides passionate about educational travel that strengthens students’ faith. With almost three decades of experience organizing Christian student tours, we know how to create engaging, insightful, and spiritually enriching itineraries for groups of all sizes. Our knowledgeable team will help you plan things to tour in Washington, D.C., to connect historical lessons with biblical principles, help students learn about America’s past, and see God’s role in history.

Each stop on a tour with us is thoughtfully curated to encourage students to think deeply about their faith, explore real-life applications of biblical values, and recognize how God’s love and justice work in the world around them. 

When you work with Forge Christian Tour Co., you choose a team dedicated to ensuring your students have a transformative, Christ-centered experience in Washington that they will always remember.

Contact a Forge Tour expert today, and begin planning your student educational tour to Washington.