Walking Tours: The Civil War

Thousands of Civil War service members are buried at Arlington National Cemetery — which itself originated during the Civil War. On this tour, you will explore some of their stories; learn why the U.S. Army first occupied the property in 1861; and discover the histories of enslavement and emancipation that this land also embodies.
  • Distance: ~5 miles (full tour); ~2.5 miles (student tour)/li>
  • Exertion Level: High
  • Starting point: Section 27 (.5 miles from Welcome Center) 

Walking Tour: Freedman's Village

The southern sections of Arlington National Cemetery contain the former site of Freedman’s Village — a community of formerly enslaved African Americans, established in 1863. Freedman’s Village evolved into a unique and thriving community, and it had a lasting legacy. Learn more and explore other nearby Civil War gravesites.
  • Distance: ~.6 miles
  • Exertion Level: Moderate
  • Starting point: Section 3 (1.5 miles from Welcome Center) 

Walking Tour: The Cold War

The history of the Cold War is imprinted onto the landscape of Arlington National Cemetery. Learn about the remarkable lives of thsoe who served in, and led, the Cold War—from service members who fought in Korea and Vietnam to key policymakers. 
  • Distance: ~2 miles
  • Exertion Level: Moderate
  • Starting point: Section 31 (.3 miles from Welcome Center) 

Walking Tour: Military Intelligence

Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of many individuals who shaped the United States’ modern intelligence programs — both military and civilian. This walking tour features the stories of major figures in the history of U.S. intelligence.
  • Distance: 3.5 miles
  • Exertion Level:High
  • Starting point: Section 30 (.2 miles from Welcome Center) 
 

Walking Tour: Memorial Arboretum

Arlington National Cemetery's 639 acres of rolling green hills, with nearly 9,000 trees, serve as a living tribute to the veterans and their family members laid to rest here. Our walking tours explore highlights of Memorial Arboretum.
In 2014, to commemorate its 150th anniversary, Arlington National Cemetery established this historic landscape as Memorial Arboretum. In 2018, Memorial Arboretum was accredited as a Level III Arboretum--one of only 24 institutions worldwide to maintain this prestigious accreditation. While strolling through these hallowed grounds, consider how the landscape contributes to Arlington's mission to honor and remember the service and sacrifice of individuals buried here. 
  • Distance: 2.5 miles for regular walking tour; 2 miles for school group walking tour
  • Exertion Level: Moderate
  • Starting point: Section 31 (.2 miles from Welcome Center) 
 

Walking Tour: Understanding Arlington

Approximately 400,000 veterans and their eligible dependents are buried at Arlington National Cemetery. The history of our nation is reflected on the grounds of the cemetery. Take this self-guided walking tour to explore highlights of ANC.
  • Length: 3 miles
  • Starting point: Welcome Center
  • Exertion Level: Moderate

Walking Tour: Military Technology

This walking tour honors those individuals buried at Arlington who dedicated their careers to technology and innovation. Some, like Hyman Rickover and Grace Hopper, did so while serving in the military. Others, like George Westinghouse, contributed to technological advancement outside of their military service.
  • Length: 3 miles
  • Starting point: Section 5 (0.4 miles from Welcome Center)
  • Exertion Level: Moderate

Walking Tour: Navy

From its founding in the 18th century to today, the U.S. Navy has played a leading role in American military operations as well as scientific innovation and exploration. On this tour, you’ll be introduced to pioneers from across Navy history. These men and women pushed geographic and technological boundaries, and they showed ingenuity and courage in the face of war.
  • Length: 4 miles
  • Starting point: Section 54 (0.3 miles from Welcome Center)
  • Exertion Level: Moderate

Walking Tour: Marine Corps

As America’s expeditionary force in readiness since 1775, the Marines are forward deployed to fight the nation’s land, sea, and air battles. On this tour, you’ll learn about individuals who exemplified the Marines’ core values of honor, courage and commitment. They include men and women who changed the historical trajectory of the Corps, alongside those who served in some of the Marines’ most famous actions.
  • Length: 4 miles
  • Starting point: Section 33 (0.5 miles from Welcome Center)
  • Exertion Level: High