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The White House
Office of the First Lady
For Immediate Release

White House Announces 2011 Fall Gardens and Grounds Tours

The White House will open its gardens and grounds to visitors on Saturday, October 15th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and on Sunday, October 16th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Visitors can view the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden and the South Lawn of the White House. The Kitchen Garden will once again be accessible to tour guests.

The Garden Tours are free and open to the public; however, a ticket is required for all attendees (including small children). The National Park Service will distribute free, timed tickets at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion located at 15th and E Streets on each tour day beginning at 8:00 a.m. Tickets will be distributed -- one ticket per person -- on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please note the following items are not allowed on the White House grounds:

  • Food and Beverages of any kind
  • Duffel Bags/Suitcases/Backpacks
  • Animals (except guide dogs)
  • Aerosols of any kind
  • Knives of any size
  • Mace
  • Smoking
  • Real or Simulated Weapons/Ammunition
  • Fireworks/Firecrackers
  • The U.S. Secret Service reserves the right to prohibit any other personal items.

The U.S. Secret Service reserves the right to prohibit any other personal items.  However, strollers, wheelchairs, and cameras are permitted.

In the event of inclement weather, the Garden Tours may be cancelled. Please call the 24-hour information line at (202) 456-7041 to check on the status of the event. Tours of the White House will not occur on the dates of the Garden Tours.