A first stop on a trip to Arlington National Cemetery should include the Welcome Center, located by the cemetery entrance. In the Welcome Center there are maps, information services (to include grave locations), kiosks for accessing the ANC Explorer, a bookstore and restrooms. The Welcome Center also contains exhibits and displays that tell the story of Arlington National Cemetery and its significance to the nation. The cornerstone of the exhibits is a life-size replica of a bugler playing “Taps”, one of the most recognizable components of a military honors funeral.
Please note that the cemetery does not provide wheelchairs or strollers and if you require this service you will need to bring your own.
Only bottled water is allowed in the Welcome Center and on the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. Visitors are encouraged to bring water. Water fountains are located in the Welcome Center, near the JFK gravesite and at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Bottled water is available for purchase at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial.
The Welcome Center opens daily at 8 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m. from April 1 to Sept. 30 and at 5 p.m. from October to March.
The Welcome Center is open every day, except December 25th.