capitol tour training

How Do I Tour the U.S. Capitol and See Congress in Session?

Learn all you need to know about visiting and touring america’s center of democracy..

UPDATE: The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All tours are free and are led by professional tour guides and do not include the Senate and House Galleries. The tour route is subject to change. Note that advance reservations are required for a tour. Visitors enter through the Capitol Visitor Center, located underground on the east side of the Capitol. Please leave time to go through security and review the U.S. Capitol’s prohibited items list before your visit.

The U.S. Capitol Building is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world and the center of American democracy. The world-famous domed building is home to the United States House of Representatives and Senate; where America’s congressmen and congresswomen conduct business, debate laws and pass bills on behalf of the American people. The U.S. Capitol and U.S. Capitol Visitor Center  is also one of DC’s most popular monuments and museums and welcomes millions of visitors each year.

Tour groups in United States Capitol Building Rotunda - Attractions and landmarks in Washington, DC

How do I arrange a tour of the United States Capitol Building?

Plan your visit in advance! A public tour of the U.S. Capitol is free and open to anyone who makes an advanced reservation, although there are some same-day tickets available by standing in line at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center (note that lines will be long during spring and summer).  We recommend reserving a  reserving a tour date and time .

All tours begin and end at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, open Monday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day and Inauguration Day).  Tours typically take about 90 minutes and are  fully accessible for people with disabilities.

What will I see on a Capitol tour?

Guided tours begin with a 13-minute intro film, followed stops in the Capitol Rotunda, where guides point out the center point of the District of Columbia, as well as demonstrate the unique acoustical effect where a speaker several yards away can be heard more clearly than a speaker close to the listener. The Capitol Dome is encircled by murals, and the fresco on the eye of the ceiling is called The Apotheosis of Washington showing President Washington rising to the heavens in glory with Liberty and Victory/Fame beside him. Below, on the walls of the Rotunda, are large paintings depicting significant events in American history: The Signing of the Declaration of Independence, The Baptism of Pocohontas, The Embarkation of the Pilgrims, The Landing of Columbus and General George Washington Resigning His Commission. Other stops on the 45-minute walking tour include the Crypt, National Statuary Hall and connecting corridors of the U.S. Capitol, where you’ll see statues representing every state.

Can I see Congress in session?

The guided tour doesn't include the Senate and House galleries. However, visitors can obtain free passes through their congressmen to view both chambers when Congress is in session. International visitors can ask about gallery passes at the House and Senate Appointment Desks on the upper level of the Capitol Visitor Center. When Congress is not in session, the galleries are open to the public Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. However, viewing hours are subject to change and are not always the same for the House and Senate galleries. You can check the schedules with your Congressional office when requesting gallery passes. Read more information about  watching Congress in session  and viewing the House and Senate galleries.

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What’s in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center?

You’ll find a cafeteria and gift shop in the Capitol Visitor Center. The gift shop carries merchandise inspired by the art and architecture of the U.S. Capitol. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. for continental breakfast and lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you haven’t printed your tour reservation, bring along the number you were assigned. There are free listening devices in multiple languages for international visitors.

How do I get to the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center?

Because there is very little parking, it is best to travel via the  Metro or the DC Circulator. There are three Metro stops within walking distance of the U.S. Capitol: Union Station (Red Line), Capitol South and Federal Center SW (Orange, Silver and Blue lines). The Capitol Visitor Center, which serves as the main public entrance, is located beneath the East Front plaza of the U.S. Capitol at First and East Capitol streets.

Looking for more in the neighborhood? Take advantage of  our guide to Capitol Hill .

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Exhibition Hall: E Pluribus Unum

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U.S. Capitol Tours

Explore the Capitol's Rich History

Discover our Capitol’s vast history as you explore the magnificent building where some of the most pivotal moments in American history took place. Led by our knowledgeable and passionate volunteers, our captivating Capitol tours offer an insider’s look at this world-famous building. You’ll have the unique opportunity to hear the secrets and stories that have shaped America’s political landscape with fascinating anecdotes and insider knowledge at every turn. 

Join Our Community​

The Society offers historian-led Capitol tours exclusively as a benefit of our membership program.  Become a member today and enjoy a Capitol tour led by one of our expertly trained historical guides, providing you with a fascinating glimpse into the U.S. Capitol’s history, its people, and the surrounding grounds.

Experience the Capitol with a trained historical guide.

Capitol walking tours.

From the intricate workings of Congress to the historic architecture and symbolism woven throughout the structure, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the democratic values that underpin our great nation. Book a tour with one of our historically trained tour guides now and experience history with a personalized and immersive tour tailored to your interests and curiosity.

Temple of Democracy: History Made Here

Take a step back in time and join the expert staff and historically trained volunteers of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society for an exclusive walking tour of the Capitol Grounds. Delve into the fascinating history of this iconic building, as you gain unique insights and perspectives about Congress, the origins and construction of the Capitol, and the broader concepts of democratic government.

Discover the secrets behind the nearly 40-year construction of the original Capitol Building and gain a deeper understanding of why and how it has been expanded and changed over the years. Hear about famous – and infamous – incidents that took place within its walls and pivotal turning points in the history of the republic that shaped the course of our nation.  With a focus on the daily activities that take place within this monumental complex, you’ll gain a unique perspective on how our government works and how it continues to shape the course of our nation.

This tour is a different, more historically inclined, experience that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s no wonder it has been named “Best Specialty Tour” by Washingtonian Magazine.

Olmsted's Stunning Capitol Landscape

Embark on a one-of-a-kind journey through the stunning Capitol Grounds, led by the U.S. Capitol Historical Society staff and trained volunteers. This exclusive walking tour is focused on the life and work of the legendary Frederick Law Olmsted – the Father of Landscape Architecture – who Congress commissioned to design the new Capitol grounds after its expansion.

Explore the incredibly elaborate and stunning beauty of Olmsted’s careful design, and gain a deeper understanding of how he achieved this monumental undertaking. As you walk through the grounds, you’ll hear captivating stories about Olmsted’s remarkable life, from his early days as a merchant seaman to his later roles as a gentleman farmer, journalist, and landscape architect. Considered a local favorite, this exclusive tour is a must for anyone with a passion for history, nature, and design. 

Members of the Society gain access to a world of historical knowledge and exciting opportunities.  To book your tour, please email: tours@uschs.org o r complete the Tour Request form.

All tours offered are subject to availability. To ensure an exceptional tour experience, we kindly request that tours be scheduled at least one week in advance. This advance notice allows us to arrange for knowledgeable guides for your tour.

For large group tours (exceeding 15 guests), please email tours@uschs.org , addressed to Vincent Gonzalez, for personalized assistance with your booking.

Please note our tour schedule:

• From March 1 through Memorial Day (excluding Federal Holidays): Tours start at 5:30 PM.
• From Memorial Day through September 30: Tours start at 7:00 PM.
• From October 1 through November 30: Tours begin at 5:30 PM.

Meeting Place: Garfield Circle (at the intersection of First Street and Maryland Avenue Southwest)

Public Transit: Easily accessible via Metrorail. If you’re traveling on the Red Line, exit at Union Station. For those on the Blue, Orange, or Silver Lines, the nearest stops are Capitol South or Federal Center Southwest. 

Parking: Public parking facilities are conveniently available at Union Station.

Note: Please provide at least one email and cell phone number from an individual in the tour group. 

Tour Request Form

In addition to our exterior walking tours, the U.S. Capitol Historical Society is happy to recommend the following visitor experiences (Please note: these experiences may be subject to availability):

• Constituent Tours: Many Congressional Offices provide interior Capitol Tours for constituents. These offices may also reserve public tours through the Capitol Visitor Center. You can find and contact your Senators at senate.gov , or your Representative at house.gov .
• Public Tours: Public interior tours of the U.S. Capitol are available through the Capitol Visitor Center, open Monday through Saturday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Visit their website here for more information and to reserve a tour in advance.
• Seeing Congress in Session: Most sessions of Congress are open to the public. Visitors may see the Senate and House of Representatives when they are in session by obtaining Gallery Passes through the offices of their Senators or Representative. You can find and contact your Senators at senate.gov , or your Representative at house.gov .

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Watch CBS News

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem stands by decision to kill dog, share it in new book

Updated on: April 30, 2024 / 9:28 AM EDT / CBS/AP

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem – who has been considered to be a potential running mate for presumptive Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump – addressed on Sunday the recent attention on her new book where she writes about killing an unruly dog and a goat.

The Guardian obtained a copy of Noem's soon-to-be-released book, "No Going Back: The Truth on What's Wrong with Politics and How We Move American Forward." Noem is scheduled to be interviewed on "Face the Nation" next week about her upcoming book, set to be released on May 7. 

In it, she tells the story of the ill-fated Cricket, a 14-month-old wirehaired pointer she was training for pheasant hunting.

She writes, according to the Guardian, that the tale was included to show her willingness to do anything "difficult, messing and ugly" if it has to be done. The backlash was swift against the Republican governor and on Sunday, she addressed the issue on social media. 

"I can understand why some people are upset about a 20 year old story of Cricket, one of the working dogs at our ranch, in my upcoming book — No Going Back," she wrote in a post on X , the platform formally known as Twitter. "The book is filled with many honest stories of my life, good and bad days, challenges, painful decisions, and lessons learned."

In her book, Noem writes that she took Cricket on a hunting trip with older dogs in hopes of calming down the wild puppy. Instead, Cricket chased the pheasants while "having the time of her life."

On the way home from the hunting trip, Noem writes that she stopped to talk to a family. Cricket got out of Noem's truck and attacked and killed some of the family's chickens, then bit the governor.

On Sunday, she defended her decision to kill the dog, saying that "South Dakota law states that dogs who attack and kill livestock can be put down."

"Given that Cricket had shown aggressive behavior toward people by biting them, I decided what I did," Noem wrote. "Whether running the ranch or in politics, I have never passed on my responsibilities to anyone else to handle. Even if it's hard and painful. I followed the law and was being a responsible parent, dog owner, and neighbor."

In the book, Noem also writes that her family also owned a "nasty and mean" male goat that smelled bad and liked to chase her kids. She decided to go ahead and kill the goat, too. She writes that the goat survived the first shot, so she went back to the truck, got another shell, then shot him again, killing him.

The excerpts drew immediate criticism on social media platforms, where many posted photos of their own pets. President Joe Biden's reelection campaign surfaced the story on social media alongside a photo of Noem with Trump.

It's not the first time Noem has grabbed national attention.

A month ago when she posted an  infomercial-like video about cosmetic dental surgery  she received out-of-state.

In a nearly five-minute video on X, she praised a team of cosmetic dentists in Texas for giving her a smile she said she can be proud of. "I love my new family at Smile Texas!" she wrote.

In 2019, she stood behind the state's anti-meth campaign even as it became the  subject of some mockery  for the tagline "Meth. We're on it." Noem said the campaign got people talking about the methamphetamine epidemic and helped lead some to treatment.

• Kristi Noem
• South Dakota
• Animal Cruelty

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Trump campaign woos donors at Florida retreat

Wisconsin Republicans recruiting legion of monitors to observe polls, set stage for lawsuits

MADISON – The Republican National Committee and Trump campaign plan to deploy tens of thousands of volunteers and attorneys to monitor and challenge voting processes in battleground states, including Wisconsin — an effort rooted in the former president's false election claims, characterized as safeguarding from "Democrat tricks from 2020."

GOP officials say they plan to recruit 100,000 people nationwide to observe election processes and voting, an expansion of typical activities for political parties in election years. The party's rhetoric surrounding the plans, however, describes the program as a solution to former President Donald Trump's 2020 election loss that has been confirmed in Wisconsin by judges, recounts, studies and audits.

"The Democrat tricks from 2020 won’t work this time. In 2024 we’re going to beat the Democrats at their own game and the RNC legal team will be working tirelessly to ensure that elections officials follow the rules in administering elections. We will aggressively take them to court if they don’t follow rules or try to change them at the last minute,” Charlie Spies, RNC chief counsel, said in a statement.

“The political team will be working to ensure a huge victory for Republicans at all levels, and RNC legal is committed to making sure that victory can’t be rigged.”

More: Donald Trump traveling to Wisconsin for first off-day rally from New York hush money trial

The party plans to conduct training sessions each month to teach volunteers how to observe polling sites and ballot tabulation centers. In May alone, the party has seven "election integrity" workshops on the calendar.

"These trainings will equip volunteers with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively oversee potential problems in the electoral process, guaranteeing that every vote is counted accurately and fairly," GOP officials said in a news release.

The volunteers are tasked with focusing on early voting, Election Day voting, absentee ballot processing, post-election processes and "logic & accuracy machine testing." A spokeswoman for the RNC did not respond to a request for details of what the testing would entail. "There are five areas of observation where we will guarantee coverage and aggressive attorneys will be engaged at all these stages to stop Democrat attempts to circumvent rules," the officials said.

Trump faces President Joe Biden in a rematch of the 2020 election, during which Biden defeated Trump by 4 percentage points. In Wisconsin, Biden prevailed by about 21,000 votes. The outcome of Wisconsin's election was confirmed by lawsuits, Trump-financed recounts, state audits, a partisan legislative review and a conservative study.

But Trump has continued to claim he actually won in 2020 , claims that fueled an attack on the U.S. Capitol in 2021 and have festered in Wisconsin among the Republican base.

More: 'He's anointed': Donald Trump's Wisconsin faithful cloak the 2024 race in messianic zeal

In a recent training session conducted by state GOP officials, the party's election integrity director Mike Hoffman said a focus would be placed on Democratic population centers like Eau Claire, Madison and Milwaukee, and recounted telling one clerk the party would be "keeping a close eye on you," according to the New York Times .

A spokesman for the Republican Party of Wisconsin did not answer questions about whether the party's monitoring efforts would extend to non-Democratic-leaning areas.

Clerks in Madison and Dane County, where Trump sought to throw out tens of thousands of ballots in 2020 , said they have not been contacted about the party's effort to monitor election processes.

Claire Woodall, executive director of the Milwaukee Election Commission, said she hosted Hoffman and GOP attorneys for a 90-minute tour of the city's absentee ballot tabulation center, known as Central Count, on the night before the April presidential primary election.

Trump has repeatedly falsely claimed Milwaukee's process to count absentee ballots amounts to voter fraud because all of them are counted in one facility with totals reported all at once, often late on Election Day.

"We are always happy to answer questions about process, procedure, and ensure open lines of communication between our office and both major political parties," Woodall said. "As you know, we strictly follow state statute and there were no sudden changes or deviations from the rules in 2020. We were taken to court in 2020 multiple times, including by President Trump, and have always prevailed. I am confident our administration will continue to withstand scrutiny.

A spokesman for the bipartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission did not respond to questions about whether the RNC has reached out to the commission regarding their election efforts.

Ann Jacobs, a Democratic member of the commission who was chairwoman during the 2020 election, said the rhetoric surrounding the GOP effort is likely intended to appease Trump's base.

"It strikes me that what this is, is trying to appease a base that wrongly believes that there were improprieties in the election that can be discovered and prevented through this sort of oversight by lay people," Jacobs said. "And here in Wisconsin, what we know is we had an election and the votes were properly counted."

"Observers are welcome to observe," she said. "But the idea that this is going to be some sort of groundbreaking situation where they're able to find improprieties that are going to affect the election, just isn't going to happen. But they're welcome to come watch."

The Democratic National Committee and state Democratic party also monitor election issues, including at polling places and at the state level, according to Democratic officials. The state party operates a voter hotline and helps voters who lack photo identification to meet legal requirements to vote.

"Donald Trump and his Republican allies are running a large-scale voter suppression campaign to make voting harder and undermine faith in fair elections just like they did in 2020," Addy Toevs, spokeswoman for the DNC, said.

"Democrats will continue to invest in protecting free elections and empower Wisconsinites to make their voices heard in this critical November election. We won’t let Trump and MAGA Republicans get away with their dirty tricks.” 

Alison Dirr of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel contributed to this report.

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Khabarovsk, Russia

You are here, about khabarovsk.

Khabarovsk is one of the most significant and beautiful cities of Russia's Far East. It stands on the right bank of the Amur River along the scenic Trans-Siberian railway and almost touches the Chinese border.

The city of Khabarovsk played a crucial role in East - Russian history and is famous for its historic sights, monuments of architecture of different eras, religious buildings, lovely parks, gardens, and artificial lakes which surprise its visitors with impressive fountain shows.

Khabarovsk History

Founded in 1858, the city is now loved by Chinese travelers and those who are going on iconic train journeys along the world's longest railway from Siberia. After days of relentless taiga, people reach this vibrant city with multiple attractions, plenty of historical sights from the tsarist-era, and a number of places to try traditional Russian cuisine. Khabarovsk is indeed a charming city that deserved to be on your travel itinerary. Especially, if you are the legendary Trans-Siberian is on your travel radar.

We suggest beginning your Khabarovsk tour from the famous monument erected in honor of Nikolay Muravyov - Amursky, one of the best-known explorer of East Siberia, a general, and the founder of the city.

Continue your Khabarovsk trip with a riverside walk along the picturesque Nevelsky Embankment and pass through the third tallest church (35 feet) in all Russia - Spaso-Transfiguration Cathedral standing on top of a hill. Take in the spectacular location and view of this Cathedral and its classic golden domes, dominating the city skyline and being visible from a large distance.

Your Trans-Siberian itinerary would become even better if you include a visit to the famous Khabarovsk Bridge as well. The railway bridge goes over the Amur River and is considered to be the longest bridge on the Trans-Siberian route.

Best Things to Do in Khabarovsk

• Stop by the Nikolay Muravyov - Amursky monument
• Visit the gorgeous Spaso-Transfiguration Cathedral
• Take a picture by the renown Khabarovsk Bridge over the Amur River

Top Attractions in Khabarovsk

The Kamchatka peninsula is perhaps one of the most beautiful locations in the world. With about 300 volcanoes, 29 of which are still active, the mountains dazzle visitors.

All Attractions in Khabarovsk

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HIGHLIGHTS & SIGHTSEEING IN KHABAROVSK

• The City Tour along wooden and brick houses preserved from the time of the city’s founding will enable you to feel an unmistakable charm of Khabarovsk. The oldest Komsomolskaya Square houses the remarkable redbrick building dating 1901(now the Public Library). Splendid view of the St.Innokenty church – the first church built in the city. During the Stalin’s period, a well known GULAG Camp existed near the Ulakhan village which was located close the city.
• The Archaeological Museum contains over 40,000 artifacts; among them, there are the world famous petrogliphs of Sikachi Alyan and cultural heritage of the Golden Empire of the Jurchen People.
• The Art Museum possesses a unique collection of the Far Eastern aboriginal crafts and arts that includes fish skin outfits, beautiful carpets and bone engraved items. Some wonderful ancient Russian icons and paintings by famous Russian artists Ilya Repin, Ivan Shishkin and Isaac Levitan, as well as works by Western masters, such as Rembrandt, Rubens and Monet are exhibited in the Art Museum.
• The Cruise along the Amur River is might be a beautiful journey within a live archeological museum. The riverside rocks make an unusual display of man-made carvings – petrogliphs that are the images of ancient cultural heritage of local ethnic groups. The Bolshekhetsirsky State Nature Preserve has conifer-broadleaved forests rich in typically virgin nature and genetic stock of organic life. In 30 miles to the southwest of the city, there is the Khekhtsir State Nature Reserve, a unique place where southern lianas, Manchurian walnuts grow side by side with evergreen conifers. Bears, foxes, wolves, elks and tigers could be watched occasionally there. The Badjal Range – one of the most picturesque parts of the Russian Far East with unique flora and fauna is abundant in sable, musk deer and bears.

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Khabarovsk: A Mediterranean Dream in Russia

Khabarovsk Bridge across the Amur River. Source: Itar Tass

Sparkling new cathedrals that blend in with fine 19th century architecture, a thriving cultural scene, and the proximity of the Taiga make this city on the great Amur River one of the most diverse in Russia.

With traces of some of the great cities of the Baltic Coast, you’d easily be mistaken for thinking you are 8000 kilometres away from the Russian Far East, but just 30 kilometres separate Khabarovsk from Manchurian China. There is, however, no hint of Asia in this city of 620,000, the last major stop on the Siberian railroad before Vladivostok.

Founded in 1858, everything from its broad tree-lined avenues, pre-Soviet heritage buildings, trams, quaint cafes, squares with fountains and a buzzing riverside, is redolent of Europe.

The city has a laidback Mediterranean feel in the summer, with sun-bathers thronging the riverside beaches to work on their tans. While summers are even hotter and more humid than those in Mumbai, temperatures plunge sharply in the winters and average around minus 30 degrees Celsius. If you like, you can take long walks on the frozen Amur river.

Famous for its ornate fountains, the city’s Lenin Square attracts hordes of skaters, local artists and families in the evenings. In the winters, the square hosts ice sculpture festivals and one of the largest New Year trees in the region.

Khabarovsk is just the perfect city you can explore through leisurely walking. Another relaxed way to savour life in the city is to take its trams, which connect the city centre to many outlying areas.

While walking through the Muravyova-Amurskovo Street, you encounter fine brick buildings from the 19th century as well as pre-Russian Civil War architecture that has been painfully preserved by the proud administration of the city. 

Lenin Square in Khabarovsk.   Source: Itar Tass

The city literally breathes history. The Muravyova-Amurskovo Street, for example, has five museums. The regional history museum is probably the best in the Russian Far East and showcases the culture of the indigenous people of the region, besides an excellent section dedicated to the Russian Civil War. The brick building was built in 1894 and lived to tell the tale of the brutal war between the Reds and the Whites.

While the city is proud of its Soviet past, with several monuments dedicated to the USSR and the partisans, who fought against foreign armies, there has also been a religious renaissance in Khabarovsk. Viktor Ishaev, a former governor, played a large role in the reconstruction of Russian Orthodox Churches, destroyed during Stalin’s purges. The imposing Uspenya Bozhey Matery (Divine Mother of God) Cathedral is one such replica and is just above the riverfront.  The city is home to the largest Orthodox Church in the Russian Far East: the golden-domed Church of the Transfiguration, which is probably the most visible building one sees from the aircraft, while landing in the city.

A stone’s throw away from the Transfiguration church is the majestic World War II memorial. It stands as a testament to the patriotism of the citizens of the Russian Far East, who lost their lives in the war against Nazi Germany, thousands of kilometres away from their hometown.

Most of the city’s attractions are close to the riverside, including a central park that stretches for about 1.5 kilometres to a hill top from where you get the best views of the city. The city owes its existence to Count Nicholai Muravyov-Amurskiy, and there’s a large statue of the founder, who was the governor general of Eastern Siberia. The area around the statue is a favourite spot for couples and when it comes to romantic settings, very few places in the country can match the sight of an autumn full moon over the Amur River, reflecting on the golden domes of a nearby cathedral.

The riverside is buzzing with activity, and has several cafes and restaurants with live rock bands performing late into the night.  There are also several hydrofoil services for those that want to cruise the Amur. A 90-minute cruise is a wonderful way to observe the illuminated riverside architecture at night, but there are longer cruises north to the cities of Komsomolsk-na-Amure and Nikolayevsk-na-Amure. These cruises are a great way to explore some of the most stunning and sparsely populated areas in all of Russia.

The park of Khabarovsk.   Source: Lori Legion Media

The Great Outdoors

No trip to Khabarovsk is complete without a picnic in the forests near the city. Many residents of the city have summer cottages or ‘dachas’ in an area called Voronezh-1, an ideal place for a barbeque, beer and folk music. There are several forest trails in the area, which is strikingly beautiful in the autumn.

However, those seeking adventure head straight for Peak Heksir, which is only about 970 metres above sea level but is a difficult trek through thick forests. The great Ussuriskaya Taiga begins in this forest, which is home to the Amur Tigers, the largest tigers in the world. The tigers have the advantage of camouflage in the autumn, but can be spotted in the winter, when blankets of snow envelop the mountain range. The forests are also inhabited by the Amur leopards, who are incredibly difficult to spot.

The path to Heksir offers splendid views of Khabarovsk and the domes of the city’s cathedrals are visible from the peak. But the piece de resistance of Heksir is the view of the Russia-China border.  The last stretch of Russian territory is at the intersection of the Amur and the Ussuri rivers. All you can see of China is a stretch of forests and there aren’t any human settlements for miles from the border.  Special permissions need to be arranged for both Russians and foreigners to climb the peak, since it’s in a politically sensitive area.

Shantar Archipelago.   Source: RIA Novosti

Khabarovsk is also close to the isolated Shantar Archipelago, a string of islands, which are only accessible in the non-winter months. This group of 15 islands in the Sea of Okhotsk are famous for their rocky cliffs and spruce forests. The archipelago is a wildlife lover’s paradise in the summer. You can spot Bearded Seals, Bowhead Whales and the endangered Western Grey Whales. Bears are aplenty in the islands, but unfortunately, each summer, there are reports of campers getting killed by bears. Wildlife experts attribute many of these cases to reckless behaviour on the part of tourists from cities. The islands are accessible by helicopter from Khabarovsk as well as via fishing trawlers that make the most of the four months a year they have before the ice flows merge the archipelago with the mainland.

Ajay Kamalakaran was the editor of The Sakhalin Times from 2003 to 2007.

All rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

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Khabarovsk, Russia

Tours, Attractions and Things To Do in Khabarovsk

Khabarovsk travel guide.

• 1. Architecture
• 2. Attractions
• 3. Cultural life
• 4. Souvenirs

Khabarovsk, Russia fascinates visitors with its unusual heritage and fabulous untouched nature. Tourists are drawn to the native culture, eclectic architecture and mesmerizing waters in this off-the-beaten-track destination, which promises a unique and memorable vacation.

As the center of Russia’s far eastern region of Khabarovsk Krai, the city offers celebrations throughout the year which are sure to give added flair to your trip, from traditional culture days to large-scale food fests. It is easy to keep a full itinerary during your stay thanks to its many theaters, museums, restaurants, workshops and quest rooms. Guests who want a more relaxed holiday can venture into the serenity of Khabarovsk nature, including the coast of the Sea of Japan or one of the region’s many picturesque lakes .

Khabarovsk Architecture

Khabarovsk architecture surprises with its harmonious blending of varying types and styles. This is due in large part to major changes which the city underwent in the mid-19th-early 20th centuries in conjunction with developments in the political, economic, scientific and technical spheres. The search for new trends in architecture came after the death of the classicism style, which had dominated the Russian Empire and the wider world for centuries. Beginning in the mid-19th century, the practice of mixing eclectic architectural styles began to emerge, leading to an era of amazing stylistic improvisations.

During the final decades of Romanov reign, many educational institutions for architects and engineers were opened. As a result, the face of numerous Russian cities began to change rapidly. Art Nouveau - a new, modern trend that absorbed several preceding styles – had come to dominate the architectural scene.

Many Art Nouveau buildings can still be seen in central Khabarovsk. These include:

• Takeuchi apartment building (5 Muravyov-Amursky Street)
• Esplanade Hotel (18 Muravyov-Amursky Street)
• Luhta apartment building (84 Komsomolskaya Street)
• Zandau apartment building (34 Muravyov-Amursky Street)

Khabarovsk also has many Gothic buildings, a style distinguished by its elegance and attention to detail. Every element of Gothic architecture emphasize a vertical orientation, as seen in the massive walls and columns, round arches and wide windows which contrast with narrow towers, pointed peaks and lancet windows.

Khabarovsk’s Gothic architecture is best represented by the artillery warehouse buildings located at 16 Komsomolskaya Street. Another notable example is the Red Guard Headquarters (105 Komsomolskaya Street), which has been preserved in its original form. The complex consists of two identical two-story brick buildings with unusual motifs containing pseudo-gothic elements.

Also of note is the early 20th-century Treasury Building, a luxurious red brick structure with openwork balconies that exudes an architectural grace.

Khabarovsk also has many Soviet-era buildings which were mostly designed in the constructivism style. Characterized by their enormous size and grotesque shapes, they often occupy most of the block and dominate the surrounding space.

During your Khabarovsk excursion, be sure to appreciate its unique architectural heritage by going for a walk downtown .

Khabarovsk Attractions

The layout of Khabarovsk is very simple: its 3 main streets of Lenin, Muravyov-Amursky and Seryshev pass through the downtown area, while Ussuriysky and Amur Boulevards run perpendicular to them. A distinctive feature of Khabarovsk are its many hills, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes for your walk.

Begin your walking tour of Khabarovsk from the train station, where you can see the monument to Yerofey Khabarov, the famous explorer for whom the city is named. Nearby is a sculpture of a double-headed eagle, erected in memory of soldiers, officers and builders of the Far Eastern Railway. Moving from the station along Amur Boulevard you will reach the central market, just past which is Lenin Square. A spacious area with a granite fountain in the center, it is the main plaza of Khabarovsk and the site of the city’s Christmas and New Year celebrations. Next to the square is Dynamo Park, famous for its three ponds and Ferris wheel.

From Lenin Square, move along Muravyov-Amursky Street to reach Amur Embankment, passing most of Khabarovsk’s famous 19th-20th century buildings along the way. Descend to the embankment via two grand staircases or make a small detour onto Shevchenko Street, where you can follow the slope until you reach the embankment’s main stretch. Among other things, the area is home to the House of Officers and three museums.

As you move along the embankment through a park you will come across the city symbol of Khabarovsk, a building set on a steep cliff above the Amur River. It was at the foot of this cliff that the founders of a military post, the first semblance of civilization in the area, first landed.

After reaching the river and walking along Ussuriysky Boulevard to Turgenev Street, turn right to reach Glory Square. Here you will find another famous Khabarovsk landmark, Transfiguration Cathedral, along with a magnificent view of the Amur River and its dreamy islands. Glory Square concludes the main walking route of Khabarovsk, but from here you can reach any part of the city by public transport or taxi .

Khabarovsk Cultural Life

Khabarovsk entertainment centers around its many theaters and museums. Visit Khabarovsk Museum of Local Lore to get a better glimpse of city and regional life. Children and adults alike will want to visit Fishes of Amur River Museum, an aquarium which is home to some 90 species of the underwater world. To catch the vibe of local artists, head to the Far Eastern Art Museum.

There are several theaters in Khabarovsk, each of which is worth visiting:

• Khabarovsk Regional Puppet Theater;
• Triad Pantomime Theater;
• Khabarovsk Regional Philharmonic;
• White Theater, and others.

In addition, Khabarovsk offers several concert halls, culture houses, cinemas and art institutions .

Khabarovsk Souvenirs

While the city’s souvenir selection is not as diverse as in other Russian cities, guests can still find something suited to their tastes on their tour to Khabarovsk. Amur River and the Sea of Japan offer an abundance of seafood that can be tasted on the spot or brought home in dried or smoked form. Yet it is the rich culture of the local indigenous peoples which provides the largest selection of national souvenirs.

If you’re looking for an original gift, traditional Nanai slippers are comfortable and warm. Sewn from leather or fabric and decorated in a bright, colorful style before being trimmed with fur, they make the perfect house shoes in winter. Traditional decorations include amulets which are made from animal bones, fur or fabrics and decorated with ribbons and colored beads.

Standard souvenirs like plates, magnets, mugs and flasks stamped with images of Khabarovsk or its coat of arms can be purchased in souvenir shops, which are mostly located downtown and at the airport and railway station.

How A National Network Of VETs Will Advance Disaster Preparedness And Response

When disaster strikes, the critical roles of paramedics, firefighters, police and other emergency responders immediately come to mind — and perhaps even the K-9 stars who support them. It’s unlikely, though, that veterinarians are top of mind as crisis response team members, but they play an essential, behind-the-scenes role caring for K-9 units, as well as sick or injured pets rescued from a disaster.

Texas A&M University’s Veterinary Emergency Team (VET) provides an essential backbone of support to these communities, deploying with Texas A&M Task Force urban search and rescue teams in response to disasters, assisting with veterinary care for canine search team members, locating and treating livestock and companion animals impacted by disasters, and conducting surveillance of zoonotic diseases.

Last week, Texas A&M Task Force 1’s K-9 Canyon and handler Christy Bormann, VET Director Dr. Deb Zoran, and Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Dean Dr. John R. August took to Capitol Hill to talk with legislators about how expanding this program could impact disaster preparedness and responses efforts around the country.

“It’s always great to have Aggies in Washington and even more so when they bring their four-legged friends,” said U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas). “I enjoyed visiting with the delegation from Texas A&M’s veterinary school, including Christy Bormann and Canyon, who serve on one of just a few canine search and rescue teams in the FEMA Urban Search and Rescue System. Their work — along with that of the entire Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team — provides critical support to communities facing disasters in Texas and across the nation.”

The Hill visitors talked about the fact that with natural and humanmade disasters increasing in frequency and intensity, community leaders, including veterinarians, are increasingly called upon to prepare for and respond to these disasters, straining local resources. Texas A&M’s VET has worked with numerous local jurisdictions throughout Texas to develop animal-focused emergency plans.

“The Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team has been a model for animal-focused disaster response for over a decade. With federal funding, the VET can play a leadership role in the development of a nationwide emergency management program that serves both federal search and rescue teams and animal owners across the country,” August said. “The VET’s clinical education component attracts veterinary students from across North America to learn from Texas A&M’s experts; with the establishment of a federal program, there is potential for training additional veterinary students and practicing veterinarians across the country.

“We appreciate the support of the Texas A&M University System, Texas A&M University, and federal policymakers in giving the VET and VMBS the opportunity to lead this important initiative,” he said.

“We are excited about the potential to develop a nationwide veterinary network. Having served communities across Texas, in California, and in Florida for almost 15 years, the Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team has witnessed the devastation that disasters can have on animals and their owners,” said Dr. Deb Zoran, VET director. “As disasters continue to increase in frequency and intensity, building a network of veterinary emergency response units in the eastern, central, and western regions of the United States will identify teams in positions to help animals in an affected area and equip them to more quickly support the working dogs that provide answers to those who’ve experienced loss during a disaster. Ultimately, this allows families to start the healing process, which is an incredibly important part of the disaster response.”

Since it was established in 2010, the Texas A&M VET has deployed to 26 disasters throughout Texas and the country, including the devastating wildfires in the Texas Panhandle earlier this year. In response to these fires, the VET field triaged nearly 700 cattle and treated 271 animals for injuries and respiratory issues resulting from smoke inhalation. The team also provided nutritional support to calves whose mothers were killed in the fires or whose udders were burned so the calves could not nurse, reducing the losses to a critical sector of the agricultural industry. As in previous disaster deployments, the VET provided veterinary support for the canines on the Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Texas Task Force 2 search and rescue teams working the over 200 burned-out homes.

Additionally, in 2022, Texas A&M was the first to graduate veterinarians with a new certificate from the American Veterinary Medical Association to assist in disaster situations. Each year, 150 students in Texas A&M’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program elect to complete a two-week VET clinical rotation as part of their fourth-year training, during which they may deploy with the team. This supports both the need for veterinarians trained in communities and the development of a network to meet the needs of disaster response.

The Homeland Security subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee will soon consider a request for funding for fiscal year 2025 to support a national network of VETs throughout the country. These teams will assist state and local governments and non-profits with recovery efforts as they relate to veterinary care. Through federal funding, Texas A&M can continue to support the Federal Emergency Management Agency in its response and recovery efforts.

Media contact: Megan Lacy, [email protected]

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