DEA Museum & Visitors Center

After the hustle and bustle of all the Smithsonian museums, our family decided to try this smaller museum that was extremely close to our hotel. We didn't see anybody else, so we were unsure of where the front was, but eventually found the "visitor's center" entrance. Upon entering, you will be greeted by guards that will request IDs and will screen bags as you enter the premises. Once you are past the screening area, someone will escort you to a small area that makes up the museum. This little place is chock full of little bits of history as it walks you through the late 1800s through the early 1900s and into today. It talks about heroin, opiods, and methamphetamines. There are examples how it was used during the 1920s, how drug use reduced during the world wars, and picked up again afterwards. At the conclusion, it does talk about treatment options, to round out the tour. There was also some current event items like the capture of the Chapo and showed some of the weapons he used. Our family also looked at a real motorcycle that was captured by the head of a motorcycle gang. There is a small gift shop where the kids did pick up some DEA beanie bears. If in the area, it's worth the stop and full of interesting facts and exhibits.

After the hustle and bustle of all the Smithsonian museums, our family decided to try this smaller museum that was extremely close to our hotel. We didn't see anybody else, so we were unsure of where the front was, but eventually found the "visitor's center" entrance. Upon entering, you will be greeted by guards that will request IDs and will screen bags as you enter the premises. Once you are past the screening area, someone will escort you to a small area that makes up the museum. This little place is chock full of little bits of history as it walks you through the late 1800s through the early 1900s and into today. It talks about heroin, opiods, and methamphetamines. There are examples how it was used during the 1920s, how drug use reduced during the world wars, and picked up again afterwards. At the conclusion, it does talk about treatment options, to round out the tour. There was also some current event items like the capture of the Chapo and showed some of the weapons he used. Our family also looked at a real motorcycle that was captured by the head of a motorcycle gang. There is a small gift shop where the kids did pick up some DEA beanie bears. If in the area, it's worth the stop and full of interesting facts and exhibits.