The Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Fort Worth, one of only two places in the United States where dollars are produced. Free tours are offered Tuesday – Fri, but be warned, they don’t give out any free samples.
There was plenty of complaining this morning when I woke my kids up for a road trip to the United States Bureau of Engraving and Printing. As summer progresses, they are starting to sleep in a little later each day. I called the day before, and they advised me of the best tour times for today, as some tours have large groups already scheduled. The tours are offered every 30 minutes, but each tour has a maximum limit of 75.
We arrived, went through a security check (similar to an airport), and loaded a bus painted to resemble a dollar, for transport to the tour. You want to see my picture of the bus? Well, I would love to show it to you, but they do not allow any cameras, phones or electronics on the tour, so be sure to leave them locked up in your car.
Once inside, we were able to check out the many exhibits while we waited for our tour to begin. My four year old loved the backward puzzle of a dollar bill! There is also a short movie about the bureau, and a scavenger hunt for the kids!
The tour is really informative, and was interesting…. but I found it hard to concentrate when you are looking at ALL THAT MONEY! You wouldn’t believe just HOW MUCH MONEY is produced there each day. I’m not going to tell you though, because you really should go take the tour.
A change to our previous tour, they now give out hand-held audio tour allows you to go at your own pace without missing any information. They even have them in different languages!
And there is a gift shop. They sell some unique items, and even uncut pages of bills.
As we were leaving, we pointed out to the kids the line of visitors that stretched out the door and were waiting in the hot sun. I felt vindicated, even if I never got an apology for all that early morning complaining!
Know Before You Go
Phones, cameras and any electronics are not allowed on the tour and must be left in your car.
Our smaller crowd when we visited in 2012, with some of the same faces, just a little younger!
Things To Do in Fort Worth
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We love a day at Burger’s Lake! Swim in the chilly, spring-fed lake!
