We look forward to celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday with you in Washington, D.C.!
Dates: Sept. 10-13, 2026
Cost: $2,026 (double) | $1,545 (single)
Travel to and from Washington, D.C. is not included in the travel package. Please coordinate your travel plans to arrive at the Mayflower Hotel by 4 PM on Thursday, Sept. 10 and depart after 12 PM on Sunday, Sept. 13. Optional excursions will be available for anyone who arrives earlier in the day on Thursday.
Cost includes:
- 3 nights of accommodations at Mayflower Hotel (room rate, taxes, and resort fees)
- Guided Moonlit Monument Tour ticket(s)
- George Washington’s Mount Vernon ticket(s) plus travel to and from Mount Vernon by
yacht down the Potomac River
- Museum of the Bible ticket(s) plus a private museum highlight tour and “Washington
Revelations” short film
- Old Town Trolley (on/off tour) pass(es) to use on one day during your stay
- SAU President’s update from Dr. Brent Ellis
- Insights from William Wagner, Distinguished Chair of the Wagner Faith & Freedom Center
- Assistance coordinating visits to key landmarks through Congressman Tim Walberg’s
office (options will be emailed to guests as they register for the Washington, D.C. weekend
getaway)
- Unique Welcome to Washington, D.C. gift
- Tour and restaurant suggestions for your free time
Washington, DC
In 2026, all Americans will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence – the birth of our great nation. The SAU President’s Office invites you to experience America’s Semiquincentennial milestone birthday with fellow alumni and friends in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 10-13, 2026.
Throughout the weekend, you will explore world class museums, see iconic landmarks, and be immersed in the history, culture and contemporary life of our nation’s capital. Each day, our travel group will enjoy a shared experience with the remainder of the day free to discover new sights or revisit an old favorite.
Celebrate America’s 250th with SAU alumni and friends in Washington, D.C.!
Note: Your travel package does not include any fees charged for a late check-out. Also, if you wish to extend your hotel stay by up to two additional days before or after the planned travel package at the group rate, please contact [email protected] or 517.750.6486 before Aug. 1, 2026.
Photo credit - Mount Vernon Ladies' Association
MayFlower Hotel
The stately historic Mayflower Hotel has welcomed guests from around the world since 1925. Built in an ornate Italianate style with lavish marble, gold gilt, and fine artworks, the hotel offers luxurious guest rooms, Edgar Bar & Kitchen – a local favorite restaurant, fitness center, and close access to two Metro (subway) stations.
A hotel with timeless elegance, Presidents Calvin Coolidge to JFK hosted their inaugural balls in the Mayflower ballroom. FDR penned the infamous speech “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself” within the hotel walls, and international guests Winston Churchill and King Mohammed V of Morocco have enjoyed the luxury and comforts of the Mayflower Hotel. Located within blocks of the White House, National Mall, and Dupont Circle, the Mayflower Hotel is the perfect location to join in the celebration of America’s 250th!
Schedule
An activity hosted by President & Mrs. Ellis is planned for the entire group each day and is included in your travel package. Additional tourist attractions and restaurant suggestions will be provided for your free time. The schedule is subject to change, a final schedule will be provided by Aug. 20, 2026.
Thursday, Sept. 10
4 PM | Hotel Check-in
6:30 PM | Evening Monuments Bus Tour (3-3 ½ hour excursion)
Friday, Sept. 11
7:00 AM | Leave hotel for DC Wharf (travel by subway)
8:00 AM | George Washington’s Mount Vernon (yacht cruise to and from Mount Vernon, 3 hours at
Mount Vernon)
3:00 PM | Return to DC Wharf
Saturday, Sept. 12
8:00 AM | George Washington’s Mount Vernon (yacht cruise to and from Mount Vernon, 3 hours
at Mount Vernon)
8:00 AM | Leave hotel for Museum of the Bible (travel by subway)
Sunday, Sept. 13
TBD | Attend local worship service
12 PM | Hotel check-out
City Tip: Washington, D.C. is a very walkable city – however, the Metro subway system is a great option as well. Most subway trips are $2.25-$2.50 one-way and the easiest way to use the subway is to add The Metro Smartrip to the digital wallet on your smart phone.
Partnership with Wagner Faith & Freedom Center
Professor Wagner will provide commentary regarding religious freedoms – the challenges of the past and the current fight – as the group visits significant locations that have and continue to impact our freedoms.
About the Wagner Faith & Freedom Center
Housed on the campus of Spring Arbor University, the Wagner Faith & Freedom Center serves as the nation’s academic voice for faith and freedom. Working daily to secure the future for freedom of thought, conscience, and religion,
the center equips the next generation with strategies to transform culture. Learn more about the Wagner Faith & Freedom Center through their website.
About William Wagner
William Wagner is an attorney currently serving as the Distinguished Chair of the Wagner Faith & Freedom Center. A passionate advocate
for religious freedom, William has faithfully served as a federal judge, U.S. Senate
legal counsel, senior assistant U.S. attorney, American diplomat, and senior advisor for U.S. Department of State’s Office of Global Criminal Justice. After teaching at secular and religious universities, he
holds the academic rank of Distinguished Professor Emeritus. His writings have been
published in numerous journals and books, and he frequently contributes briefs to court cases under consideration by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Reserve your spot
Reserve your spot completing the form below, pay your deposit, or pay for the entire travel package by completing the form. Checks or money orders payable to Spring Arbor University for the deposit, payments, or full balance can be mailed to:
Spring Arbor University
Attn: Tricia Cramer
106 E Main St
Spring Arbor, MI 49283
Please include WASHINGTON, D.C. and the guest(s) on the memo line of the check or money order.
Cancellation Policy: You may cancel your reservation at any time. If you cancel before Jun. 1, 2026, you will receive 100% refund of amount paid. You will receive a 50% refund of amount paid if you cancel by Jul. 1, 2026.