Department of Interior

fascinating place. security is rally uptight (thats probably a good thing). its really cool inside that old building and theres all kinds of things going on. i was only in there for a drug test for a government job but i got to see some parts of it and was impressed. this isn’t the kind of place you just go to for site seeing and hanging out though

Unneeded airport-​esque security not withstanding, the Department of Interior security were otherwise pretty nice. This building actually houses a small free museum that has recently reopened to the public. As far as I could tell, there is enough room for 3 exhibits but 2 were open when I went, with the last area being closed off. Both exhibits were interesting: One focused on vintage Posters for various National Parks across the Nation from about the 1930s and the other focused on Southeast Asian and Pacific Island immigrants to the USA. I enjoyed it, a nice 45 minute diversion.

This place is a best-​kept secret in the Foggy Bottom/​State Dept area. There is a small USPS post office location on the basement floor where I have NEVER encountered another person in line — the staff are always friendly and helpful. Just bring cash, as they don’t take credit/​debit cards.
You’ll need a photo ID to enter the building and will go through a brief security screening. In addition to the PO, there is also a museum that is currently undergoing renovations (reopening 2011?) and a little store selling Native American art and other crafts… I found the store to be pricey, though.

Selling another foodie book on Amazon (M.F.K. Fisher) sent me searching Foggy Bottom for a post office accessible to the public (moi). I heard it from a colleague that a post office was to be found in the Department of the Interior. Now, where would I find that? They have so many buildings! (Hey, we got lots of interior!) One thing there’s lots of in DC are dudes in uniform standing around — so I asked one. He sent me to the main building.
All the security guards were really helpful and friendly when I asked about a post office. Even the guy staring at the x-​ray of my earmuffs was friendly. I wasn’t sure if there was metal in them… I’ve never seen the inside of them!
Post office was in the bowels of the building right by the barber pole just like the guard said. I was in and out of the post office in two minutes. I know it’s strange to get excited about a postal excursion but having spent hundreds of minutes at the Arlington post office on Washington Boulevard… this one on C street gets an A!
Be prepared to show government issued ID (photo ID) and go through a security checkpoint. CASH ONLY!

This cabinet department handles federally owned land. and organizations like the National Park Service. Even if you don’t work here, there’s actually pretty cool stuff to do at this building.
The Indian Craft Shop is here, with Indian arts and crafts and books about those items for sale and display. There’s also a duck stamp store (quack) and an Earth Science Information Center (which is actually a map store).
Last week, a really cool event for foodies was held in the auditorium. Anthony Bourdain, Jose Andres, and Michel Richard gave a talk about how they became chefs. So keep your eyes out for similar type stuff if you’re into it.