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National Historic Site · Ohio

First Ladies National Historic Site

National Historic Site in Ohio. No entrance fee.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Historic Site
StateOhio
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkCuyahoga Valley (32 mi)
Closest airportCAK (9 mi)
a front view of the Ida Saxton McKinley House
This was the longtime residence of William and Ida McKinley. Photo: NPS Photo

First Ladies National Historic Site is a national historic site run by the National Park Service in Ohio.

In the park service’s words

First Ladies National Historic Site consists of two properties in downtown Canton, Ohio - the home of First Lady Ida Saxton-McKinley and our Visitor Center. Come learn about how the position of First Lady has evolved over time to include a public role.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Mon Closed; Tue 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Wed 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Thu 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Fri 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Sat 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Sun Closed. From May 1-October 31 First Ladies National Historic Site's Visitor Center will be open Tuesday-Saturday (closed Sunday and Mondays). We offer guided tours of the Saxton House at 10:00am, 12:00pm, and 2:00pm. Tours have a capacity of fifteen people and begin at the Visitor Center. Tickets are on a first come first serve basis.

Getting there

The First Ladies National Historic Site is located in downtown Canton, Ohio. Free parking is available behind the Saxton House or at our gated lot on the corner of Market Avenue South and 3rd Street SW. Please begin your visit at the visitor center at 205 Market Avenue South.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Akron Canton Regional Airport (CAK) Akron, OH No road route 9 Regional
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) Cleveland, OH No road route 49 Large hub
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) Pittsburgh, PA No road route 64 Large hub

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

  • Visitor Center: Mon Closed; Tue 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Wed 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Thu 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Fri 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Sat 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Sun Closed. The visitor center offers a small museum of rotating exhibits. All tours of the Saxton House begin at the visitor center. Hours are seasonal.

Weather

The weather at First Ladies National Historic Site is typical of Northeastern Ohio: four distinct seasons. Spring's rain and warming temperatures bring new leaves on trees and blooming wildflowers. Summer temperatures range from 49 to 95 degrees F and can be humid. Fall temperatures can range from low 70s during the day to freezing during the night. Fallcolor peaks mid-October. Winter weather conditions can rapidly change. Temperatures vary from mid-30s to below zero.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Cuyahoga Valley, about 32 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at First Ladies National Historic Site?

No entrance fee.

Where is First Ladies National Historic Site?

In Ohio. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Akron Canton Regional Airport, about 9 miles away.

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