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National Historic Site · Ohio

James A Garfield 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 (31 mi)
Closest airportCLE (31 mi)
Front porch of Garfield home showing red front door
The front porch of James Garfield's home was the scene of the first front porch campaign. The presidential candidate gave patriotic speeches and met with thousands of people who came to which him well during the summer and fall of 1880. Photo: NPS Photo

James A Garfield National Historic Site is a national historic site run by the National Park Service in Ohio.

In the park service’s words

A front porch can serve many purposes. For some, it is a place to enjoy the breeze on a warm summer night. For others, a perch from which to keep eyes on what's happening in their neighborhood. In 1880, James Garfield used his front porch as a platform to greet thousands of well-wishers during his presidential campaign. Today, the porch serves as a gateway to the story of the Garfield family.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Daily, 10:00AM - 5:00PM. May: Visitor Center and grounds open daily 10 am - 5 pm. House tours begin after 12 pm. June - October: Visitor Center and grounds open daily 10 am - 5 pm. House tours begin after 10 am. November - April: Friday-Saturday-Sunday 10am-5pm - guided house tours daily. Groups of 6 or more require reservations. Schools and groups can arrange tours during the week. Call 440-255-8722.

Getting there

From Interstate 90 - exit at Route 306 and head north to Route 20. East on Route 20 about 1.5 miles. Site is on north side of Mentor Avenue. From Route 2 - exit at Route 306 and head south to Route 20. East on Route 20 about 1.5 miles. Site is on the north side of Mentor Avenue.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) Cleveland, OH No road route 31 Large hub
Akron Canton Regional Airport (CAK) Akron, OH No road route 52 Regional
Erie International Tom Ridge Field (ERI) Erie, PA No road route 67 Regional

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

  • [James A. Garfield National Historic Site Visitor Center](): Daily, 10:00AM - 5:00PM. May: Visitor Center and grounds open daily 10 am - 5 pm. Guided house tours begin after 12 pm. June-October Visitor Center and grounds open 10 am - 5 pm. Guided house tours begin after 10 am. November-April: Fridays-Saturdays-Sundays Visitor Center and grounds open 10 am - 5 pm. Guided house tours begin after 10 am. Closed Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Years Day. Groups of 6 or more require reservations. Schools and groups can arrange tours during the week. Call 440-255-8722.

Weather

Winter tends to be cold with snow and ice from January - early March. Summers are comfortable, but can be humid and reach into the 90's. There is a 100 yard walk between the Visitor Center and Garfield home; visitors are advised to check weather conditions prior to their visit.

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 31 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at James A Garfield National Historic Site?

No entrance fee.

Where is James A Garfield National Historic Site?

In Ohio. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, about 31 miles away.

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