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National Historic Site · Ohio

William Howard Taft 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 parkMammoth Cave (160 mi)
Closest airportLUK (5 mi)
A yellow two-story brick building with tall windows and green shutters on them
The Taft Family Home showing the lower-level entrance on the side and the main entrance on the front Photo: NPS / Tom Engberg

William Howard Taft National Historic Site is a national historic site run by the National Park Service in Ohio.

In the park service’s words

High atop one of Cincinnati's most prominent hilltops stands the two-story Greek Revival house where William Howard Taft was born and grew up. Hard work, a good education, and an interest in civic duty are attributes that made the Taft family outstanding leaders over the years. The environment that shaped Taft's character and philosophy is highlighted on a visit to the site.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

  • Touring the Taft Family House (30 to 60 Minutes): Enjoy a ranger-guided tour of the birthplace and home to the nation's 27th President and 10th Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Located in Cincinnati, Ohio, the home is decorated in Victorian-era style, just as it was during the years that William Howard Taft lived in the house.
  • Exploring the Taft Education Center: Start your trip to the park here, the Taft Education Center. It serves as the park's only visitor center and offers many options for guests to begin their journey at the site dedicated to the legacy of William Howard Taft.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed Closed; Thu 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Fri 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Sat 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Sun 9:00AM - 4:00PM. The Taft Education Center is the park's main visitor center. The park grounds have different hours of operation and are open 9 am to 4 pm, seven days a week.

Getting there

From I-71 north; Take Exit 2 (Reading Road and Eden Park Drive). Stay in right lane; turn left at first stoplight onto Dorchester Avenue, and go to the top of the hill. Turn right on Auburn Avenue and go 1 ½ blocks to the site. Park will be on the right. From I-71S, take Exit 3 (Taft Road). Follow Taft Road westbound. Go 0.75 mile to Auburn Avenue. Turn left and go 0.5 mile to the site. Park will be on the left.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Cincinnati Municipal Airport Lunken Field (LUK) Cincinnati, OH No road route 5 Regional
Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) Cincinnati / Covington, KY No road route 10 Large hub
James M. Cox Dayton International Airport (DAY) Dayton, OH No road route 56 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

  • Taft Education Center: Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed Closed; Thu 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Fri 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Sat 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Sun 9:00AM - 4:00PM. The Taft Education Center (park visitor center) is open year around. It is closed some federal holidays. Inclement weather can affect hours of operation, so be sure to check the park website and Facebook page if inclement weather occurs on the day of your visit. The park grounds have different hours of operation and are open 9 am to 4 pm, seven days a week.

Weather

The park lies in a humid continental zone with a generally temperate climate. Winters are mildly cold with average temperatures around 48 degrees (F). Summers are hot and humid with an average temperature around 77 degrees (F). Average annual total rainfall is just under 40". Snowfall in the winter is generally light with an average total snowfall of less than 12"

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 Mammoth Cave, about 160 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at William Howard Taft National Historic Site?

No entrance fee.

Where is William Howard Taft National Historic Site?

In Ohio. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Cincinnati Municipal Airport Lunken Field, about 5 miles away.

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