First Ladies National Historic Site

a front view of the Ida Saxton McKinley House
This was the longtime residence of William and Ida McKinley.
A piano in the Saxton McKinley Home
Ida Saxton's original piano is just one of many items belonging to President McKinley and First Lady Ida McKinley.
Close up view of home entrance.
The Saxton McKinley Home is significant as the only residence with direct historical ties to President William McKinley remaining in his hometown of Canton.
Historic gowns in the education center.
Learn about the role of the first lady at our education center.
The front of the education center.
The education center is is the historic City National Bank building.
Photos: National Park Service

About First Ladies National Historic Site

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.

Plan a Visit

NPS DesignationNational Historic Site
Park State / Territory MembershipOhio
Current Alerts1
Visitor Centers1
Campgrounds0
Things To Do0

Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.

Weather & Conditions

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…

NPS Reference Location

Park state / territory membership: Ohio. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.

Operating Hours

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.

Friday9:00AM - 4:00PM
MondayClosed
Saturday9:00AM - 4:00PM
SundayClosed
Thursday9:00AM - 4:00PM
Tuesday9:00AM - 4:00PM
Wednesday9:00AM - 4:00PM

Activities

Guided ToursLiving HistoryFirst Person InterpretationPark FilmMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park Store

Current Alerts

Elevator in the Visitor Center Out of Order

Stairs are the only access for all three floors of the museum exhibits. Call the visitor center if you need assistance.

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.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.

NPS-Listed Address205 Market Avenue South, Canton, OH, 44702-2107

Topics & Themes

Architecture and BuildingAfrican American HeritageArtsPresidentsSocial MovementsVoting Rights and SuffrageTragic EventsAssassinationsWomen's History

Visitor Centers

Visitor Center

Begin your visit at the visitor center, located in Cantons historic City National Bank. At the visitor center visitors can explore our small museum of…

Nearby Cities for Trip Planning

These cities are ordered by straight-line distance from the NPS reference coordinate. They are comparison starting points, not official park gateways or road-distance estimates. Trails and other distributed units may extend far beyond this reference point.

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