James A Garfield National Historic Site

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.

The Visitor Center occupies the original carriage house, built in 1894.

Visitor Center main entrance off the parking lot.

A friendly greeting awaits visitors who enter the Visitor Center. This historic building, constructed in 1894, serves as bookstore, exhibit gallery and auditorium where the park film is shown. Tickets for tours of the Garfield home are also available her

Thousands to visitors came to this front porch to hear presidential candidate James A. Garfield speak in 1880.

A view of the memorial library addition through the trees.

Mrs. Garfield constructed a beautiful addition to the Garfield home following the President's assassination in 1881. These 9 rooms contain the first Presidential Memorial Library, including the a fireproof vault which once contained Garfield's papers.

Hand-painted tile shows a bird next with blue eggs

Mrs. Garfield was known for her artistic talent, which softly blankets the interior of the Garfield home. In particular, the dining room boasts two tiles which were hand-painted by Mrs. Garfield, surround by others done by her children.

Photos: National Park Service

About James A Garfield National Historic Site

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.

Quick Facts

State Ohio

Designation National Historic Site

State Code OH

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…

Location & Map

James A Garfield National Historic Site is located in Ohio.

Get Directions

Operating Hours

The Garfield Home will be closed from January 5 to February 27 for a floor refinishing project. Visitor Center will be open. March - April: Friday-Saturday-Sunday 10am-5pm - guided house tours daily. 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. Groups of 6 or more require reservations. Schools and groups can arrange tours during the week. Call 440-255-8722.

Wednesday Closed

Monday Closed

Thursday Closed

Sunday 10:00AM - 5:00PM

Tuesday Closed

Friday 10:00AM - 5:00PM

Saturday 10:00AM - 5:00PM

Activities

Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs

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.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 8095 Mentor Avenue, Mentor, OH, 44060

Phone 440-255-8722

Email jaga_interpretation@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

Monuments and Memorials Presidents Schools and Education Tragic Events Wars and Conflicts Civil War

Things To Do

Guided tours of the Garfield home

Guided tours are available through the beautifully restored Garfield home.

Rangers and volunteers lead visitors through the beautifully restored Victorian-era home of President and Mrs. James A. Garfield.

Complete the Junior Ranger Program!

The Junior Ranger program allows children to learn and explore more about James A. Garfield National Historic Site. Activities can…

All are welcome to complete the Junior Ranger booklet while visiting the site.

Today in the Park

Visiting the Garfield Home soon? Here's a list of different activities to look forward to while you visit.

The Visitor Center is open Friday- Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m (Nov. to Apr.) Grounds and restrooms are open…

Your Pet Can Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger!

If you bring your dog to James A. Garfield National Historic Site they can become the newest B.A.R.K. Ranger!

The B.A.R.K Ranger program is a hands-on experience because your dog needs to be on a leash to complete the…

Cell Phone Tours At James A. Garfield National Historic Site

Enjoy the listening to the cell phone while exploring the grounds at James A. Garfield National Historic Site

The cell phone tour has ten different stops along the loop path to help visitor further explore James A. Garfield…

Start Your Visit in the Visitor Center

Start your visit to James A. Garfield National Historic Site in the Visitor Center. Watch the 18 minutes biographical movie…

Visitors can request to watch the 18-minute site movie as well as browse the exhibits that are in the museum. Exhibits…

Visitor Centers

James A. Garfield National Historic Site Visitor Center

In 1893, Lucretia Garfield constructed a Carriage House and Horse Barn behind the Garfield Home. In 1998, the same building was opened as the Visitor…

Hours: 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. 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. Groups of 6 or more require reservations. Schools and groups can arrange tours during the week. Call 440-255-8722.

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