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First Ladies National Historic Site, Canton, OH
MuseumsHistory BuffRainy-Day PickFree

First Ladies National Historic Site

205 Market Ave S · Canton, OH

Why you should go…

This National Park Service site in downtown Canton tells the story of America's First Ladies. The visitor center, in the 1895 City National Bank building, has rotating exhibits, a small replica of the first White House Library, a theater and a children's area. A short walk south on Market Avenue, guided tours take you through the Saxton House, built in 1841, where Ida Saxton McKinley grew up.

  • #national historic site
  • #first ladies
  • #history museum
  • #house tour
  • #mckinley

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to First Ladies National Historic Site, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Eat & Drink
    History Buff

    Bender's Tavern

    $50+

    A downtown Canton tavern serving seafood and steaks since 1902, in a building designed by architect Guy Tilden.

    Right next doorSwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Stay
    Family Favorite

    DoubleTree by Hilton Canton Downtown

    $50+

    An eight-story downtown Canton hotel with an indoor pool and the 330 Bar & Grill, near the National First Ladies' Library.

    Right next doorSwitch it up: Stay

  • Museums
    Local Gem

    Canton Classic Car Museum

    Under $25

    See more than 40 rare and unusual classic cars plus memorabilia inside a 1914 Ford dealership in downtown Canton.

    Steps awayMore like this

  • Theatre & Events
    History Buff

    Canton Palace Theatre

    Under $25

    A 1926 atmospheric movie palace in downtown Canton showing classic films, concerts and live shows with a Kilgen organ.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Theatre & Events

  • Museums
    Local Gem

    Canton Museum of Art

    Under $25

    Downtown Canton's art museum, known for American watercolors and rotating contemporary exhibitions.

    0.7 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    History Buff

    McKinley Presidential Library & Museum

    Under $25

    Explore President William McKinley's life, a science center, a planetarium and a recreated street of shops beside his memorial.

    1.1 mi awayMore like this