Overview
Authorized in 2000, this small site in Canton, Ohio is dedicated to preserving documents related to the wives of American presidents (and hopefully someday husbands, too). It is centered on the Victorian mansion where William and Ida McKinley lived from 1878 to 1891, while the future president served in Congress. However, not all “First Ladies” were married to the president, as Dolley Madison served as hostess to the White House for a single Thomas Jefferson before her husband was elected president. This two-acre site is operated by the National First Ladies’ Library, so we are not sure why this counts as one of the 420 National Park Service (NPS) units rather than an affiliated site.
Highlights
Museum, film, Saxton-McKinley house
Must-Do Activity
Located downtown in the 1895 City National Bank Building, the Education and Research Center serves as a museum, visitor center, and theater. Start your visit in the museum filled with dresses and other memorabilia of first ladies and purchase a ticket for the guided tour. On the lower level is a 91-seat Victorian theater where a short film is presented. Costumed guides will walk your tour group one block from the theater to the Saxton-McKinley house and inside to see the period furnishings and reproduced wallpaper.
Best Trail
None
Instagram-worthy Photo
The 1841 brick Victorian mansion was the childhood home of Ida Saxton, who would marry William McKinley.
Peak Season
Summer
Hours
https://www.nps.gov/fila/planyourvisit/hours.htm
Fees
$7 per person for tour ($4 with the America the Beautiful pass)
Road Conditions
Free parking is available behind the Saxton-McKinley house.
Camping
The NPS does not offer camping here or at nearby Cuyahoga Valley National Park, but there are many other lodging options since the Pro Football Hall of Fame is also located in Canton, Ohio.
Related Sites
Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio)
James A. Garfield National Historic Site (Ohio)
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park (Ohio)
Scott outside the Saxton-McKinley House 
Inside the Education and Research Center 
Wondon inside the Education and Research Center 
Explore More – Some U.S. Presidents were widowers or bachelors, so the question is have there been more First Ladies or Presidents?
Raven About The Parks | Raven About The Forests 
I’ve never heard of this place. I’m adding it to my bucket list! Thanks.
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We thought it would be a fitting post for Election Day!
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We went to the McKinley Library & Museum last summer but somehow missed this. I’ll watch the virtual tour online and maybe someday go back to see it in person. Thanks for the post and bringing it to my attention.
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It looks like they are only 1.6 miles apart. You’ll have to make it back to Canton someday.
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We recently moved to Ohio and will have to check this out.
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Thanks for leaving a comment! We have family in Columbus, Ohio and still have to make it to a few NPS sites in the state dedicated to Taft, Garfield, and Young.
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