National First Ladies' Library and Museum
Explore the legacy of America's First Ladies through exhibits and the historic Saxton House.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier tours
National First Ladies' Library and Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the legacy of America's First Ladies through exhibits and the historic Saxton House.
"An amazing and beautiful stop in the heart of downtown Canton, full of many cool artifacts."
🎯 Book Saxton House Tours Early
Tours are guided and have limited capacity. Arrive early or check availability to secure your spot.
♿ Wheelchair Accessibility
Both the Visitor Center and Saxton House offer accessible routes. Ask staff for guidance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Saxton House Tour
Historic Residence
Explore the beautifully preserved home of Ida Saxton McKinley, offering a glimpse into the lives of First Ladies.
Exhibits at the Visitor Center
Visitor Center
Discover fascinating displays on the contributions and advancements made by First Ladies throughout history.
First Ladies' Attire Collection
Visitor Center
Admire a collection of dresses worn by various First Ladies, showcasing historical fashion and personal style.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Understanding the Two Main Sites
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Saxton House Tours Early
Tours are guided and have limited capacity. Arrive early or check availability to secure your spot.
♿ Wheelchair Accessibility
Both the Visitor Center and Saxton House offer accessible routes. Ask staff for guidance.
🧒 Junior Ranger Program
Engage kids with the Junior Ranger program; booklets are available at the Visitor Center.
🚗 Parking Availability
A small free parking lot is adjacent to the Saxton House, but the Visitor Center entrance is on the main street.
Fun things to do on a Weds
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Saxton House Tours Early
Tours are guided and have limited capacity. Arrive early or check availability to secure your spot.
♿ Wheelchair Accessibility
Both the Visitor Center and Saxton House offer accessible routes. Ask staff for guidance.
🧒 Junior Ranger Program
Engage kids with the Junior Ranger program; booklets are available at the Visitor Center.
🚗 Parking Availability
A small free parking lot is adjacent to the Saxton House, but the Visitor Center entrance is on the main street.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the National First Ladies' Library and Museum for its informative exhibits and the beautifully preserved Saxton House, noting the helpful and friendly staff. Some feel the exhibits could delve deeper into the First Ladies' accomplishments beyond displaying dresses.
"If I am being honest - The house tour was impressive, the staff very helpful, but I felt I left wanting more. Displaying dresses is nice, but I would have like to seen a tribute to the amazing women and contributions and advancement made to so many causes because of these amazing women.
Definitely do the home tour!! Very worth it. Great town. Wonderful tribute to extremely valuable women!"
Todd Gardner
"As you all know I stop at any of the National Park Sites that I can on my trips. The Visitor Center was closed due to weather conditions, although there was a table set-up on the porch staffed by a friendly volunteer. It is a self-guided tour of the building with a Ranger on each floor answering questions. Another awesome place with informative history. Enjoy!!"
Mike McGuire
"An amazing and beautiful stop in the heart of downtown Canton. The house is just breathtaking and set so nicely and full of many cool artifacts. Learned a lot about a lot of first ladies I didn't know! And all the rangers are as always extremely friendly and helpful. This is definitely the place to stop in Canton Ohio"
Chase E
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in downtown Canton, Ohio. The Visitor Center is at the corner of the street, marked by a medal on the ground, while the Saxton House is nearby. Parking is available in a small lot adjacent to the Saxton House.
Yes, there is a small, free parking lot adjacent to the Saxton House. The Visitor Center entrance is on the main street.
Yes, you can visit both. The Visitor Center houses exhibits, while the Saxton House is accessible via guided tours. Plan your time accordingly, as tours have limited capacity.
Hours can vary, especially due to weather. It's recommended to check their official website or call ahead. The Visitor Center may have different hours than the Saxton House tours.
Yes, there are provisions for wheelchair accessibility. Signs indicate accessible routes around the building, and there is an elevator in the Saxton House.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tours of the Saxton House typically cost $7 per adult and $6 for seniors. However, admission can be free on special occasions like National Park Week. The Visitor Center exhibits are generally free to explore.
The Saxton House tours are guided and have a 15-person capacity. While not always required, booking in advance or arriving early is advisable, especially during peak times or special events.
Discounts are often available for seniors. Special events or holidays, like National Park Week, may offer free admission to the Saxton House.
Yes, the museum offers a Junior Ranger program for children, with booklets available at the Visitor Center. The exhibits and house tour can also be engaging for younger visitors.
Yes, the National Park cancellation stamp for the site is located to the right of the information booth in the Visitor Center. They also have two large stamps for the site.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Visitor Center features a large exhibit room with ornate displays, a store, a basement with exhibits and a theater, and an upstairs area with a small schoolhouse exhibit and kids' activity room.
The Saxton House tour is guided and lasts about 30 minutes, covering three floors of the historic home. Rangers are knowledgeable and answer questions, with some time for self-exploration afterward.
The museum hosts various exhibits, including a new one on the role and influence of presidential First Ladies. Special events, like those tied to National Park Week, are also common.
To fully experience both the Visitor Center exhibits and the Saxton House tour, plan for at least 1-2 hours. If you're rushing, you can see the main highlights in about 30 minutes.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check with staff upon arrival, but generally, personal photography without flash is often permitted in exhibit areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities within the museum itself. However, the museum is located in downtown Canton, which offers various restaurants and cafes nearby.
Typically, food and drinks are not allowed in exhibit areas or historic homes to preserve the artifacts. It's best to consume them outside or in designated areas if available.
Downtown Canton has a range of dining options, from casual cafes to more formal restaurants, catering to various tastes and budgets.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the Saxton House is picturesque. Inside, the ornate architecture and historical artifacts offer great photo opportunities, though flash photography may be restricted.
Photography policies during tours can vary. It's advisable to ask the ranger leading the tour if personal photography is permitted, especially without flash.
Flash photography is generally discouraged or prohibited in historical buildings and museums to protect delicate artifacts. Always check for signage or ask staff.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the Saxton House tour is guided and has a capacity limit, it's generally suitable for older children who can appreciate historical context. The exhibits in the Visitor Center are also designed to be informative and visually appealing for younger visitors. Remember to check for any special family-friendly events, especially during school holidays or National Park Week.
🚶♀️ Visitors with Mobility Concerns
Signs clearly indicate accessible routes, and staff are available to provide assistance. Visitors can inquire about the best ways to navigate the site to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of the First Ladies' Contributions
Beyond the ceremonial duties, First Ladies have historically championed various causes, from civil rights to healthcare and education. Exploring their personal stories and the impact of their initiatives provides a richer understanding of their influence on American society. The exhibits strive to bring these often-overlooked narratives to the forefront.
Navigating the Visitor Center and Saxton House
The Saxton House, the former home of Ida Saxton McKinley, is accessible only through guided tours. These tours are intimate, with a limited capacity, ensuring a more personal experience. Rangers lead the tours, sharing historical anecdotes and answering questions, making the visit both informative and engaging.
For families, the Visitor Center includes a dedicated area for kids' activities and the Junior Ranger program, making it a well-rounded destination for all ages.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit