Birthplace of the 38th President, Gerald Ford(Tues. June 2nd 2020)
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Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens

4.3
·340 reviews·Omaha, United States

A serene memorial featuring a White House-inspired rose garden and an educational kiosk on President Gerald Ford's birthplace.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late Spring to Summer Mornings

Roses in full bloom, pleasant weather

CrowdLow
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Birthplace of the 38th President, Gerald Ford(Tues. June 2nd 2020)

Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens

Best Time

Late Spring to Summer Mornings

Roses in full bloom, pleasant weather

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene memorial featuring a White House-inspired rose garden and an educational kiosk on President Gerald Ford's birthplace.

4.3
(340 reviews)

"A beautiful garden with nice exhibits, though indoor access requires planning."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Call Ahead for Exhibits

Indoor exhibits are often by appointment only, typically weekdays. Call to confirm availability.

🌹 Best for Garden Lovers

Visit during bloom season for the most picturesque experience, especially for photos.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Presidential Rose Garden

Presidential Rose Garden

Main Garden Area

A serene rose garden, modeled after the White House's, offering a peaceful stroll and photo opportunities.

Informational Kiosk

Informational Kiosk

Near Garden Entrance

Discover key facts about President Gerald Ford's life and legacy at this educational display.

Historic Neighborhood

Historic Neighborhood

Surrounding Area

Explore the beautiful, older Omaha neighborhood surrounding the birthsite, adding to the historical ambiance.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

While the gardens are accessible, the indoor exhibit is often by appointment only, typically weekdays. Check hours and call ahead to avoid disappointment, especially if you're interested in the educational kiosk. Reddit

Garden's Best Bloom

The rose gardens are a major draw, so plan your visit for late spring or summer to see them in full bloom. Winter visits offer a different, quieter perspective but may lack the vibrant floral displays. Reddit

Best Times

When
Late Spring to Summer Mornings
Why
Roses in full bloom, pleasant weather
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday Appointments
Why
Access to indoor exhibits
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

What other roadside farm stands do I need to visit?? TELL ME NOW. If you want to check out Perennial Homestead, it’s located at 12505 Ponca Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68112. They also just shared that while they’ll be closed a few days next week, when they reopen, their first harvests of the season will be at the stand (yay!). That means I’ll be back very soon 🤗 #omaha #omahanebraska #nebraska #roadsid...
@helloerinmarie
4.9K likes • 57.2K views

🎯 Call Ahead for Exhibits

Indoor exhibits are often by appointment only, typically weekdays. Call to confirm availability. Reddit+1

🌹 Best for Garden Lovers

Visit during bloom season for the most picturesque experience, especially for photos. Reddit

Did you know that Nebraska was the birthplace of a President? 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 ‌ Gerald Ford, the 38th President of the United States, was born July 14, 1913 in Omaha before moving to Illinois. Today, the site includes a rose garden modeled after the one at the White House and am informational kiosk about the President.
visit_nebraska
93 likes • 3.8K views
Closing out 2024 with our holiday card photo. Can you believe this was taken in the heart of Omaha? The Gerald Ford Birthplace is beautiful if you haven’t been. I think the symbolism here is that things aren’t always what they seem to be on the surface. I hope in 2025 we dig a little deeper, recognize the beauty in front of us and be confident in our dreams.
angiehempel
49 likes • 0 views

📸 Engagement Photo Spot

A beautiful, underutilized spot for engagement photos, offering a unique backdrop. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Neighborhood

The surrounding historic neighborhood is lovely for a walk after visiting the gardens. Reddit

reddit.com

Places for engagement photos

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Call Ahead for Exhibits

Indoor exhibits are often by appointment only, typically weekdays. Call to confirm availability. Reddit+1

🌹 Best for Garden Lovers

Visit during bloom season for the most picturesque experience, especially for photos. Reddit

📸 Engagement Photo Spot

A beautiful, underutilized spot for engagement photos, offering a unique backdrop. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Neighborhood

The surrounding historic neighborhood is lovely for a walk after visiting the gardens. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(340 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens to be a peaceful and educational spot, particularly appreciating the well-maintained rose gardens and the surrounding historic neighborhood. However, many are disappointed by the limited access to indoor exhibits, which are often appointment-only and sometimes show signs of needing more upkeep.

"Very educational. Learned a lot about President Ford. Turns out, he was never elected for vice president, nor for president. Very well maintained gardens. It is also in a beautiful older neighborhood. The education center is open Monday-Friday by appointment only."

Sadie Kane

"It’s a beautiful garden with some nice little exhibits highlighting Gerald and Betty Ford. It’s too bad some of the stone and features of the garden aren’t kept in better shape. It’s a nice space!"

Jaiden S

"This was really cool, I just have to understand we visited during winter. Hopefully they will get it cleaned up but still very cool"

David Jemison

What People Like

Beautiful rose gardens
Historic neighborhood charm
Educational insights

What People Dislike

Appointment-only exhibits
Exhibit maintenance issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens is located in Omaha, Nebraska. It's situated in a historic neighborhood, making it accessible by car. Parking is generally available nearby, though specific street parking rules should be observed. TikTok

While specific routes can vary, Omaha does have public bus services. It's recommended to check the local transit authority's website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules that service the area near the birthsite. TikTok

The gardens are designed for walking. Paved paths make it easy to explore the rose garden and other features. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Reddit

The birthsite is in an older, charming part of Omaha. You can easily combine a visit with exploring the surrounding historic neighborhood or other local points of interest. Reddit

The birthsite is located in a generally safe and well-maintained historic neighborhood. As with any urban area, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to the outdoor gardens is generally free and open to the public during daylight hours. However, the indoor educational kiosk and exhibits are often by appointment only, typically on weekdays. Reddit+1

The outdoor gardens are typically open from early morning until late evening, as indicated by Google Maps (e.g., 7:30 am to 10 pm). The indoor exhibit area, however, requires an appointment, usually Monday-Friday. Reddit

To visit the indoor educational kiosk and exhibits, you'll need to call the provided phone number, which is usually posted on a sign at the site. It's best to call in advance to schedule your visit. Reddit+1

No, the Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens' outdoor areas are free to access. This makes it an accessible and pleasant spot for a walk or quiet reflection. Reddit

While the gardens are accessible on weekends, the indoor exhibits are typically only available by appointment during weekdays. Check the specific appointment availability when planning your visit. Reddit+1

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed in the gardens. It's a popular spot for engagement photos due to its beauty and historical significance. Reddit

While personal photography is welcome, professional or commercial photography might require special permits or arrangements. It's always best to inquire if you plan a large-scale photoshoot. Reddit

The rose garden itself is a prime location, especially when in bloom. The pathways and surrounding historic architecture also offer charming backdrops. Reddit+1

Photography rules for indoor exhibits can vary. It's advisable to check with the staff or signage on-site regarding whether photos are permitted inside the educational kiosk. Reddit

Absolutely! The gardens, especially with seasonal blooms or even a light dusting of snow, can provide a beautiful and unique setting for holiday card photos. Instagram

🎫 🏛️ History & Education

This site marks the birthplace of Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States. It offers a glimpse into his early life before he moved to Michigan. TikTok

The kiosk provides information about President Ford's life, his presidency, and his impact on American history. It covers key aspects of his political career. TikTok

Gerald Ford became President after Richard Nixon's resignation in 1974. He was not elected to the presidency, but he had previously served as Vice President, appointed after Spiro Agnew resigned. Reddit

The gardens and exhibits also highlight Betty Ford, the First Lady, and her contributions and impact during their time in Washington. Reddit

While the gardens are generally well-maintained, some visitors have noted that indoor displays can sometimes show signs of wear or require more frequent upkeep, such as spider webs. Reddit+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens can be a pleasant stop for families, especially if you focus on the outdoor gardens. The open space allows children to move around, and the rose garden offers a visually appealing area. TikTok It's a good opportunity to introduce younger ones to a piece of American history in a relaxed setting. However, be aware that the indoor educational kiosk is often appointment-only, which might be challenging with young children who prefer spontaneous exploration. Reddit+1 Consider packing some snacks and drinks, as amenities might be limited on-site. The surrounding historic neighborhood also offers a chance for a family walk.

📸 Photographers & Couples

This site is a hidden gem for photographers, particularly those seeking engagement photo locations. Reddit The rose garden, especially during its peak bloom, provides a romantic and picturesque backdrop. Reddit The historic architecture of the surrounding neighborhood adds another layer of visual interest. Instagram It's a less crowded alternative to more popular photo spots in Omaha, offering a more intimate and unique setting. Remember to check if any professional photography permits are required, though personal photos are generally welcome. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

For those passionate about American history and politics, the Gerald R. Ford Birthsite offers a direct connection to a U.S. President's origins. TikTok While the indoor exhibits are appointment-based, the site serves as a tangible link to Ford's early life. Reddit+1 Understanding that he was never elected president or vice president adds an interesting layer to his unique path to the White House. Reddit Visiting the gardens and the surrounding historic neighborhood can provide a contemplative experience, allowing you to reflect on the historical context of his presidency.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Gardens: A Tranquil Escape

The Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens are designed as a peaceful memorial. The centerpiece is a rose garden meticulously modeled after the one at the White House, offering a beautiful and serene environment for visitors. TikTok While the gardens are generally well-kept, some reviews mention that certain stone features could benefit from more attention. Reddit Nevertheless, it remains a lovely spot for a quiet walk, reflection, or even engagement photos, especially when the roses are in full bloom during late spring and summer. Reddit

Beyond the roses, the gardens feature pleasant pathways that invite exploration. The surrounding historic Omaha neighborhood adds to the charm, providing a picturesque backdrop that complements the memorial. Reddit Visitors often appreciate the opportunity to stroll through this older part of the city, adding a layer of local flavor to their visit. The accessibility of the outdoor gardens makes it a welcoming space for all.

It's important to note that the visual appeal of the gardens is highly seasonal. While beautiful in bloom, they offer a different, more subdued experience during the winter months. Reddit Planning your visit during the warmer seasons ensures you'll see the gardens at their most vibrant, enhancing the overall experience and photographic opportunities. Instagram

Understanding the Exhibits and Access

The educational kiosk at the Gerald R. Ford Birthsite provides a concise overview of President Ford's life and political career. TikTok It's designed to offer visitors key historical insights into his journey from birth in Omaha to his presidency. However, access to this indoor exhibit is often restricted. Many visitors report that the kiosk is open by appointment only, typically during weekday business hours. Reddit+1

This appointment-only policy can be a point of frustration for spontaneous visitors. Some reviews mention arriving to find the doors locked, with a sign directing them to call for an appointment. Reddit This means that if you're planning a visit, especially on a weekend or outside of standard business hours, it's crucial to call ahead to schedule your viewing time. Reddit+1 This ensures you don't miss out on the historical context the kiosk provides.

While the outdoor gardens are a freely accessible attraction, the limited access to the indoor educational component means visitors should manage their expectations. Some reviewers have noted that the indoor displays, when accessed, could benefit from more frequent maintenance, such as cleaning. Reddit+1 Despite these potential drawbacks, for those interested in presidential history, securing an appointment can offer a valuable educational experience.

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