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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Roses in full bloom, pleasant weather

Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens
Best Time
Roses in full bloom, pleasant weather

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene memorial featuring a White House-inspired rose garden and an educational kiosk on President Gerald Ford's birthplace.
"A beautiful garden with nice exhibits, though indoor access requires planning."

🎯 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Historic Neighborhood
Surrounding Area
Explore the beautiful, older Omaha neighborhood surrounding the birthsite, adding to the historical ambiance.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
📸 Engagement Photo Spot
A beautiful, underutilized spot for engagement photos, offering a unique backdrop.
🚶♀️ Explore the Neighborhood
The surrounding historic neighborhood is lovely for a walk after visiting the gardens.
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.
🌹 Best for Garden Lovers
Visit during bloom season for the most picturesque experience, especially for photos.
📸 Engagement Photo Spot
A beautiful, underutilized spot for engagement photos, offering a unique backdrop.
🚶♀️ Explore the Neighborhood
The surrounding historic neighborhood is lovely for a walk after visiting the gardens.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
The gardens are designed for walking. Paved paths make it easy to explore the rose garden and other features. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed in the gardens. It's a popular spot for engagement photos due to its beauty and historical significance.
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.
The rose garden itself is a prime location, especially when in bloom. The pathways and surrounding historic architecture also offer charming backdrops.
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.
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.
🎫 🏛️ 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.
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.
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.
The gardens and exhibits also highlight Betty Ford, the First Lady, and her contributions and impact during their time in Washington.
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.
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👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & Couples
🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Gardens: A Tranquil Escape
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. 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. Planning your visit during the warmer seasons ensures you'll see the gardens at their most vibrant, enhancing the overall experience and photographic opportunities.
Understanding the Exhibits and Access
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. 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. 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. Despite these potential drawbacks, for those interested in presidential history, securing an appointment can offer a valuable educational experience.
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