Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site
Explore the understated home and rich history of President Ulysses S. Grant at his National Historic Site.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the understated home and rich history of President Ulysses S. Grant at his National Historic Site.
"A free, immersive journey into the life of a pivotal American president and his era."
🎯 Check Tour Times
Guided tours are essential for house access. Confirm schedules to avoid disappointment!
👟 Explore the Grounds
The expansive grounds offer beautiful scenery and historical structures like old slave quarters.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
White Haven Home
Main House
Step back in time inside President Grant's understated 19th-century home, White Haven.
Ranger-Led Tours
Visitor Center
Gain deep insights from knowledgeable rangers on guided tours of Grant's home and grounds.
The Museum
Visitor Center
Explore exhibits detailing Grant's life, presidency, and the history of slavery in Missouri.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Free Admission, Big Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Tour Times
Guided tours are essential for house access. Confirm schedules to avoid disappointment!
👟 Explore the Grounds
The expansive grounds offer beautiful scenery and historical structures like old slave quarters.
🚗 Park Smart
Ensure you park at the Historic Site lot, not Grant's Farm, to avoid confusion.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for 1-3 hours to fully enjoy the house, museum, and grounds.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Tour Times
Guided tours are essential for house access. Confirm schedules to avoid disappointment!
👟 Explore the Grounds
The expansive grounds offer beautiful scenery and historical structures like old slave quarters.
🚗 Park Smart
Ensure you park at the Historic Site lot, not Grant's Farm, to avoid confusion.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for 1-3 hours to fully enjoy the house, museum, and grounds.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Walks
Leashed pets are welcome on the grounds for a scenic walk.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site for its free admission, knowledgeable rangers, and the opportunity to step back in time at White Haven. The exhibits are noted for their depth, particularly regarding Grant's life and the history of slavery. Some find the site's location a bit off the beaten path, and tour availability can be a factor for those not arriving early.
"In these days where we’ve come to expected the rich and/or powerful to live in extravagance or opulence, this former home of the 18th U.S. president is understated and almost rustic.
The grounds are on multiple acres of neatly mowed grass and tall trees.
At the welcome center, friendly rangers and staff can provide a quick overview on how to plan your visit to suit your schedule.
At the main house, a knowledgeable ranger provides a brief history of President Grant and the times he was in residence.
The house is not big, even though it housed a family and several enslaved people.
The museum has as much on the history of slavery in Missouri as it does on the life of the president and his family. The museum is not big, but there is a lot to take in, so may take up to an hour.
Overall the visit can take up to 1-2 hours.
The road leading to this historic site is a beautiful drive.
Free parking, free admission. If you are in the St. Louis area, this is well worth a visit."
Winnie ThePooh
"This is a great place to go if your into history and the feeling of stepping back in time to the 1860s,it's free and you have to do the guided tour to be able to go in grants home,but it well worth it,they give a short speech about the history of Ulysses s Grant and then they walk you out and up to the house and allow you to look around inside and around the house, there's a few other structures and the stone structure is said to possibly be an old slave quarters and then the barn at the bottom of the hill next to the building you start the tour in,it's a great time."
Donnie Harkins
"Often overlooked in the shadow of Grant's Farm just across the road, this enormous museum and collection explains the life of Ulysses S Grant. The entire complex is free and includes guided tours by a park ranger into Grant's home. There is a 20-minute movie in the Visitor's Center that puts everything into perspective and a wonderfully detailed museum that will absolutely make you appreciate this wonderful general and president even more!"
Drake Maxwell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The site is located in St. Louis, Missouri. While it's a bit off the main road, the drive itself is scenic. Free parking is available on-site.
Public transport options to the immediate vicinity of the site may be limited. Driving is generally the most convenient way to reach Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site.
The Ulysses S. Grant Birthplace State Historic Site is a separate location and may have different operating hours or seasonal closures. It's advisable to check its specific status before visiting.
Yes, there is ample free parking available at the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site. Just be sure to use the correct lot for the historic site and not Grant's Farm.
Grant's Farm is a separate attraction across the road, featuring animals and historical buildings. The Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site focuses specifically on President Grant's home, White Haven, and his life.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site is completely free. This includes access to the grounds, museum, and guided tours of White Haven.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official National Park Service website for the most up-to-date information on hours and tour availability before your visit.
Tickets are not required as admission is free. However, guided tours of the house are often on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is recommended, especially during peak times.
Access to the interior of White Haven, Ulysses S. Grant's home, is only permitted via ranger-led guided tours. These tours are free and highly recommended for a comprehensive experience.
The site generally operates year-round, but hours and tour availability can change. Some sources indicate temporary closures for the season, so always verify current status.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can tour President Grant's home, White Haven, explore a museum detailing his life and the era, and wander the historic grounds. Ranger talks offer valuable historical context.
Most visitors spend between 1 to 3 hours at the site, allowing time for the guided tour, museum exploration, and a walk around the grounds.
Yes, knowledgeable park rangers lead guided tours of Ulysses S. Grant's home, White Haven. These tours are a highlight and provide in-depth historical information.
The museum offers a detailed look at Ulysses S. Grant's life, presidency, and the significant history of slavery in Missouri. Visitors often find it very informative.
Photography is generally permitted on the grounds. Inside the historic house, photography policies may vary, so it's best to check with the ranger during your tour.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no food concessions or restaurants directly within the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site. Visitors are advised to bring their own snacks or plan to dine before or after their visit.
Yes, picnicking is a great option! The grounds offer pleasant areas to enjoy a meal outdoors. Remember to pack out all your trash to help preserve the site.
Yes, the site is located in the St. Louis area, which offers a wide variety of dining options. You'll find numerous restaurants and cafes a short drive away.
📸 📸 Photography
The White Haven house itself, the surrounding historic buildings (like the possible slave quarters), and the expansive, tree-lined grounds offer beautiful photographic opportunities.
Photography rules inside the historic house can vary. It's best to ask the ranger leading your tour for current guidelines.
As with most National Park Service sites, drone usage is typically restricted. Check the official NPS regulations for Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site regarding drone operation.
Many visitors enjoy capturing the rustic charm of White Haven, the historical architecture of the outbuildings, and the natural beauty of the estate grounds.
The scenic grounds and historic buildings provide a lovely backdrop for family photos. Just be mindful of other visitors and the historical significance of the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the museum delves into serious topics like slavery, it's presented in an informative way. Consider focusing on the aspects of Grant's life that might appeal to younger minds, such as his military career or his time as president. The open grounds are perfect for letting kids burn off some energy in a safe, historical setting.
💰 Budget Travelers
Focus on the free ranger-led tours and the museum exhibits to get the most value. It's a fantastic way to learn about a significant historical figure and period without any financial pressure.
🐶 Pet Owners
Enjoy the historical ambiance and the beautiful landscape together. Remember to always clean up after your pet and keep them under control. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of White Haven
During your visit, you'll learn about Grant's life here, including his time as a farmer and his eventual return to public service. The guided tours led by park rangers are crucial for understanding the nuances of the house and its history. These tours bring the stories of Grant, his family, and the people who lived and worked on the estate to life, offering a deeply personal perspective on American history.
Beyond the main house, the grounds of the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site hold their own historical weight. You can explore various outbuildings, some of which are believed to have served as slave quarters, offering a somber but important reminder of the complex social fabric of the time. The well-maintained grounds also provide a peaceful setting for reflection.
Understanding Grant's Legacy Through Exhibits
A significant portion of the museum's exhibits is dedicated to the history of slavery in Missouri, providing crucial context for understanding Grant's life and the societal landscape he navigated. This dual focus allows visitors to appreciate not only the achievements of the general and president but also the broader historical forces at play during his era. The rangers' knowledge, often honed through these exhibits, further enriches the understanding of these complex themes.
Many visitors find the museum to be a powerful complement to the house tour, solidifying their understanding of Grant's impact on American history. The exhibits are designed to be engaging and informative, making the site a valuable educational stop for anyone interested in the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the presidency.
Exploring the Grounds and Outbuildings
Several outbuildings dot the property, each with its own story. Of particular historical note are structures believed to have been slave quarters. These buildings serve as a poignant reminder of the complex and often difficult history of labor and servitude in the region. Exploring these areas, alongside the main house and barn, provides a more complete picture of the estate's past.
For those who enjoy a bit of exploration, the grounds are perfect for a relaxed stroll. Leashed pets are welcome, making it a great spot for a dog walk with a historical twist. Remember to stay on designated paths and be respectful of the historical structures and the natural environment.
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