Overview:

Two properties, the home of First Lady Ida Saxton McKinley and the seven story 1895 City Bank Building, are preserved at this site. Honoring the lives and accomplishment of our nation's First Ladies, the site is managed by the National Park Service and operated by the National First Ladies Library.

History:

Authorized on October 11, 2000.

When to Visit:

The following hours refer to the National First Ladies’ Library.

The National First Ladies' Library is open to the public only for guided historical tours. Hours vary depending on the season; call (330) 452-0876 for more information:

• Monday: CLOSED, no tours, gift shop open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Tuesday: Saturday 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. and 12:30, 1:30 & 2:30 p.m., plus Sundays in June, July & August

Getting There:

The First Ladies National Historic Site is located in downtown Canton, OH. Free parking is available behind the Saxton House or at the gated lot on the corner of Market Avenue South and 3rd Street SW (entrance from Market Avenue South). Check out the following driving directions based on which direction you are traveling from:

From the South: Follow I-77 North to the Downtown/Tuscarawas Exit. Turn right onto Tuscarawas and travel to Market Street South. Turn right onto Market Street South. Travel through two lights and immediately after the 2nd light is our gated parking on the right hand side.

From the North: Follow I-77 South to the Downtown/Tuscarawas Exit.

Turn left onto Tuscarawas and follow to Market Avenue. Turn right onto Market Avenue. Travel through two lights and immediately after the 2nd light in our gated parking on the right hand side.

Fees/Permits:

Visits to the Saxton House and the Education and Research Center are by paid guided tour only. Reservations are highly recommended due to limits on tour size and are required for groups of 6 or more. Admission costs $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $5 for children 18 and under. Those visiting for a school program will be admitted for free. For reservations call (330) 452-0876 or email mrhodes@firstladies.org.

America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands passes are accepted but are not sold at First Ladies National Historic Site. Passes may be purchased at Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Brecksville, OH and at James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor, OH.

Things to Do:

In addition to regularly schedule tours, First Ladies National Historic Site occasionally offers special programs. Click here to view a current event and exhibit listing. Please call (330) 452-0876 with questions on events and exhibitions.

Accommodations:

For information about lodging near First Ladies National Historic Site contact Canton - Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau online or by calling (800) 533-4302.

Areas of Interest Outside the Park:

Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Unlike vast wilderness parks, this national park is full of quiet and isolated trails, tree-covered hills, and serene marshes thriving with beavers and herons.

David Berger National Memorial: This site honors the memory of David Berger, an American citizen who was one of 11 Israeli athletes killed at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany.

Contact Info:

By Mail:
National First Ladies Library
205 Market Avenue South
Canton, OH 44702-2107

E-mail:
mrhodes@firstladies.org

Phone:
(330) 452-0876