James A Garfield National Historic Site
Designation: National Historic Site
Location: Ohio
š Park Overview
A front porch can serve many purposes. For some, it is a place to enjoy the breeze on a warm summer night. For others, a perch from which to keep eyes on what's happening in their neighborhood. In 1880, James Garfield used his front porch as a platform to greet thousands of well-wishers during his presidential campaign. Today, the porch serves as a gateway to the story of the Garfield family.
š¤ Weather Information
Winter tends to be cold with snow and ice from January - early March. Summers are comfortable, but can be humid and reach into the 90's. There is a 100 yard walk between the Visitor Center and Garfield home; visitors are advised to check weather conditions prior to their visit.
š Directions
From Interstate 90 - exit at Route 306 and head north to Route 20. East on Route 20 about 1.5 miles. Site is on north side of Mentor Avenue. From Route 2 - exit at Route 306 and head south to Route 20. East on Route 20 about 1.5 miles. Site is on the north side of Mentor Avenue.
Images
The front porch of James Garfield's home was the scene of the first front porch campaign. The presidential candidate gave patriotic speeches and met with thousands of people who came to which him well during the summer and fall of 1880.
Credit: NPS Photo
The Visitor Center occupies the original carriage house, built in 1894.
Credit: NPS Photo
A friendly greeting awaits visitors who enter the Visitor Center. This historic building, constructed in 1894, serves as bookstore, exhibit gallery and auditorium where the park film is shown. Tickets for tours of the Garfield home are also available her
Credit: NPS Photo
Thousands to visitors came to this front porch to hear presidential candidate James A. Garfield speak in 1880.
Credit: NPS
Mrs. Garfield constructed a beautiful addition to the Garfield home following the President's assassination in 1881. These 9 rooms contain the first Presidential Memorial Library, including the a fireproof vault which once contained Garfield's papers.
Credit: NPS Photo
Mrs. Garfield was known for her artistic talent, which softly blankets the interior of the Garfield home. In particular, the dining room boasts two tiles which were hand-painted by Mrs. Garfield, surround by others done by her children.
Credit: NPS Photo
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Monday, Jun 29
Sunny
High: 92.1Ā°F | Low: 66Ā°F
Humidity: 68%
Wind: 6.7 mph
Rain Chance: 5%
UV Index: 9.5
Sunrise: 05:53 AM
Sunset: 09:03 PM
Moon: Full Moon (100%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 73.2Ā°F
Cloud Cover: 5%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Tuesday, Jun 30
Sunny
High: 86.5Ā°F | Low: 72.9Ā°F
Humidity: 79%
Wind: 12.5 mph
Rain Chance: 9%
UV Index: 9.9
Sunrise: 05:54 AM
Sunset: 09:03 PM
Moon: Full Moon (98%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 75.6Ā°F
Cloud Cover: 9%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Wednesday, Jul 1
Sunny
High: 85.6Ā°F | Low: 73.8Ā°F
Humidity: 78%
Wind: 13.4 mph
Rain Chance: 8%
UV Index: 10
Sunrise: 05:54 AM
Sunset: 09:03 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (93%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 75.6Ā°F
Cloud Cover: 8%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
University Hts. Symphonic Band
University Heights Symphonic Band on the Lawn
Join us for a beautiful summer evening band concert on the lawn behind President and Mrs. Garfieldās home! The expansive lawn here at James A. Garfield NHS makes for a perfect venue for an outdoor concert featuring music from different periods of American history. Feel free to bring lawn chairs, drinking water, and picnic baskets! (Alcoholic beverages are NOT permitted.) Sponsored by the James A. Garfield Alliance and the Garfield Trail of Ohio. Free and weather permitting.
Date: Jun 4, 2026 12:00am to Jun 4, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Flag Retirement Ceremony
In honor of Flag Day, join members of local scout troops to properly and respectfully retire used and unserviceable American flags. Visitors and citizens are invited to bring flags they would like to have retired or drop those flags off in our Visitor Center in the days before the ceremony.Ā
Date: Jun 13, 2026 12:00am to Jun 13, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Open for Junteenth
The Visitor Center is open from 10 am ā 5 pm today, and tours of the Garfield home will occur throughout the day.
Date: Jun 19, 2026 12:00am to Jun 19, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
The Cleveland Shakespeare Festival Presents Comedy of Errors
Several of Shakespeareās plays are found on the shelves of the Memorial Library at James A. Garfield National Historic Site. This evening, enjoy Shakespeare in the great outdoors as the Cleveland Shakespeare Festival presents Comedy of Errors on the expansive lawn behind the Garfield home! The Cleveland Shakespeare Festival is the one of the nationās largest free outdoor Shakespearean companies! No reservations are required, and the performance is FREE. Feel free to bring lawn chairs and a picnic dinner! No alcoholic beverages permitted. For more information about the Cleveland Shakespeare Festival, visit clevelandshakespeare.org.Ā
Date: Jun 27, 2026 12:00am to Jun 27, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Naturalization Ceremony
Visit the site to witness dozens of individuals from nations across the globe take the oath as Americaās newest citizens. The Garfield home provides an appropriate and idyllic setting for this uniquely American ceremony. This event planned in partnership with the League of Women Voters, Citizenship & Immigration Services (U.S. Department of Homeland Security), and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. The public is invited to attend this uniquely American event. Free.
Date: Jul 1, 2026 12:00am to Jul 1, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Open for Independence Day
The Visitor Center is open from 10 am ā 5 pm today, and tours of the Garfield home will occur throughout the day.
Date: Jul 4, 2026 12:00am to Jul 4, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Rangers will read the Declaration of Independence aloud from the front porch of the Garfield Home to commemorate this day of American independence. Volunteers will be chosen to read selected parts! Please join us to observe the public reading of this foundational document, marking the 250th birthday of the United States! Assemble on the front lawn of the Garfield home at 10am, noon, 2pm and 4pm. Each reading will be about 20 minutes.Ā
Date: Jul 4, 2026 12:00am to Jul 4, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Lake Effect Concert Band on the Lawn
Join the Lake Effect Concert Band on the grounds for an hour of music from President Garfieldās eraāand a few contemporary tunes for good measure! The band is familiar with many of the marches and patriotic songs of the last 130 years, and you can enjoy them just as the Garfield family might have: gathered under the shade of large historic trees. Feel free to bring lawn chairs, drinking water, and picnic baskets! (Alcoholic beverages are not permitted.) Sponsored by the James A. Garfield Alliance and The Garfield Trail of Ohio. Free and weather permitting.
Date: Jul 18, 2026 12:00am to Jul 18, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
The Cleveland Shakespeare Festival Presents Richard III
Several of Shakespeareās plays are found on the shelves of the Memorial Library at James A. Garfield National Historic Site. This evening, enjoy Shakespeare in the great outdoors as the Cleveland Shakespeare Festival presents Richard III on the expansive lawn behind the Garfield home! The Cleveland Shakespeare Festival is the one of the nationās largest free outdoor Shakespearean companies! No reservations are required, and the performance is FREE. Feel free to bring lawn chairs and a picnic dinner! No alcoholic beverages permitted. For more information about the Cleveland Shakespeare Festival, visit clevelandshakespeare.org.Ā
Date: Jul 18, 2026 12:00am to Jul 18, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
The Cleveland Shakespeare Festival Presents Richard III
Several of Shakespeareās plays are found on the shelves of the Memorial Library at James A. Garfield National Historic Site. This evening, enjoy Shakespeare in the great outdoors as the Cleveland Shakespeare Festival presents Richard III on the expansive lawn behind the Garfield home! The Cleveland Shakespeare Festival is the one of the nationās largest free outdoor Shakespearean companies! No reservations are required, and the performance is FREE. Feel free to bring lawn chairs and a picnic dinner! No alcoholic beverages permitted. For more information about the Cleveland Shakespeare Festival, visit clevelandshakespeare.org.Ā
Date: Jul 25, 2026 12:00am to Jul 25, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
š Physical Address:
8095 Mentor Avenue
Mentor, OH 44060
š¤ Mailing Address:
8095 Mentor Avenue
Mentor, OH 44060
š Voice Phone: 440-255-8722
š Fax Phone: 440-974-2045
āļø Email: jaga_interpretation@nps.gov