Photo: NPS Photo
A front porch can serve many purposes.
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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.
The Garfield Site will be closed October 7th and 8th for water line repairs. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
The elevator to the second level of the Garfield Home, including the presidential memorial library, is currently not working. Visitors using wheelchairs or who cannot climb stairs will be escorted to the house museum after viewing the first floor of the home to wait for the tour to finish. We apologize for this inconvenience.
6 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
Enjoy the listening to the cell phone while exploring the grounds at James A. Garfield National Historic Site
Learn more about Cell Phone Tours At James A. Garfield National Historic Site on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
The Junior Ranger program allows children to learn and explore more about James A. Garfield National Historic Site. Activities can be completed at the site or using our online resources.
Learn more about Complete the Junior Ranger Program! on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Reservation required
Guided tours are available through the beautifully restored Garfield home.
Learn more about Guided tours of the Garfield home on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Start your visit to James A. Garfield National Historic Site in the Visitor Center. Watch the 18 minutes biographical movie of James A. Garfield and browse the museum exhibits that explore and…
Learn more about Start Your Visit in the Visitor Center on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Reservation required
Visiting the Garfield Home soon? Here's a list of different activities to look forward to while you visit.
Learn more about Today in the Park on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
If you bring your dog to James A. Garfield National Historic Site they can become the newest B.A.R.K. Ranger!
Learn more about Your Pet Can Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger! on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)Showing 6 of 6
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Find visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Visitor Center
In 1893, Lucretia Garfield constructed a Carriage House and Horse Barn behind the Garfield Home. In 1998, the same building was opened as the Visitor Center at James A…
Daily, 10:00AM - 5:00PM · Operating Hours at James A. Garfield National Historic Site
May: Visitor Center and grounds open daily 10 am - 5 pm. House tours begin after 12 pm. June - October: Visitor Center and grounds open daily 10 am - 5 pm. House tours begin after 10 am. November - April: Friday-Saturday-Sunday 10am-5pm - guided house tours daily. Groups of 6 or more require reservations. Schools and groups can arrange tours during the week. Call 440-255-8722.
| Monday | 10:00AM - 5:00PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Thursday | 10:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Friday | 10:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Saturday | 10:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Sunday | 10:00AM - 5:00PM |
No entrance fees listed.
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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.
GRANDMA JOY AND ME: A Journey of Healing, One National Park at a Time
Friday, October 9th @7 pm
Visitor Center Auditorium - FREE
Space is limited; booksigning to follow
A heartrending, transformative true story following Brad Ryan and his grandmother Joy Ryan as they embark on a seven-year journey to visit every US National Park…
Raised in Appalachia, Grandma Joy lived a life shaped by constraints and hardships, while Brad grappled with the weight of family rifts and unresolved pain. Together, they embarked on a quest not only to witness the majesty of America’s wild landscapes but also to heal generations of struggles and misunderstandings. Over seven years, they sought to visit all sixty-three US National Parks. From the towering peaks of Denali to the otherworldly beauty of the Everglades, each park became a classroom, teaching them profound lessons about nature, resilience, and each other.
Grandma Joy and Me follows a seven-year adventure of intergenerational healing, wherein a grandmother and grandson find themselves released from the injustices—real and imagined—that had long held them hostage. An emotionally charged exploration of love, forgiveness, and resilience, this unique bond between a young man and his ninety-three-year-old grandmother—the oldest person to visit every US National Park—is more than just any travel tale; it is a testament to what makes us deeply human.
And they are still traveling! After becoming the oldest person to visit all 63 National Parks in 2023, Grandma Joy just turned 96 and is taking on the new goal of visiting every continent. So far, she and Brad have visited North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Antarctica.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Brad Ryan is a veterinarian, wildlife conservationist, social media influencer, and writer from southeastern Ohio. He earned his BA from Miami University in Ohio, an MSc in mammalian biology from the University of Pretoria in South Africa, and a DVM/MPH combined degree from The Ohio State University, specializing in wildlife medicine and veterinary public health. For Brad, storytelling is a vehicle for healing—rooted in empathy, inspired by nature, and driven by a desire to help others feel seen and connected. As a keynote speaker, he champions LGBTQ+ inclusion in the outdoors, eliminating stigma around mental health, and the protection of wildlife and public lands. Follow him on Instagram @GrandmaJoysRoadTrip and @DoctorBradRyan.
Throughout his career James A Garfield was associated/friends with many of the Great men of his time. Come and explore some of iconic figures (Alexander Graham Bell, Cyrus Field and Mathew Brady) affiliated with James A Garfield. We will discover their ties to James A Garfield and unveil the rest of their stories after James A Garfield’s passing. Please make a reservation for this free, in-person program by calling Mentor Public Library at 440-255-8811. SPEAKER: Victor Elswick, James A. Garfield NHS.
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.
Mailing address: 8095 Mentor Avenue, Mentor, OH 44060
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