Seven presidents were born in Ohio, which places it just behind Virginia’s eight. That means the long Presidents’ Day weekend Feb. 13-15 is the perfect time for a road trip to some of the sites that earned Ohio the nickname “The Birthplace of Presidents.” These unique libraries, museums, homes and even a schoolhouse and science center showcase the lives of our former leaders and their families. “It is pretty unique to have presidential history right in your backyard,” says Todd Arrington, site manager of the James A. Garfield National Historic Site.
William McKinley Presidential Library & Museum
A little over an hour from downtown Cleveland, this unique historical library pays tribute to the last Victorian-era president’s life and times with a 19th-century Street of Shops. Families will also enjoy Discover World, a science center featuring hands-on, interactive exhibits and the Hoover-Price Planetarium. “It’s an homage to the fact that McKinley loved science and technology,” says executive director Kimberly Kenney. 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton, 330-455-7043, mckinleymuseum.org
US Grant Boyhood Home & Schoolhouse
In 2011, the 18th president’s family house and grounds underwent a $1.4 million renovation. The schoolhouse area shows how children learned in the 1820s and ’30s and includes some of Grant’s youthful artwork. “If it hadn’t been for Grant,” says tour guide Nancy Purdy, “we might need a passport to go to Kentucky because Lincoln couldn’t find anybody else to win the Civil War.” Call ahead to arrange a tour in the offseason. 219 E. Grant Ave., Georgetown, 877-372-8177,
usgrantboyhoodhome.org
James A. Garfield National Historic Site
This Victorian-era home features a visitor center with eight acres of outdoor grounds and walking paths. Just 30 minutes from downtown Cleveland, Garfield’s house was the site of the first front porch presidential campaign in 1880. “Garfield started coming out and addressing people from the front porch of the house,” says site manager Todd Arrington. “That’s the first time that a presidential candidate had ever done that on a regular basis.” 8095 Mentor Ave., Mentor, 440-255-8722, nps.gov/jaga
William Howard Taft National Historic Site
The house where the 27th president was born and grew up is a fixture in Cincinnati. “Taft did a lot of things to change the culture of Cincinnati. You can’t go anywhere without mentioning the Taft family,” says Reginald B. Murray, interim chief of operations. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour of the family’s Greek Revival-style home, view exhibits in the visitor center or bring home souvenirs from the bookstore. 2038 Auburn Ave., Cincinnati, 513-684-3262, nps.gov/wiho
