james-a-garfield | OH | Find park

Front porch of Garfield home showing red front door

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.

The Visitor Center occupies the original carriage house, built in 1894.

Visitor Center main entrance off the parking lot.

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

Thousands to visitors came to this front porch to hear presidential candidate James A. Garfield speak in 1880.

A view of the memorial library addition through the trees.

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.

Hand-painted tile shows a bird next with blue eggs

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.

Physical Address:

8095 Mentor Avenue

Mentor, OH 44060

Mailing Address:

8095 Mentor Avenue

Mentor, OH 44060

contact-details

Phone Number: 440-255-8722 Voice
Phone Number: 440-974-2045 Fax

Email Address: jaga_interpretation@nps.gov
Description:

Fees

Entrance Fees

Entrance Passes

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.

park designation:National Historic Site

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.

For detailed directions, please visit this link.

Directions

Operating Hours:

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 Fridays-Saturdays-Sundays Visitor Center and grounds open at 10 am. House tours begin after 10 am. Closed Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Years Day. Groups of 6 or more require reservations. Schools and groups can arrange tours during the week. Call 440-255-8722.

Exceptions:

JuneTeenth National Independence Day (June 19, 2026 - June 19, 2026)

Independence Day (July 4, 2025 - July 4, 2025)

Labor Day (September 1, 2025 - September 1, 2025)

Columbus Day (October 13, 2025 - October 13, 2025)

Columbus Day (October 13, 2025 - October 13, 2025)

Thanksgiving (November 27, 2025 - November 27, 2025)

Christmas Day (December 25, 2025 - December 25, 2025)

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.