James A. Garfield National Historic Site — Attraction in Mentor

We came during the 'mysterious' week (when folks forget what day and time it is) between Christmas and New Year's, so our group of 8 called ahead and double checked when they were available...

This was a TREMENDOUS tour of the former mansion of our beloved 20th US President: Pros: heated and clean restroom (WFH has spoilt me); visitor center with SO MUCH INFORMATION, and more!!! ADMISSION AND TOURS ARE FREE ^_^ 80% of what's in the house is authentic and original!!! Cons: hmmm.. lemme think... (after sharing and thinking further) maybe someone who cannot stand for long times would have trouble. There is an elevator but you wouldn't be able to go past the VERY IMPRESSIVE library that inspired all presidential libraries...

TLDR: you should do this tour and trip. He was a good man and wanted to do good but didn't have enough time. -_- (I also wasn't sure if I got the impression that he enjoyed being a President) he's also quite sharp in that top hat ;) hahahahahha

Ed was our Volunteer Ranger ^_^ He was a wealth of knowledge, professional, patient, proud of what he was representing

For a national park the James A. Garfield National Park is rather small, yet all of the qualifying characteristics are present: relevance to U.S. history, groomed grounds, first class curation, and park-like grounds. If one wants more recreation there's a Garfield park, established by his relative, about 500 feet down the road.

One begins at the museum exhibit in the ranger house. There is a movie about Garfield's life, and many exhibits of different aspects of the President's life: clothing fashions, politics, customs, what that area of Ohio was like then, music, and more.

After exploring the museum, and checking out the gift shop, our tour group was called together and we were led to Garfield's house, about 100 feet toward the main street, Route 20. It was interesting to learn that in Garfield's day Route 20 was just a dirt road.

The home was restored to its close-to-original condition. The wallpapers alone were worth the visit. Different parts of the house reflected different eras in the family's life.

The architectural details were impressive. The carving in the molding, the quantity of molding, the stained glass, the artwork, and the furniture all had stories to add even more color and craftsmanship.

Most of all, one gets a deep appreciation of a talented and personable man. He was a polymath married to a woman as interesting and intelligent as he was.

The tour was 45 minutes long, and our ranger-guide was knowledgeable and affable, and managed the disparate group with professional ease.

One feature of the park that was impressive was the water tower. It seemed to foreshadow the monument later built for him at Lake View cemetery down the road (Route 20)...

My visit to the James Garfield National Historical Site couldn’t have been more enjoyable. I began my visit in the visitor’s center where I scheduled my guided tour of the large house that was the home of President Garfield, His wife and Children. At the appointed time those in our group assembled at the house and began our tour. Our Tour guide was amazing. She was entertaining and knowledgeable, and I learned so much about not only President Garfield but also how important Mrs. Garfield was and the impact she had on maintaining the home after President Garfield’s Death. Most of the furniture and artifacts are original to the house and were used by President and his family. The house tour took almost a full 90 minutes, but it was entertaining and informative. Once we finished our guided tour of the house, we were free to explore the ground on our own. The visitors center also has a museum that features a number of artifact that belonged to the President including the top hat he was wear the day her shot by Charles Guiteau at the Baltimore & Potomac Train Station in Washington, D. C. The employee and volunteers here are very helpful and knowledgeable and are more than happy to answer any questions that you may have about the Garfield’s and their life here. The hours tour took about 90-minute and I spent another 90 minutes or so visiting the museum and walking the grounds. I highly recommend visiting the James Garfield National Historic Site if you find yourself...