Ohio has great deals for summer travel

With the official start of summer just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about summer travel. Sometimes, the historical locations get lost among the amusement parks and beach vacations, but Ohio boasts eight presidents, seven of whom are represented with homes, libraries and monuments within the state that are open to the public.

They are all bargains, and what you take away will last a lifetime.

• William Henry Harrison, an Indiana native, is buried near Cincinnati in North Bend.

His tomb is located 15 miles west of Cincinnati on Cliff Road, west off U.S. Route 50.

Open during daylight hours, admission is free.

• Ulysses S. Grant’s home, at 500 Bouthillier Street in Galena, is open Wednesday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., April through October.

Suggested donation: $4 adults, $2 children; group reservations are recommended.

Information available at granthome.com.

• Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center is located at Hayes and Buckland avenues in Fremont.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Admission to the museum and house is $10.50, $6 for the house only and $4 for children.

Information at rbhayes.org or (800) 998-7737.

• James A. Garfield National Historic Site, at 8095 Mentor Ave. in Mentor, is open from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Adult admission is $5; children 15 and under are free.

Information at nps.gov/jaga or (440) 255-8722.

• Benjamin Harrison, born in North Bend, near Cincinnati, moved to Indianapolis with his wife soon after his graduation from Miami University.

His home, located at 230 North Delaware Street in Indianapolis, is open to the public.

Information at presidentbenjaminharrison.org or (317) 631-1888.

•The William McKinley Birthplace Home and Research Center is located at 40 S. Main St. in Niles.

The facility is open Saturdays in May and June from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Information is available at mckinleyhome.lib.oh.us or (330) 652-1704 ext. 208.

The McKinley Memorial Library is at the same location. Information is available at mckinley.lib.oh.us or (330) 652-1704.

• William Howard Taft National Historic Site, 2038 Auburn Ave. in Cincinnati, is free to all visitors.

Tours are offered daily, every half-hour from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Information at nps.gov/wiho or (513) 684-3262.

•The Warren G. Harding Home is located at 380 Mount Vernon Ave. in Marion.

Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-12.

For additional information, visit ohsweb.ohiohistory.org or call (800) 600-6894.

And not to forget the ladies...

• First Ladies National Historic Site, at 205 and 331 Market Ave. S. in Canton, is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Guided tours are given and reservations are required for groups of six or more.

Admission is $7.

Find out more at firstladies.org, nps.gov/fila or (330) 452-0876.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0371 or elroberts@coxohio.com.

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