William Howard Taft National Historic Site is a preserved Victorian-era house and educational centre located in the Mount Auburn historic district of Cincinnati, Ohio. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips to help you plan your trip.
This guide was updated in April 2026 to confirm that the attraction no longer sells or issues America the Beautiful national park passes due to its entirely fee-free entry status.
Quick facts
| Feature | Details |
| Opening hours | Thursday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm |
| Ticket prices | Free entry |
| Address | 2038 Auburn Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45219 |
| Nearest public transport or parking | Free on-site car parks |
| Typical time needed to visit | One to two hours |
William Howard Taft National Historic Site opening hours
The Taft Education Center and the historic Taft Family House are open four days a week, from Thursday to Sunday, operating between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. The buildings are completely closed to the general public on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.
The external park grounds maintain different operating hours, remaining open seven days a week from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm year-round. The indoor facilities are closed on specific national holidays, including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Five great things to do in Cincinnati
- 🕳️ Take an underground tour – and discover the secrets beneath the city streets.
- 👻 Hear dark tales – on an after-dark ghost tour.
- 🚋 Enjoy a streetcar food tour – with tastings at several restaurants and Findlay Market.
- 🍺 Learn how Cincinnati was built on beer – during a historic walking tour.
- 🏰 Discover Cincinnati’s hidden brewery caverns – with beer-tasting included.
William Howard Taft National Historic Site ticket prices
General admission tickets to enter the visitor centre, the historic house, and the surrounding park grounds are completely free for all visitors. You do not need an entrance pass to access any part of the site, and ranger-guided tours are also provided at no additional cost.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in April 2026.
How to get to William Howard Taft National Historic Site
You can drive directly to the attraction via Interstate 71 or Interstate 75 by taking the designated downtown exits towards the Mount Auburn district. The site is located on Auburn Avenue, situated exactly one block south of The Christ Hospital.
For public transport users, the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority operates local bus services from the downtown area. The Metro bus route 24 stops directly in front of the Taft Education Center. Visitors can board this bus at the corner of 6th Street and Main Street in the city centre.
Parking at William Howard Taft National Historic Site
Visitors can park their vehicles directly on the attraction grounds in two dedicated surface car parks. A small, free car park is located immediately in front of the Taft Education Center on Auburn Avenue.
A secondary, larger car park is situated directly behind the historic house and the visitor centre. You can access this rear car park via Southern Avenue. Both car parks are completely free of charge for visitors using the national historic site facilities.
How long to spend at William Howard Taft National Historic Site
Most visitors require between one and two hours to thoroughly explore the visitor centre, walk through the historic house, and view the grounds. This timeframe allows sufficient opportunity to view the static exhibits and watch any short introductory films.
If you plan to join a scheduled ranger-guided tour of the historic property, you should allocate at least two hours for your visit. The self-paced areas allow guests to spend as much time as needed reviewing the historical documents and artefacts without adhering to a strict schedule.
Accessibility at William Howard Taft National Historic Site
The Taft Education Center and the historic Taft Family House are fully wheelchair accessible. Paved pathways connect the car parks to the buildings, featuring a gradual incline and curb ramps near the main entrances.
Inside the historic house, an elevator is located on the basement floor on the north side of the building, providing access to the upper exhibit levels. Wheelchair-accessible public toilets equipped with baby changing stations are situated inside the Taft Education Center. Accessible parking spaces are available in both designated visitor car parks.
What to see at William Howard Taft National Historic Site
The site preserves the birthplace and boyhood home of William Howard Taft, the 27th President and 10th Chief Justice of the United States. The attraction is divided into two primary buildings: the modern Taft Education Center and the restored historic Taft Family House.
Visitors typically begin in the Taft Education Center, which functions as the main visitor reception building. This facility houses an introductory film, interpretive displays, and historical exhibits detailing the political legacy of the Taft family. A small National Park Service bookstore is also located within this centre.
Across the paved pathway, the Taft Family House is a two-storey Greek Revival residence restored to reflect its appearance during the mid-19th century. The interior rooms are furnished with period-appropriate Victorian decor, historical wallpapers, and select original family artefacts.
Visitors can explore the historic house independently or join a scheduled ranger-guided tour, which provides detailed factual context about the family’s daily life. Educational signage is present throughout the property to explain the historical significance of specific rooms and political objects.
The surrounding park grounds feature landscaped lawns and paved walking paths. Picnic tables are available around the exterior of the house and near the rear car park for visitors wishing to relax outdoors or consume their own food.
Practical visitor tips
| Area | Advice |
| Timing | Arrive at 9:00 am to secure a space in the small front car park before the midday arrivals. |
| Crowds | Weekday mornings on Thursdays and Fridays are generally the quietest periods to view the historic rooms without disruption. |
| Layout | Start your visit at the Taft Education Center to watch the introductory film before walking across to the historic house. |
| Entry process | Walk directly into the visitor centre without needing an admission ticket or an advance reservation. |
| On-site logistics | Bring your own food and drink to consume at the outdoor picnic tables, as there is no cafe on the premises. |
Frequently asked questions about William Howard Taft National Historic Site
| Question | Answer |
| Is William Howard Taft National Historic Site suitable for children? | Yes, the site offers flat paths for pushchairs and the National Park Service Junior Ranger programme for younger visitors. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for William Howard Taft National Historic Site? | No, general admission is free and walk-up entry is permitted, though large school groups must contact the park ahead of time. |
| Is William Howard Taft National Historic Site open on Sundays? | Yes, both the indoor buildings and the park grounds are open every Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. |
| Are bags allowed at William Howard Taft National Historic Site? | Yes, standard day bags are permitted inside the visitor centre and the historic house, but large luggage should be left in your vehicle. |
Things to do near William Howard Taft National Historic Site
- Taft Museum of Art: A fine art museum housed in a historic mansion that once belonged to William Howard Taft’s half-brother, Charles Phelps Taft.
- Cincinnati Art Museum: A major cultural institution in Eden Park housing an extensive collection of artworks spanning over 6,000 years.
- Findlay Market: Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market, featuring numerous local food vendors and craft stalls in the Over-the-Rhine district.
- Washington Park: A prominent civic space in the city centre surrounded by historic architecture and featuring an interactive fountain.
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden: A historic zoological park known for its extensive breeding programmes and botanical collections.
More Ohio travel
Other Ohio travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Plan your visit to the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum or American Sign Museum.
- Practical guides to visiting the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and touring Harriet Beecher Stowe House in Cincinnati.
- Getting to Cleveland: The best stops on the Toledo to Cleveland drive and Pittsburgh to Cleveland drive.
- Tackling the giant rollercoasters at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio.
- Guide to visiting the Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum in Milan, Ohio.
