Garfield National Historic Site announces summer hours

Apr. 24—James A. Garfield National Historic Site recently announced its annual summer season, which will begin May 1 and extend through Oct. 31.

In May, the Visitor Center and grounds—both self-guided—will be open seven days per week, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On weekdays, public guided tours of the Garfield home will begin at noon and be scheduled throughout the afternoon. The last tour of the day begins during the 3 p.m. hour.

Those interested are asked to call ahead on the day of their visit for exact tour times, as they will be different each day.

On weekends and holidays in May, all services, including Garfield home guided tours, are available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Then, from June 1 to Oct. 31, public hours, including Garfield home guided tours, are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days per week. Guided home tours are scheduled throughout the day with the last tour beginning during the 3 p.m. hour.

Those interested also are asked to call ahead on the day of their visit for exact tour times, as they will be different each day.

"As always, we're excited for the summer season to start," Site Manager Todd Arrington stated in a news release. "It's our busiest time of the year for visitation and special events. This year, we have so many school groups coming in May that we are setting aside the first two hours of weekday house tours for them.

"This is for the month of May only."

A free guided tour is the only way to see the inside of the Garfield home. Tours are on a first-come, first-served basis, and reservations for guided tours are not required unless bringing a group of six or more, according to the release.

Those larger groups are asked to call the site at 440-255-8722 to make a free reservation. The site also offers an 18-minute introductory film, museum exhibits, walking paths on the grounds, and two self-guided cell phone tours.

The Garfield National Historic Site is located at 8095 Mentor Ave. in Mentor.