Please visit the Guided Tours of the Taft Family Home page to review the tour times available for visitors on weekend day visits.
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William Howard Taft National Historic Site
Ohio
High atop one of Cincinnati's most prominent hilltops stands the two-story Greek Revival house where William Howard Taft was born and grew up. Hard work, a good education, and an interest in civic duty are attributes that made the Taft family outstanding leaders over the years. The environment that shaped Taft's character and philosophy is highlighted on a visit to the site.
About William Howard Taft National Historic Site
William Howard Taft National Historic Site is a national historic site located in Ohio. The park lies in a humid continental zone with a generally temperate climate. Winters are mildly cold with average temperatures around 48 degrees (F). Summers are hot and humid with an average temperature around 77 degrees (F). Average annual total rainfall is just under 40". Snowfall in the winter is generally light with an average total snowfall of less than 12"
From I-71 north; Take Exit 2 (Reading Road and Eden Park Drive). Stay in right lane; turn left at first stoplight onto Dorchester Avenue, and go to the top of the hill. Turn right on Auburn Avenue and go 1 ½ blocks to the site. Park will be on the right. From I-71S, take Exit 3 (Taft Road). Follow Taft Road westbound. Go 0.75 mile to Auburn Avenue. Turn left and go 0.5 mile to the site. Park will be on the left.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to William Howard Taft is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
William Howard Taft National Historic Site offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Food, Dining, Guided Tours, Junior Ranger Program, and 3 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at William Howard Taft
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for William Howard Taft
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of William Howard Taft before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 1 active alerts for William Howard Taft. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of William Howard Taft. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
High atop one of Cincinnati's most prominent hilltops stands the two-story Greek Revival house where William Howard Taft was born and grew up. Hard work, a good education, and an interest in civic duty are attributes that made the Taft family outstanding leaders over the years. The environment that shaped Taft's character and philosophy is highlighted on a visit to the site.
Frequently Asked Questions about William Howard Taft
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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