Photo: NPS / Tom EngbergCharles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument preserves the historic home "Youngsholm" where Colonel Charles Young, the third African American to graduate from West Point, lived and prepared for his groundbreaking military career. The intimate site showcases the beautifully restored Victorian home where Young overcame racial barriers to become one of the highest-ranking Black officers in the U.S. Army. Families explore the house where Young lived with his family while serving as a professor of military science at Wilberforce University. The monument uniquely combines personal family history with the broader story of the Buffalo Soldiers, offering kids a tangible connection to this important chapter of American military history through the lens of one remarkable leader's home life.
Junior Ranger Program at Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument
The Junior Ranger program at Charles Young focuses on military history and leadership through interactive activities and storytelling. Kids complete age-appropriate booklets while exploring the historic home and learning about the Buffalo Soldiers' contributions to American history, making this complex topic accessible and engaging for young minds.
- Tour Colonel Young's beautifully restored Victorian home
- Learn about the famous Buffalo Soldiers cavalry units
- Participate in military history activities and demonstrations
Program Details
Best Ages for Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument
Ages 4–8
Young kids love the intimate scale of the historic home and enjoy hearing stories about Colonel Young's family life. The 10-minute park film provides a perfect introduction to Young's story without overwhelming attention spans.
Ages 9–12
This age group truly connects with Colonel Young's determination to overcome obstacles and his leadership qualities. Kids can better understand the historical context of the Buffalo Soldiers and appreciate the significance of Young's achievements in military history.
Ages 13+
Teens and adults can dive deeper into the complex themes of military leadership, racial barriers, and Young's role in shaping military history. The program encourages reflection on leadership qualities and the broader impact of the Buffalo Soldiers on American military tradition.
Planning Your Visit
Getting There
The monument is located at 1120 US Route 42 E in Wilberforce, less than a mile from Wilberforce University. Small parking area accommodates most vehicles but space is limited during events. No reservations required for regular visits, but guided tours may need advance scheduling.
Van & RV Notes
The parking area can accommodate Sprinter vans and similar-sized RVs, though larger rigs may find maneuvering challenging. No overnight camping is available on-site, but nearby state parks offer RV camping options. Arrive early during peak times as the intimate site has limited parking capacity.
Best Time to Visit
Spring through fall offers the best experience with comfortable weather for exploring the grounds and historic home. Summer weekends can be busier, while weekday visits provide a more intimate experience. Winter visits are possible but check ahead as weather may affect operations.
How Long to Spend
Plan a half-day visit to fully explore the historic home, complete Junior Ranger activities, and watch the park film. The intimate setting allows for a thorough but relaxed exploration without feeling rushed.
Don't Miss
Tour Youngsholm, the beautifully restored Victorian home where Colonel Young lived with his family while teaching at Wilberforce University. Watch the 10-minute park film that brings Young's remarkable story to life, showing how he overcame countless obstacles to become one of America's most respected military leaders of his era.
Fun Facts for Kids
Colonel Charles Young was the third African American to graduate from West Point and the first to achieve the rank of colonel in the U.S. Army
Young rode 497 miles from Ohio to Washington D.C. in 16 days to prove his physical fitness after being forced into medical retirement
The Buffalo Soldiers earned their name from Native American tribes who respected their fighting ability and compared their courage to that of the buffalo
Young spoke several languages and served as a military attaché in Haiti, helping to train the Haitian military
Plan Your Stay
Save on park entry with the America the Beautiful Pass — $80 for unlimited access to all 400+ National Park sites for a full year.
Where to Stay
Some of the links above are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Parks to Earn More Badges
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
William Howard Taft National Historic Site in Cincinnati showcases the birthplace and boyhood home of America's 27th president and only person to serve as both president and Supreme Court Chief Justice.
Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park celebrates the Wright brothers' achievements and Paul Laurence Dunbar's literary legacy across multiple sites in Dayton.
William Howard Taft National Historic Site
Hopewell Culture National Historical Park preserves ancient earthworks built by Native American cultures over 2,000 years ago, offering families a chance to explore Ohio's prehistoric heritage.
See all Junior Ranger badges
Track your family's progress across every National Park Service site
View Badge Tracker