Photo: NPS / Tom EngbergThis intimate National Historic Site preserves the exact two-story Greek Revival house where William Howard Taft was born in 1857, sitting prominently on Auburn Hill in Cincinnati's historic Mount Auburn neighborhood. The home remains furnished in authentic Victorian-era style, just as it appeared during Taft's childhood years. What makes this site truly unique is that Taft is the only person in American history to serve as both President and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Families explore the actual rooms where a future president lived, from the parlor where the Taft family entertained guests to the bedroom where young William slept.
Junior Ranger Program at William Howard Taft National Historic Site
The Junior Ranger program at William Howard Taft NHS invites kids to explore presidential history through engaging activities and guided discovery. Young historians complete fun challenges about Taft's life, his presidency, and his unique role as both President and Supreme Court Chief Justice.
- Tour the beautifully preserved Victorian home where President Taft lived as a child
- Learn fascinating facts about the only person to serve as both President and Supreme Court Chief Justice
- Participate in hands-on activities that bring 19th-century family life to reality
Program Details
Download Junior Ranger Booklet
Get a head start! Download and print the booklet before your visit.
Source: NPS Junior Ranger Program Page
Best Ages for William Howard Taft National Historic Site
Age ranges are suggested groupings — check at the visitor center for the official Junior Ranger booklet breakdown.
Ages 4–7
Young children enjoy the cozy house setting and listening to stories about President Taft's childhood during the guided tour. The Junior Ranger activities work well when completed with parent assistance, focusing on simple observations about Victorian-era family life. The 30-minute house tour keeps their attention better than longer programs at other historic sites.
Ages 8–12
This age group truly connects with the Junior Ranger program designed specifically for them, answering questions independently during the house tour. They love discovering how different life was for children in the 1860s and learning about Taft's unique achievement of serving in both the presidency and Supreme Court. The interactive booklet activities help them engage with presidential history in a hands-on way.
Ages 13+
Teens and adults appreciate the deeper historical context of Taft's dual roles and the political significance of his era. They often find the authentic Victorian furnishings and family stories more compelling than younger visitors do. The program works well for families visiting together, with older kids helping younger siblings complete activities.
Planning Your Visit
Getting There
Street parking is available along Auburn Avenue, but spaces fill quickly during peak visiting hours. The site sits atop one of Cincinnati's highest hills in the Mount Auburn historic district, making it easily accessible from I-71. We recommend arriving when the Education Center opens at 9am Thursday through Sunday for the best parking options.
Van & RV Notes
Large RVs and high-profile vans face challenges in this historic residential neighborhood with narrow streets and limited parking. Our 22-foot Sprinter fits on Auburn Avenue, but turning around can be tricky - consider parking a few blocks away on wider streets. No campgrounds exist nearby, so plan this as a day trip from Cincinnati-area RV parks.
Best Time to Visit
Visit Thursday through Sunday when the Education Center is open, as the historic house tours require ranger guidance. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for walking the grounds and neighborhood. Summer visits can be quite warm inside the Victorian house, while winter tours feel cozy but may have limited outdoor exploration.
How Long to Spend
Plan 2-3 hours total including the Junior Ranger program and guided house tour. The compact site makes this an ideal half-day stop when exploring Cincinnati's historic neighborhoods.
Don't Miss
The guided house tour brings Taft's childhood to life with authentic period furnishings and family stories that kids remember long after visiting. Families absolutely love exploring the Education Center's exhibits about Taft's unique dual presidency and Chief Justice roles - something no other president achieved.
Fun Facts for Kids
William Howard Taft weighed over 300 pounds and once got stuck in the White House bathtub, requiring a specially-made larger tub
Taft is the only person in U.S. history to serve as both President and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
The house sits on Auburn Hill, one of Cincinnati's seven hills, giving the Taft family commanding views of the Ohio River valley
Taft's father Alphonso served as Secretary of War and Attorney General, making the Tafts one of America's most prominent political families
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
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