Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
Rating
Family of 4
USD 52
Duration
1-2 hours
Best Ages
Little kids to teens (6-17)
About
The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is one of Indianapolis's most significant historic landmarks, offering families a rare opportunity to step inside the authentic home of America's 23rd president. Benjamin Harrison served as president from 1889 to 1893, and his beautifully preserved Indianapolis home provides a tangible window into life in the Gilded Age. Guided tours led by knowledgeable docents bring the history of Harrison and his era to life through engaging storytelling, period-accurate furnishings, and carefully preserved personal artifacts.
For school-age children studying American history, a visit to the Harrison site transforms textbook lessons into a vivid, three-dimensional experience. The house itself is impressive — a grand Victorian-era home that gives children a sense of the scale and formality of life for a nineteenth-century president and his family. Docents are skilled at adjusting their presentations for younger audiences, often incorporating engaging anecdotes and child-friendly context that makes the history feel relevant and interesting.
The site's December holiday tours are among the most beloved in Indianapolis, featuring period-accurate decorations and a festive atmosphere that makes the historic home feel particularly magical. The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is a standout educational outing for families who want to combine meaningful American history with an authentic sense of place.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Setting
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Year-round; special holiday tours in December are especially popular
Wait Times
5-15 minutes for guided tour start
Nearby Food
Several family-friendly restaurants are located along North Delaware Street and nearby Meridian-Kessler neighborhood.
Why Kids Love It
Kids love stepping inside a real president's home and imagining life in the 1800s, from the grand rooms to the period-accurate furnishings.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Guided tours are led by knowledgeable docents who tailor stories for all ages — ask them to engage your kids directly.
- December holiday tours feature period-accurate decorations and are among the most popular events of the year.
- The site offers educational programming for school groups that can also be arranged for homeschool families.
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes for touring the historic home
- Curiosity about American history
- A camera — some areas allow photography
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
USD 52
Tips to Save
- Children under 5 are typically free.
- Check for family membership options if you plan multiple visits.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- Monday
- 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- Sunday
- 12:00 – 3:30 PM
- Tuesday
- 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- Saturday
- 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Thursday
- 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- Wednesday
- 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM