McKinley Presidential Library & Museum

The McKinley Presidential Library & Museum in Canton, Ohio, serves as the final resting place and legacy center for William McKinley. Completed in 1907, the site was funded by grassroots donations from across the world, reflecting the deep public affection for the martyred leader. Unlike traditional libraries, this complex uniquely combines a historical museum, a world-class planetarium, and the massive McKinley National Memorial, which houses the sarcophagi of the President and First Lady Ida McKinley. The memorial is a masterpiece of Beaux-Arts design, perched atop a sweeping hill. Its most striking feature is the 96-foot high circular dome, constructed from pink Milford granite. The Grand Staircase: 108 stone steps lead visitors toward the monument, symbolizing a monumental climb toward honor and memory. The Interior: The dome’s interior is lined with Tennessee marble, creating a hollow, reverberating space that emphasizes the solemnity of the tomb. Visiting in the winter, as the wind sweeps across the exposed hillside, I feel a profound sense of endurance and sacrifice. The sheer scale of the granite dome against a gray Ohio sky evokes a feeling of "heavy history." Standing at the top of the stairs, looking out over the city McKinley called home, one realizes that leadership is a burden carried for the many. There is a moving stillness in the air—a reminder that despite the chaos of politics and time, a life dedicated to service leaves behind a quiet, indestructible monument of respect.

This place is so cool. The museum is great. I love the old timey town. There was a super friendly woman with short hair working in the gift shop that was so nice and sweet. She had a real passion for history and told me about all the different presidential museums she had went to. She also recommended an awesome book to me. The monument is so cool. I love running up all 108 steps! Was a little bummed out the monument was closed for the winter but I understand! Really great place to spend an afternoon!!

Initially I thought that this museum was primarily focused on William McKinley, turns out this place is a lot more than that. While there is an exhibit on the former president, this museum is more focused on the history of the area instead of just President McKinley. There’s also a planetarium along with a natural history exhibit. You do not need admission to visit McKinley’s memorial but its hours of admission match those of the museum.

A great place to learn about William McKinley and his wife, local history, science and we really enjoyed the Peanuts exhibit that's on display through Jan. 20206.

The front seat receptionist was very helpful. They do have activities for children and older children. They do have senior discounts for ur elderly as well. This place is peaceful nice and you can learn lots and also have fun.😎

I took my daughter here on a spur of the moment trip. It was a great time for both of us. We went about an hour before they were closing. We had the Discover World area all to ourselves. There were some fun activities for us both to enjoy. It was great that this museum participated in the Muesums for All program. Otherwise, I would not have been able to afford going.

Pretty nice place but what made the visit special was the gentleman working on the 2nd floor. He was very knowledgeable about the McKinleys and you could tell he loves chatting with people about the artifacts. The planetarium was nice as well, the gentleman presenting was very entertaining.

I was pleasantly surprised with this local museum! I'm not from the area so I had no idea it was so extensive. There's of course an exhibit all about President McKinley, but there's also so many other interesting and cool exhibits. I don't want to spoil it by telling all that is there, it's definitely a must see in person. It's entertaining for all ages and can keep you busy for a few hours. My two year old really enjoyed herself.

A disappointing experience at this museum which bills itself as the McKinley presidential library and museum. It is neither. It is a kids' modest science center with a big dose of history about the local county. I guess it's possible they have his papers somewhere but approximately 5 percent of the public museum is about him. I hate to be negative about museums but I was truly shocked. It costs $17 to get in which makes me think that hey are struggling but who knows. Worst presidential site I have been to. Go to the Garfield site- much better. (They do have a nice fake dinosaur.)

I have been here quite a few times as a child and as an adult. Went again last night after taking my son there a couple years ago when he was really still too little to appreciate it. It never disappoints! They had an open house for their new winter-themed exhibit in the Keller Gallery. It was very well curated and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The catered food, cookies, and hot chocolate was such a nice touch and my son loved that. (I did too.) I never get sick of the Street of Shops, and it is especially pretty decked out for Christmas. Well done!

Informative! This large room inside another museum was jam packed with info about McKinley! Next to the museum was his family's masoleum! Stop in to learn about this President, his family and the times they lived in! Feels reasonable and if you need handicapp access to the masoleum, just ask! There is an entrance and elevator in the back that's available.

Due to time constraints, I was unable to visit the museum, but I was able to spend some time at the memorial. It is not open during the winter, but visitors are able to climb the stairs up to the mausoleum. The view from the top looks over trees to the river. Halfway up the stairs there is a large statue of McKinley. There is plenty of parking. This is a short drive from the Pro football Hall of Fame so if you are in the area it is worth a short stop to pay respects to William McKinley our 25th President.

The McKinley tomb was very impressive. It is right next door to the museum and just added to a wonderful visit. The museum had a really informative video on McKinley as well as a room with displays and animatronics. The rest of the museum is filled with interesting exhibits showing a much simpler life. Thoroughly enjoyable!

Located near downtown Canton the McKinley museum, mausoleum and presidential library are a great stop to learn about his presidency and the world as it was then. Allow approximately 2 hours if viewing both the museum and the mausoleum.

This was my 8th Presidential Library and my least favorite. Could be so much better. I learned a little about President McKinley but wished I learned more, certainly an amazing life. I'd recommend going if you are in the area but not sure I'd travel out of the way to visit.

My husband and I have visited all of the official Presidential Libraries and are now working our way through the other ones. Today, we visited this one. It is in a nice green space in Canton, Ohio. We started with the Memorial where President McKinley, his wife, and two daughters are buried. It is in a tall, domed building atop a staircase of about 100 steps. The climb up was a little physical, but the view from the top was beautiful. The library has 3 different levels. The first floor has a small theatre with a 17-minute film about the building of the memorial. The second level has most of the displays about McKinley's life, career and presidency. It also has a lot of information about Canton and the evolution of the city. The ground level has a small gift shop. I recommend this museum for anyone interested in Presidential Libraries or history.

Going 5 stars here! I absolutely LOVED this adventure. I went in just planning on seeing a presidential memorial and got so much more out of the experience. William McKinley was the 25th President and one of the four US Presidents to be assassinated. We were in town (Canton, Ohio) for a college graduation dinner with my partners family and decided to make a weekend of the trip. We stayed in downtown Canton and I asked my partner about the Memorial. He told me all about his experience as a kid, and I thought it would be something fun to do together. We headed out for an afternoon visit and the Museum Admission included the Planetarium Ticket ($10 each). Upon arrival, we checked out the memorial and grounds. We were only able to walk around the outside as the inside was closed for the season. It was much larger than I thought and would love to make a trip back to see inside. Bundle up if you check it out during winter and if it is a windy day, it can be brutal. The Museum Admission included the: The Street of Shops - it's like stepping back in time. I loved exploring all the shops and taking it all in examining all the details. Discover World - Designed more for kids most likely, but I had a blast looking at all the dinosaurs, and checking out all the aquariums. There is also a science learning section and I think I hit every button and turned ever knob. The Stark County Story - This was cool with the furniture, clothing and house hold and accessories, toy displays and so much more. The McKinley Gallery - Cool staged exhibit with all kinds of personal items and furniture. Don't forget to hit the on button and check out the Animationtronic President and First lady and hear one of President McKinley's campaign speeches. The Hoover-Price Planetarium - You have to do this. It's a smaller, intimate room with curved bench seating but It only adds to the experience. The whole show was fun and educational! We saw the "Universe at Large". We explored the night sky and Milky Way and it had thousands of stars with different levels of brightness. I really like the program guide. He was quite the character and was not only funny, but full of knowledge and provided a great delivery. They offer a separate Cosmic Kids show as well. No visit would be complete without a stop in the gift shop. Didn't need anything but they had all kinds of cool stuff. I did get one of those pressed pennies that you can pick the design and logo from one of those vintage machines. I absolutely recommend a visit to the memorial and museum. We spent about 3 hours here and was great, especially for the cost ($10).

Don't waste your time or money. Other than his tomb, which you can see for free, there is absolutely nothing to see at this so called presidential library/museum. They slap his name on the building so that people will come but in fact there is one little area dedicated to him that looks reminiscent of a theme park display. It has some characters that talk, in a little area that's decorated in the theme of the era. They have a couple of authentic articles, and that's it. The rest of the building is dedicated to county history. Of course no one would come for that, so.... To top it off, it was more expensive than the others in the area. Definitely skip it!

Amazing museum, brings tears to my eyes at the thought of it. The beauty of all the aspects together is just beautiful. Please come here. And if you have harvest hosts camp here. Safe area. Went to HOf game, great time. If you Uber to the HOF then please try to get a lime green jeep with a Spanish man whom is very kind.

Privately funded Presidential Library in Canton where McKinley practiced law & lived. We paid $10 and covered everything McKinley relatedin about an hour . We walked through his charming old town seeing the shops & businesses from 1900. The jeweler, hat shop, gas station, Amtrak, pharmacy, dentist, cabinet shop, tobacco, blacksmith, dressmaker, toy shop hotel saloon.... We skipped the other exhibits that didn't relate to McKinley. We climbed up many steps to his gravesite. At the top with the highlights of the McKinley monument including that it was dedicated by Theodore Roosevelt in 1907.

PROS: This museum was definitely a highlight of coming to Canton. The Mausoleum was impressive and his section of the museum was very interesting. The grounds are kept clean and the staff was very nice. Prices were good at 10 bucks and it took us 2 hours to see everything CONS: Only 1/4 of the museum was McKinley's stuff. the other 75% was for other categories like war memorabilia, Dinosaurs, and 20th century artifacts. OVERALL: I would definitely come to this if you're in the area. Doesn't matter if you're political or not. It is not boring and you will love it!

Our family really enjoyed this museum. The lower level of the museum is science related in honor/tribute to McKinley's interest in science and technology. The highlight for my kids was the roaring dinosaur and T. rex skull you could go in to. We spent most of our time at the hands on fascination staton. Upstairs was focused more on history. There is a replica of the McKinley's house (complete with animatronic Ida and William). Pressing a button had the couple recount tales of various points in their history. It was a little creepy hearing the one about how excited he was to visit the Pan American Expedition knowing how that ended... On the opposite wall of that section are actual memorabilia from McKinley's life and panels explaining it. Considering it is a museum and presidential library of his namesake I was honestly expecting a lot more of this section. It was more like a brief overview with a small smattering of artifacts. That being said, it was informative and fun to visit. My favorite part of the museum was the street of shops. It was so well detailed! And most of the shops had buttons where a voice described various aspects of life from that scene. The firehall even has a fire poll that kids (or kids at heart) can slide down. There is also a model train section. Four stars instead of five because I did expect more about McKinley and more staff throughout to be able to ask questions.

I never appreciated history as a kid but am now fascinated by it as an adult. This is a great little depot of all sorts of history; both of our native born president and the industry of the local area. The monument is only open during Spring and Summer but you can still view it from outside and walk around the grand facade. The museum is filled with history of McKinley, his family and what life was like in those times. There is a little street set up inside to be like a downtown shopping area from those times. You can walk the sidewalk and even go into several establishments. There is a dentist and doctor, a hat shop, even a bar and hotel. Currently they have a wedding dress exhibit full of beautiful gowns from several time periods. The planetarium has daily shows though we didn't have time to stay for one. I highly recommend. It's easily seen in a few hours and is not only fun but interesting.

It's a museum mostly about a President but also more cool stuff. Interactive exhibits for the kids and the kids at heart. Fun, clean, cool. Really well priced gift store!

We came for the McKinley history, having seen the monument outside where William and Ida are buried. There is a $10 fee to enter, and there is a lot of stuff. We were a bit confused on where to go. The lower floor had a room of dinosaurs and space posters. At the top of the stairs we found a teeny theater with a good video about the McKinleys. Afterward we walked through displays about the city of Canton and found the McKinley room of artifacts, and it was very interesting. There were some old photos, political posters, gifts from other nations...it kept our interest. Then we walked around. We really liked the old town street of shops that we could go into and see all the vintage items. This museum had a lot of stuff children would enjoy, including a miniature railroad, tho I don't know if it runs. Plan to spend at least two hours here.

In an effort to visit all Presidential Libraries, I came to this one here in Canton, Ohio. As far as presidential library's go, you're going to find exactly what you're looking for as there's lots of history, artifacts and interesting information. The museum is a little bit smaller but the burial site is actually very spectacular and probably one of the more spectacular burial sites I've seen for any of our presidents. I would say you can see the entire library in about 90 minutes. There are also exhibits on Stark County, the city of Canton, and a small planetarium. All of these are included in your entry which is a nice bonus.

Enjoyed this museum. As other reviews have mentioned I didn't love that they keep animals cooped up in small cages in that dark room. Hopefully they let them out sometimes to enjoy the sun and fresh air. This is more than just a museum about McKinley. It's also a Science and Industry museum and a history museum about the local county. I didn't really care all that much about the history of Canton, I came mostly for the McKinley stuff. But it was still an enjoyable experience and you can easily spend a few hours.

This museum has a little bit of everything. It's McKinley history, local history, and science. Admission is fair and is good all day. There are many different displays containing local history. I'm from the area, so it was nice to see my current city mentioned. There are store fronts with displays that can be walked through. They contain buttons that provide audio information. The science floor contains a dinosaur exhibit, interactive displays, and different reptiles. Be sure to check it out if you're in the area. Don't forget to visit and go into the monument.

This place is absolutely fascinating in good and bad ways. First off getting here requires a short drive through a bad neighborhood (by appearance at least; I'm not familiar with it). It looks like it had an industrial past that gave way to partial present abandonment. Once on the park grounds though everything is old, but very nice. As other reviewers have said the steps up to the monument have become a bit of an exercise item. This is inconsequential though and only ruins pictures, and only as much as people do anyways. I got great photos regardless. After or before viewing the tombs and monument (free) you can go to the "museum" ($10). To be pleased with your museum visit you can't be expecting displays strictly historically relevant to McKinley. Most everything I saw was nicely done and informative, but the displays veered widely off topic and had little congruence with each other. The most humorous section was a selection of items that kids may not recognize. I, a millennial, recognized most all of them. To see a 2007 Yellow Pages book protected behind museum glass was just hilarious. My favorite section ("The Street Shops") was a mock up of an old town that took up several city blocks and included everything from a dress maker, lawyer's office and general store to a dentist and blacksmith. Each office had 1-3 recorded stories that you could hear as you visited the space. This worked fine since I was the sole visitor of said rooms. But if the museum was every busy a personalized audio guide system would become a required investment of the museum. Also present was a room explaining the county's history, a planetarium, dinosaur exhibit, a section of small live animals and an area reminiscent of Cosi complete with a tornado station. The latter three areas were part of the basement "Discover World," a kids focused science space. If you're getting the idea that the majority of exhibits had nothing to do with the President you are correct. For example, I also liked a massive model electric train display. As far as the museum's information on the President, one room on level two told this story. Unfortunately it was located next to a noisy vacuum cleaner display that kids loved playing with. The information though was interesting, but brief. Just a wall of cases held artifacts and information. The largest portion of the presidential exhibit was a mock up of his living room and office. Overall, is the museum worth $10? Yes. But really only $0.50 of that admission price gives you information on McKinley himself. If you are visiting without kids, another maybe $3.50 of value is out the window.

We've been here a few times and it's definitely fun for my kids. I like that there's a lot of interesting things for adults to see as well. My boys love the dinosaurs and science exhibits, and we love the planetarium show (it's free but tickets are limited so get yours when you get your tickets).

So Nostalgic! I used to go here ALL THE TIME as a kid! I loved digging in the fossil pit and the old fashioned town! They used to sell these suckers with bugs in them in the gift shop that I used to buy to freak people out at school (I was like. .10. .lol) I recently took my kids here for the first time with my grandmother and they LOVED it! They had a blast in the dinosaur section, loved the Planetarium and of course, the gift shop! I sneaked back in to buy them some Christmas gifts before the long trip back home! We didnt get to visit the monument when we went as it was in the middle of winter and rather icy (lots of stairs with lots of ice. . .not a great idea,) But we will definitely be going back

This is a really odd presidential library and museum. Compared to the others I have been to, this leaves a ton to be desired. You walk in and see three walls of information about Pres McKinley and then the rest is a science center. Can't speak to that because I didn't explore, I was only there for the presidential library portion. There is another room upstairs with an exhibit about McKinley's home life and a special exhibit on ALL the presidents (but really just basic info on each). Can't say I learned any more about McKinley going here and was pretty disappointed to pay and then realize how little of the museum was about the President. I even inquired why the site was not a national park or official public library. The guide explained that in line with McKinley's vision for the country they did not accept any federal funding for the site. Leaves a lot to be desired. Should be renamed science center.

Quite a neat place to visit with kids and family. There are a lot of neat attractions. Last time my family and I went, we spent a great deal more time exploring than we thought we did. It's a great source of learning and history and I would definitely recommend going if you're looking for something to do!

Combining the memorial, presidential library and Canton history museum into one is a gem. Of course surrounded by a beautiful park with walking, hiking and biking paths adds to the charm. This is a great way to spend a day and if you have the time the plantetarium is worth seeing as well. Whether you are a history buff, enjoy nature or just want a nice family day, the McKinley Museum is a treasure and it is under ten dollars a person. Also, it is over 110 steps to the top of the memorial so it is a hot spot for runners and people training.

Excellent memorial to on of our murdered presidents. Worth the stop if your in the area!

This museum was a pleasant surprise! For $10 admission, you have a mini-science museum, historical museum, planetarium, and monument for a president. It is totally worth stopping by. My family spent the better part of the day there. They do not sell food anywhere on the grounds, so pack a lunch.

Great museum apart from the live animal exhibits. Very concerned with the health of the holland lop bunny we just saw. Eyes full of gunk and could hardly move around and there wasn't any shelter for it to fit. Even if the rabbit is older, I fear they are not getting adequate care. Would love to get in contact with someone for more details if the situation is really what it looks like.

Been coming here for years. Hasn't changed much but is a great hidden little gem:) enjoy the monument right next door! Great for the young and young at heart

I was trying to decide what age group I thought this museum was best for, but each section would be different. They younger ones have a better chance of being bored quickly though. The downstairs area has lots of hands on stuff. They have an areas with dinosaurs, rocks, Native American era stuff, ecology island (with live animals), and a hands on science area. Upstairs there is a great historical area (super cool for older kids and adults) with lots of interesting info. There is a huge train upstairs too, and a rotating exhibit (for us it was Snoopy stuff, but not super interesting). We did not do the planetarium because my son is too young. I'd like to go back by myself so I can read about everything.

Here is my experience with the McKinley museum....I've Pm'd on Facebook and emailed the director Joyce Yut all with no response. I will never return or recommend this museum again...it is not child friendly, they only care about money. Good morning. Yesterday I as well as My adult niece and our children were here in Our hometown of Canton visiting. Both of us were born and raised here and are proud of where we are from and love our city's rich history. However, while showing our children the McKinley Monument yesterday my 5 year old great niece suddenly needed to use the facilities before we were ready to head into the museum. My Niece tried to take her into your building and was turned away because we had not paid yet. I and the other children were still at the memorial. As a 36 year resident of Canton I have been to your museum on many occasions before moving from the great state of Ohio. After seeing that only money matters to you folks I will never return to your facilty. I am so disappointed that you would turn away a crying 5yr old just because she hadn't paid to come inside yet. How unhuman of you people. We were going to tour the museum....all 7 of us until you turned her away like that. I'm embarrassed now to even think I've bragged about how friendly a city I come from when you could not even show a kindness to a child.

Good for s small town museum. There is an interesting train room with a small train table for kids (my toddler would have spent hours there!). The historical artifacts and little village were good for adults. The basement has a dinosaur and ecology exhibit that kept the kids' attention. I liked the animals - rabbit, chinchilla, tortoises, parakeets, fish, turtles, insects and a working beehive. In addition the basement has a science room which we all enjoyed. We visited on a Monday afternoon in Nov and it was basically empty so we had the whole place to ourselves.

The McKinley Museum is ideal for all ages. They have a section designed for younger kids. Our 5 years grandson and eight year old granddaughter both loved the hands on items and they loved the science classroom presentation and neat experiences with science projects. The dinosaurs were interning too. All ages loved the old town displays that you walk the streets and go into old western businesses. Extremely interesting and some funny, but all Wow every age groups. The president McKinley large displays were of educational and fun nature! The planarian is one of the best in the country! The presenters are very knowledgeable and interesting to listen to their talks. Senior Adults to young school age kinds will love this place. The McKinley Monument is right next door. If you cannot handle all those states you can drive around to the top! Lots of parking available too! The research section is a goldmine!! Pictures of the city in horse and buggy days and much more. We try to go at least yearly. The store has a lot of books, toys, gifts etc. cost is reasonable and time can be 2.5 hours or more to see it all. See for yourself!!

I have visited the museum 3 times in two months. We homeschool our children and I am so happy that they offer such hands on activity for the children and am never disappointed with the staff. Never have I met such friendly and wonderful people that have such knowledge and enthusiasm they want to share it with others!!!!