Benjamin Harrison is the only United States president elected from Indiana, and his Italianate Victorian home in downtown Indianapolis is where you can step into his world. Built in 1875, the house is a National Historic Landmark of roughly 10,000 square feet, filled with the family's original furnishings, artwork and artifacts, along with political and presidential memorabilia that bring the late nineteenth century to life. The interior can only be seen on a guided tour, which starts at the Welcome Center in the red barn behind the house. The tour also takes in the special exhibit galleries, which change from time to time and are included with admission, so it is worth checking what is on before you go. The guides are good at weaving the architecture, the family and the politics of the era into one story, and it works for anyone with an interest in American history, Victorian design or presidential biography. It is a compact visit rather than an all-day outing, which makes it an easy addition to a day of sightseeing. The President's Cabinet gift shop is open during tour hours, and you do not need a tour ticket to browse it.
Tours and timing
The house is open year-round, but access is by timed tour only, and tickets are sold online. Buy ahead to guarantee your place, particularly on weekends and school holidays. Tour times differ by day: on Monday to Thursday they run every two hours from morning into early afternoon, on Friday and Saturday they start on the hour, and on Sunday they begin around midday. Times can change on special event dates and on holidays, so confirm before you travel. Groups of more than ten need to reserve in advance through the site.
Practical details
The site is at 1230 North Delaware Street, north of downtown in a neighborhood of grand old homes. Plan on around an hour for the tour and the exhibits, plus time in the shop. Photography on the grounds needs advance permission, and some events carry separate admission, so check the schedule if you are visiting during a festival or seasonal program.
How to fit it in
Pair the house with Crown Hill Cemetery, where Harrison is buried and which is a short drive north, for a half-day on the president. It also works as a calm counterpoint to the busier downtown sights, and rainy days are ideal. History buffs who also like the Indiana War Memorial Museum and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument will find the three make a satisfying thread through the city's nineteenth-century story.
What to expect
The experience
A guided tour of an 1875 Italianate mansion and its special exhibit galleries, starting at the Welcome Center in the red barn.
Best time
Weekday mornings, or any time you want a quieter indoor activity.
How long
Around an hour, plus time in the gift shop.
Tips
Buy tickets online ahead, check the tour times for your day and ask before taking photographs on the grounds.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History buffs and anyone curious about Victorian homes and presidential life.
- Families
- Best for older children who can enjoy a guided tour.
- Couples
- A quiet, absorbing hour on a rainy day.
- Pair with
- Crown Hill Cemetery, or the Indiana War Memorial Museum.
- Time needed
- One to one and a half hours.
Good questions
Can I tour the inside of the Harrison home without a guide?+
No. Guided tours are the only way to see the interior of the residence, and they start at the Welcome Center in the red barn behind the house.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance for the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site?+
Tickets are sold online and buying ahead guarantees your place, so it is a good idea, especially at weekends.
Is the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site open all year?+
Yes, it is open year-round, though holiday closures and special event dates can change the tour schedule, so check before you go.
Where is the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site?+
It is at 1230 North Delaware Street, north of downtown Indianapolis, a short drive or rideshare from the Circle.
Are the special exhibits included with a tour?+
Yes, the special exhibit galleries are included with tour admission, though some separate events have their own tickets.
