From grand estates to humble farmhouses, presidential landmarks offer a tangible link to the people who’ve shaped American history from the highest office. These homes, libraries, parks, and sites reflect personal stories, pivotal decisions, and defining moments, from handwritten declarations to Cold War diplomacy. Many lived in long before or after a term in office, giving us more than just political history. They reveal character. Here are 10 presidential landmarks across the US that are truly worth visiting.
1. Mount Vernon, Virginia
Mount Vernon, nestled along the Potomac River in Virginia, was George Washington’s cherished home and the heart of his expansive plantation. Originally built by his father in 1734, Washington inherited the estate in 1761 and transformed it into an 11,000-square-foot mansion featuring Palladian architecture and a distinctive red roof. He lived here until his death in 1799, and the estate now serves as his final resting place, alongside his wife, Martha.
2. Monticello, Virginia
Perched atop a “little mountain” near Charlottesville, Virginia, Monticello was Thomas Jefferson’s lifelong project, a neoclassical estate that mirrors the mind of its architect, author of the Declaration of Independence, and third U.S. president. Jefferson began designing Monticello at age 26, drawing inspiration from Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio. The estate evolved over decades into a 21-room mansion filled with innovations like a revolving bookstand and a hidden dumbwaiter.
Beyond its architectural brilliance, Monticello was a working plantation powered by the labor of over 600 enslaved individuals. Mulberry Row, the plantation’s industrial hub, housed workshops and dwellings for enslaved artisans and laborers, including members of the Hemings family. Sally Hemings, an enslaved woman of mixed race, bore six of Jefferson’s children.
Today, Monticello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers guided tours exploring Jefferson’s home, gardens, and the lives of those enslaved there. The Smith Education Center features over 200 artifacts, including a rare 1823 engraving of the Declaration of Independence. Visitors can also explore the meticulously restored vegetable gardens, where Jefferson experimented with diverse crops, reflecting his passion for horticulture.
3. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
In the rugged heart of North Dakota’s Badlands lies Theodore Roosevelt National Park, a living tribute to the 26th president’s deep bond with the American wilderness. After the tragic loss of his wife and mother on the same day in 1884, a grieving Roosevelt sought solace in this untamed landscape. His time ranching at the Maltese Cross Cabin and later at the remote Elkhorn Ranch reshaped his worldview, igniting a passion for conservation that would define his presidency.
Today, the park spans over 70,000 acres across three units: the South Unit near Medora, the North Unit near Watford City, and the secluded Elkhorn Ranch site. Visitors can explore scenic drives, hike over 100 miles of trails, and encounter wildlife such as bison, wild horses, elk, and prairie dogs. The Maltese Cross Cabin, preserved at the South Unit Visitor Center, offers a glimpse into Roosevelt’s frontier life.
The park reflects Roosevelt’s enduring legacy as the “conservation president,” who established five national parks and signed the Antiquities Act of 1906.
4. Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Illinois
In the quiet heart of Springfield, Illinois, stands the only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned. The Lincoln Home National Historic Site preserves the house where Lincoln lived with his wife, Mary, and their children from 1844 until 1861, when he left to become the 16th president of the United States.
Restored to its 1860 appearance, the modest two-story house offers an intimate look at Lincoln’s family life and the environment where he sharpened his political values. Surrounding the home is a preserved four-block historic neighborhood, offering a rare chance to walk the same streets Lincoln once did and see the world through his eyes.
Free guided tours begin at the Visitor Center, which also features engaging exhibits on Lincoln’s domestic life, his neighbors, and the social issues of the time. From the humble details inside the home to the broader story it represents, this site connects visitors with the personal side of a leader who would go on to change the nation.
5. The Hermitage, Tennessee
Nestled just east of Nashville, Tennessee, The Hermitage offers a profound journey into the life and legacy of Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States. Established in 1804, this 1,120-acre estate evolved from a modest log cabin into a grand Greek Revival mansion, reflecting Jackson’s rise from humble beginnings to national prominence.
Visitors can explore the meticulously preserved mansion, adorned with original furnishings, intricate wallpaper, and Jackson’s personal artifacts, providing an intimate glimpse into 19th-century plantation life. The estate’s grounds feature formal gardens designed by English gardener William Frost, a smokehouse, and several outbuildings, including restored slave cabins that shed light on the lives of the over 100 enslaved individuals who worked the plantation.
A recent discovery of a burial site believed to contain the remains of at least 28 enslaved people has deepened The Hermitage’s commitment to presenting a comprehensive and inclusive historical narrative. The estate also includes the tomb of Andrew and Rachel Jackson, situated in the serene garden Rachel cherished.
6. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Hyde Park Home, New York
Nestled in New York’s Hudson Valley, the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, known as Springwood, offers an intimate glimpse into the life of America’s 32nd president. Born here in 1882, FDR maintained a lifelong connection to this estate, using it as a personal retreat and a political hub throughout his unprecedented four-term presidency.
Visitors can tour the 21,000-square-foot mansion, which retains its original furnishings and artifacts, including Roosevelt’s vast collections of books, naval prints, and personal memorabilia. The estate also encompasses the nation’s first presidential library and museum, conceived and designed by FDR himself, housing extensive archives and exhibits detailing his leadership during the Great Depression and World War II.
The grounds feature the Rose Garden, where both Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt are buried, and scenic trails that reflect FDR’s conservation efforts. Nearby, Top Cottage, designed by Roosevelt as a wheelchair-accessible retreat, stands as a testament to his resilience and innovation.
7. Eisenhower National Historic Site, Pennsylvania
Tucked beside the historic Gettysburg battlefield, the Eisenhower National Historic Site offers a unique window into the personal life of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States. This 690-acre farm was the only home ever owned by Eisenhower and his wife, Mamie. Purchased in 1950, it served as both a weekend retreat during his presidency and their residence in retirement.
You can tour the meticulously preserved home, which retains approximately 98% of its original furnishings, providing an authentic glimpse into the Eisenhowers’ domestic life. The estate also features a skeet range, putting green, and barns that once housed Eisenhower’s prized herd of black Angus cattle.
Beyond its pastoral charm, the site holds historical significance as a venue where Eisenhower hosted world leaders, including Winston Churchill and Nikita Khrushchev, amidst Cold War tensions. Today, the Eisenhower National Historic Site invites visitors to explore the multifaceted legacy of a leader who balanced global responsibilities with the tranquility of farm life.
8. Harry S. Truman’s Home, Missouri
In the heart of Independence, Missouri, the modest white Victorian at 219 North Delaware Street tells the story of an “uncommon common man” who rose to the presidency. This house, originally built by Bess Truman’s grandfather between 1867 and 1885, became the lifelong residence of Harry and Bess Truman after their marriage in 1919.
Visitors to the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site can embark on guided tours of the home, which remains much as the Trumans left it. The interior showcases original furnishings and personal artifacts, including the Steinway piano gifted to their daughter Margaret and the fireplace adorned with tiles depicting a Middle Eastern landscape.
Across the street, the Noland Home offers insights into the couple’s courtship and family life, while the nearby Truman Farm in Grandview provides a glimpse into Truman’s formative years working the land.
9. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Massachusetts
Perched on Boston’s Columbia Point, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum stands as a striking tribute to the 35th president’s life, leadership, and enduring legacy. Designed by architect I.M. Pei, the building’s bold geometry and soaring glass pavilion overlook the harbor, symbolizing Kennedy’s forward-looking vision and connection to the sea.
Inside, visitors journey through immersive exhibits that chronicle JFK’s early life, his 1960 presidential campaign, and pivotal moments of his administration, including the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Space Race. The museum also features personal artifacts, such as Kennedy’s sailboat, Victura, displayed seasonally on the grounds, and a replica of the Oval Office, providing intimate glimpses into his personal and political life.
A notable highlight is the Legacy Gallery, a recently refurbished space that bridges historical exhibits with contemporary reflections on Kennedy’s impact. This gallery underscores themes of innovation, public service, and global citizenship, inviting visitors to consider how JFK’s ideals continue to resonate today.
10. The White House, Washington, D.C.
Designed by Irish-born architect James Hoban in the Neoclassical style, the construction of The White House began in 1792 and was completed in 1800. President John Adams was the first to reside here, moving in before its completion.
Over the centuries, the White House has undergone numerous renovations and expansions. Notably, it was set ablaze by British forces during the War of 1812 and subsequently rebuilt. In the early 20th century, President Theodore Roosevelt initiated significant structural changes, including the addition of the West Wing. Later, President Harry S. Truman oversaw a complete interior reconstruction due to structural concerns.
Today, the White House complex encompasses the Executive Residence, the West Wing, the East Wing, the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, and Blair House. It contains 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, and spans approximately 55,000 square feet.
Public tours of the White House are available and include visits to the East Room, Blue Room, Green Room, and State Dining Room, among others. These tours offer insights into the nation’s history and the functioning of its executive branch. To arrange a tour, U.S. citizens must submit a request through a Member of Congress, while international visitors should contact their embassy.
Adjacent to the White House, the White House Visitor Center provides an in-depth look at the building’s history through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and a 14-minute film titled “White House: Reflections From Within.”
