Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in history, architecture, or presidential homes. One of the first things I noticed was how easy the visit was from a logistics standpoint. Parking is free, and there were plenty of spaces available. For the number of visitors coming and going, the parking situation was excellent and completely stress-free. The visitor center and gift shop are located in what I understand was the former carriage house. The gift shop had a nice selection of items, including ornaments, collectibles, books, and presidential memorabilia. As a coin collector, I was particularly interested in the Benjamin Harrison dollar coins they had for sale. While I couldn't bring myself to spend $23 on a single dollar coin—even with the clever connection to Harrison being the 23rd president—I did find some affordable collectible pins that made a great souvenir. The staff were friendly and welcoming from the moment I arrived. I was able to join a tour that started almost immediately, and the tour guide was knowledgeable and engaging throughout the experience. What impressed me most was how much of the house visitors are actually able to see. The tour includes the entire first floor, the second floor, and the upper ballroom level. Many historic homes only allow access to a handful of rooms, so I appreciated how much of the property was open to visitors. It felt like excellent value for the admission price. The home itself is beautifully maintained. The restoration work appears to have been done with great care, and the attention to historical detail is evident throughout the house. From the wallpaper to the furnishings and decor, the home does an excellent job of helping visitors imagine what it would have looked like during Harrison's time. Visitors should be aware that the stairs are fairly steep, though handrails are available and there is an elevator option for those with mobility concerns. The ballroom level has been converted into a museum space featuring exhibits related to Harrison and the presidency. One of my favorite details was the collection of presidential signatures, and visitors can even take home a complimentary postcard featuring the signatures of U.S. presidents. The grounds and gardens are also beautifully maintained and worth taking a few minutes to enjoy before or after the tour. There is a small museum area connected to the gift shop with videos and additional artifacts. I didn't spend much time there, but it appeared to offer additional historical information for visitors who want a deeper dive into Harrison's life and presidency. Overall, I thought this was an excellent historic site. The home is well preserved, the staff are knowledgeable, the grounds are beautiful, and the tour provides access to a remarkable amount of the property. Plan for about an hour, and don't skip it if you're visiting Indianapolis.