Celebrate President Hayes’ Love for the Outdoors at GroveFest

Spiegel Grove, the estate of 19th U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes and First Lady Lucy Hayes, reflects what mattered to them most, including a passion for nature. The president and first lady were lovers of all things outdoors. Their official White House China even featured images of plants and animals native to the United States.

The couple planted various types of trees at their Fremont estate known as Spiegel Grove, but they also raised cows and chickens there. Opened in 1916, the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums is home to an arboretum that includes over 117 different kinds of trees and promotes the Hayes’ love for nature through annual events like GroveFest. 

Saturday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., this year’s GroveFest offers attendees up-close encounters with different animal species, ranging from sea lamprey provided by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to more cuddly animals such as goats courtesy of Shooting Star Farms. Around a dozen organizations are supporting GroveFest this year, including the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium and Back to the Wild wildlife rehabilitation in Castalia.   

Nature-themed games and crafts will also be available for visitors during the event. In true summertime fashion, hot dogs and ice cream are available for an optional donation.  

For more information about GroveFest or Spiegel Grove, visit rbhayes.org

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