4 Events That Celebrate Presidents Day in Ohio

Ohio is lauded for many things, but one of our biggest stamps on history is, of course, being the home of eight presidents to hold office in the White House. Presidents Garfield, Grant, Harding and Benjamin, as well as William Henry Harrison, Hayes, McKinley and Taft all have ties to the Buckeye State. Their legacy is remembered year-round, but especially on Presidents Day. Celebrate the holiday with a visit to a historic home where Hayes once lived, as well as other sites offering activities for all ages.

Presidents Day 5K | Feb. 14
Join the Fremont Elite Runners Club for the third annual Presidents Day 5K at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums. Step off at the museum’s entrance and follow a course around the grounds. Prizes are awarded for first-place men’s and women’s finishers, as well as for the best costume. Runners should don their favorite patriotic attire for the 3.1-mile race, and if participants preregister, they can go home with a special race tee.

Presidents Day at McKinley Presidential Library & Museums | Feb. 16
Though the McKinley Presidential Library & Museums are typically closed Mondays, the Canton destination is making an exception for this federal holiday. Take a look at several engaging exhibits, including “The Woman Behind the Lens: Frances Benjamin Johnston and the American Presidency” in the Keller Gallery, as well as two planetarium shows for kids three and over. Plus, the site’s gift shop will be handing out free coloring sheets for the little ones.

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Presidents Day Celebration | Feb. 16
Enjoy free admission at Fremont’s Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums. The day-long celebration is centered around America 250-Ohio’s monthly theme, Ohio Works: Innovation, Industry and Business. Sign up for a tour of the Hayes Home’s first floor, then enjoy a self-guided walk-through of the site’s museum. Throughout the afternoon, visitors can select from several activities, including crafts, scavenger hunts, story time and presidential trivia. Gallery talks will be offered at 10:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. Visitors can also enjoy horse-drawn trolley rides by South Creek Clydesdales from 1 to 4 p.m.

Presidents Day at the Ohio History Center | Feb. 16
The Ohio History Center is offering several engaging opportunities to reflect on the Buckeye State’s presidential heritage. Explore the Columbus destination’s collections, including the traveling exhibit “Ohio Women Vote: 100 Years of A Change,” and stay for a talk from Sherry Hall, retired site manager for the Warren G. Harding Presidential Sites, at 1 p.m. Visitors are also free to peruse a presidential memorabilia curators’ table and take part in themed crafts.

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