I've never been to a Presidential Library so I did not know what to expect. It was very well laid out and had a lot of cool exhibits. Well worth the cost of admission I thought.
Many people think of the Football Hall of Fame when thinking of Canton, Ohio. But they miss out on a wonderful history of our 25th president and Ohio history. Very interesting displays and unique exhibitions. Take the kids to the planetarium ~ small but enjoyable.
I've lived in the Canton, Ohio area for most of my life. The city was home to the nation's 25th President, William McKinley. This museum has been in town for as long as I can remember.For a small city, the museum is actually pretty nice. It has a nice display of the city's history. Also has a small planetarium, which you don't find in every museum around, especially in small cities. The science exhibits are interesting, and there's a cool robotic dinosaur.So what's my complaint? This museum is called a "Presidential Library and Museum." Really? There is only one large room in the entire building dedicated to William McKinley (and his wife, Ida). That's it. I've been to the Reagan Museum, Clinton's, and the overly "Disneyworld" Lincoln Museum. I realize that the McKinley Museum is not operated by the Presidential Library system as are the major libraries for Reagan, Clinton, Johnson, Truman, and Kennedy. But the name of this museum is misleading, especially for visitors from around the country.
We saw a lot of things inside and the exhibits were very informational. Our favorite part was the old town decorated in Christmas atmosphere.
Great monument to visit with the family, to bad they charge a lot for the museum. The outside monument area is friend and the park around it is great for exercising.
Overall a good museum for the history of Stark County and President McKinley. I was disappointed in the lacked of actual McKinley memorabilia. Many of the item didn't have any explanation or documentation explaining if President McKinley actually used it or the history of it. The halls were well laid out. The Street of Shops was pretty neat to walk through, a reminder times before "mega one stop stores" and the Stark County Story did a great job of the history and evolution of several companies still in business today. It's worth the experience.
Our nephew visited with his seven kids (ages 2-13) over the holidays. Last year the kids got bored, so we planned to visit the McKinley Museum. Wasn't sure how they would take it because they are easily bored and live near D.C with many more sophisticated museums. I could not Believe how much they loved it! It started outside with impromptu body slides down the long marble sides of the long stairs to the monument. Inside they had a ball in the Discovery Center, poking their heads through dinosaur jaws and enjoying the hands-on exhibits. There were many more exhibits and demonstrations on throughout the museum that held them rapt, including sliding down the pole in the fire house in the historic street of shops. The planetarium show was led by a gifted storyteller who laced his presentation with humor that brought giggles even from the youngest audience members.I asked them why they liked this little museum so much when they had so many fantastic museums in DC, and they told me they were sick of going to them since they made so many visits with school excursions, they were too big and not interactive. McKinley Museum has found the way to kids' hearts!
A great chance to learn about a little-known president. Part of the building is dedicated to the McKinleys, and another portion gives you a history of the city of Canton. Both areas were very interesting and well presented and well maintained. We spent about 3 hours here in total, including the walk up to the burial monument. Beautiful views from the top of that climb.
It has a lot more grandeur than the Harding memorial in Marion Ohio. Very interesting. A lot of steps to climb. I didn't go in the library just the memorial but it was worth the visit
I grew up in the area, and we like to visit when we are in town. I've always loved the Street of Shops, and now my kids get to enjoy it, too. Each turn in this museum is a cool new learning experience. The revamped science area was really great, with lots of interactive activities. It's not at all the most high-brow or large museum, but it certainly packs punch, especially for the ASTC price. ;)I was disappointed in the age restriction for the planetarium and that we were unable to enter that cabin in the streets. Either way, I'm certain we'll return.