10 American Presidential Estates You Should Visit

American Presidents are staples in our history, but sometimes we forget that they lived lives of their own. They had families, pets, and hobbies that many of us were unaware of when they served their terms. Other times, we're curious about the lives of some of America's prominent historical figures, and these estates give us a deeper insight into their lives.

There are several presidential estates you can visit, but some outshine the rest. They are beautifully preserved, and it will give you a deeper insight into our great nation's past. Keep reading to learn about 10 American presidential estates you should visit!

10 10. Andrew Jackson (Nashville, Tennessee)

This famous mansion was nicknamed the Hermitage and it was a plantation home. You can walk through the halls and learn about the history behind this president and his famous house. Each room tells a story and you can view numerous mementos that Andrew Jackson left behind.

There is a bit of sorrow to his story as he lost his wife, Rachel, suddenly the year after he relinquished his presidency. Jackson himself lies buried outside of his home beside his wife in the Greek-style tomb he had built for Rachel in her honor.

9 9. Franklin D. Roosevelt (Hyde Park, New York)

Franklin D. Roosevelt had an estate in New York, and currently, it is maintained by the National Park Service. This was his Springwood estate, but there was also a library built on the property that was later donated to the federal government.

The home itself was turned into a museum, so people who visit can learn about the great man who was re-elected for four consecutive terms. There are interactive exhibits as well as rare artifacts related to his presidency, but it will be closing for a few months in 2020 so they can perform some renovations.

8 8. Lyndon B. Johnson (Stonewall, Texas)

This estate was famously known as the Texas White House because he spent a great deal of his time during his presidency at this particular estate. You can tour the ranch in your own vehicle and visit places like the family cemetery, see where the president was born, and view the ranch with your own eyes.

It's free, but you do need a permit from the park authorities if you want access to the grounds. The house was open for tours of the interior, but due to structural concerns, it has been closed. Ranger-guided tours of the grounds are still available upon request if you are truly interested in learning more about this piece of our past.

7 7. James A Garfield (Mentor, Ohio)

This estate has actually been turned into a park, but his house is still open if you are interested in taking a peek. There are guided tours throughout the day, and it is best to call ahead to see the times they plan to start. You can also swing by the visitor center to see some artifacts and learn key facts about his presidency.

There is also a memorial library on the grounds, as well as a biographical video that visitors can watch. It is a great way to gain an understanding of a man who was elected to be a leader of our great nation, as well as gain a deeper understanding of where he came from.

6 6. George Washington (Mount Vernon, Virginia)

This might be one of the most famous homes that you can tour, and it is one experience you shouldn't miss out on. The mansion was built in 1734 and it was renovated by Washington to include a total of 21 different rooms.

Tickets are $20 a person, or if you can't make the trip you can always view the house through their virtual tour. Several smaller outbuildings around the mansion transport you back to the time when he was alive, so you can see things like the salt shop and stables.

5 5. Dwight D. Eisenhower (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)

Eisenhower's home is owned by the National Park Service and you can take a tour of their home in Gettysburg. There are 24 rooms and almost everything in the home consists of the original furniture.

You can venture into his very own office or take a walk into his wife's pink bathroom. It gives you a personal feel for who they were as people, while still giving you insight into what it was like for this man to be the president.

4 4. Martin Van Buren (Kinderhook, New York)

Martin Van Buren became president in 1837, and it was a tumultuous time for him to enter office. He tried and failed to unite the two halves of the United States as they fought over the issue of slavery. You can take an hour-long tour of his home to see the artifacts and historical significance in every room.

Several hiking trails are also available for those interested in seeing the sights that this president had the opportunity to see every single day. The home is surrounded by nature and the sights will impact you in ways you had never expected.

3 3. Herbert Hoover (West Branch, Iowa)

Hoover was orphaned at 9 years old in his home in West Branch Iowa, and that is the place where we will find the estate that we can tour. It is not so much an estate, as much as a small two-room cottage, but it is where he had his humble beginnings.

There is more to see than just this tiny home, as Hoover was laid to rest with his wife on a hilltop near his home. You can also stop at the visitor center to learn more about his past and have any questions answered that you might have.

2 2. Thomas Jefferson (Monticello, Virginia)

This is by far the most beautiful home on this list as its location gives visitors a beautiful mountain view. There is so much to see and do they recommend spending 3 hours of your day here because by the time you see the visitor center, tour his home, explore some exhibits, and walk through the gardens your day will have flown by.

There are several different tours that you can sign up for depending upon your interests as they cover topics such as slavery, life through the eyes of the Heming's family, and a tour specifically for kids.

1 1. Abraham Lincoln (Springfield, Illinois)

You can take a tour of Lincoln's home in Springfield, Illinois, and it served as their primary residence for 17 years. There is a lot of history contained within this home's walls as it has been around since 1839.

The tickets for entry are free, but make sure to come early as a limited number are passed out each day. The tour is led by a ranger and you can see things like their bedrooms, kitchens, and where their hired help lived and worked.

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