Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
PARK OVERVIEW
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site in Buffalo, New York, preserves the house where Roosevelt was inaugurated as the 26th President of the United States on September 14, 1901, following the death of President William McKinley. McKinley was in Buffalo to attend the Pan-American Exposition when he was shot in the chest and stomach by avowed anarchist Leon Czolgosz on September 6th. He lived for eight days, dying on the 14th around 2 AM. Roosevelt arrived in Buffalo later that afternoon and was sworn in around 3:15 PM. The house chosen for the inauguration was owned by a friend of his, Ansley Wilcox.
Being an inner-city historical site, there are no house grounds to walk around, so the main activity available to visitors is touring the Wilcox House. There is a Visitor Center next door with an exhibit area that focuses on the Pan-American Exposition. Books, souvenirs, and tickets for the house tour can also be purchased here (online tickets are available was well).
For visitors looking for more activities in the Buffalo area, Niagara Falls is only a half-hour drive from Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site. Parking and easy access to views of both the Canadian and American falls is at Niagara Falls State Park. There is a fee to enter.
View of the American Falls from an observation deck at Niagara Falls State Park
View of Horseshoe Falls from an observation deck at Niagara Falls State Park
OPERATING HOURS
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site is open daily from February through December, 10 AM to 5 PM. Tours of the Wilcox House start a half hour after opening and run every hour, with the last tour being at 3:30 PM. In January, it is open on Fridays and Saturdays only, same hours. Keep in mind that times can always change, so be sure to get the latest schedule on the TR Inaugural Site.
FEES
There is a fee to tour the Wilcox House where Roosevelt’s inauguration took place but no fee to enter the Visitor Center. The park is operated by the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site Foundation through a cooperative agreement with the National Park Service. Tickets can be purchased online in advance at the Foundation’s Tours and Tickets web page or at the Visitor Center (credit / debit cards only). Visitors with National Park passes of all types do get a discount on up to four tickets per pass. Prices vary depending on your age. Current fees are given on the Tours and Tickets page.
SCHEDULING YOUR TIME
Visitor Center
allow 30 minutes
Wilcox House Tour
allow 1 hour
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Last updated on September 17, 2026
