Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens | Omaha

The Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens is a memorial site located in Omaha, Nebraska, USA.

This site commemorates the birthplace of the 38th President of the United States, Gerald R. Ford.

Visual Characteristics

The primary structure is a replica of the modest two-story house where Gerald Ford was born. It is constructed with white clapboard siding and features a dark-colored roof. The surrounding gardens are formally landscaped with a variety of perennial flowers, shrubs, and trees, maintained in a neat and orderly fashion. A central feature is a bronze statue of a young Gerald Ford.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is situated at 3202 Woolworth Avenue in Omaha, Nebraska. It is approximately 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) southwest of the Omaha city center. Access is via local streets; Woolworth Avenue is a paved public road. On-site parking is available in a designated lot adjacent to the gardens. Public transport options include the Metro bus system; Route 15 stops within a 0.5km (0.3 mile) walk of the site.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The original house at this location was built in 1890. Gerald Ford was born here on July 14, 1913. The current structure is a faithful reconstruction, completed in 1971, to preserve the memory of his birthplace. The gardens are designed as a public park, with typical Midwestern temperate zone flora.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can tour the replica birth home, which is furnished to reflect the period. The gardens offer walking paths for exploration. Photography of the house and gardens is permitted. Educational exhibits detailing President Ford's life are present within the home.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the visitor center building. Shaded areas are provided by mature trees within the gardens. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable in this urban area. No on-site food vendors are present, but commercial establishments are located within a 1km (0.6 mile) radius.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal lighting for photography of the exterior, late morning or late afternoon is recommended. The best months for visiting are from May through October, when the gardens are in bloom and weather conditions are generally favorable for outdoor exploration. There are no tidal considerations.

Facts & Legends

A specific detail often noted is that the original house was moved from its initial location to this site in 1971 to create the memorial. The house itself was not originally owned by the Ford family but by the C.H. W. Meyer family, who rented it out.

Nearby Landmarks

• Joslyn Art Museum (3.2km North)
• Old Market (3.8km Northeast)
• Durham Museum (3.5km Northeast)
• Gene Leahy Mall (4.0km Northeast)
• Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge (4.8km Northeast)