Florida has exactly one presidential house museum, and it’s in Key West! The Truman Little White House dates back to 1890, but it was President Harry S. Truman’s home away from the White House during his presidency between 1946-1952. Given my affection for U.S. history and interest in past Presidents, this particular site quickly made it near the top of my Key West to-do list. Here’s all you need to know to plan your own visit!

Know Before You Go

President Truman is not the only president to use this Little White House.

Presidents Taft (1912), Eisenhower (1955-56), and Kennedy (1961-62) all utilized the house during their presidencies. Presidents Carter (1996 and 2007) and Clinton (2005) used the house after they left office.

Interested in more presidential homes?
Your Guide to Presidents’ Homes within a Day’s Drive of D.C.

Tickets are good for one year from the date of purchase.

When I went to buy tickets online, I was a little concerned that I was literally only buying a ticket, not selecting a date or time. So I called and asked, and the customer service representative explained that tickets are good any day or time for one year after the date of purchase. So buy with confidence!

You can walk around the property free of charge.

If you don’t have time or don’t have the $20+ dollars in the budget for a ticket, you can still roam around the property for free between 8:00am and 6:00pm. There’s a beautiful, spacious front yard, palm trees for plenty of shade, and a bit of peacefulness away from the hustle and bustle, just a block away from Duvall Street!

Helpful info: How to Plan a Trip

It’s still an active Presidents’ retreat.

That’s right? Any President, sitting or former, has an open invitation to use the Little White House for meetings, vacation, or work away from D.C. Should a President come to visit, tours would stop. The chance of that happening is low, but it’s something to be aware of so you’re not taken unpleasantly by surprise on the off-chance a President comes to stay!

No photography allowed inside the house.

This is a bummer, especially for a travel blogger like myself! Because it is an active Presidents’ retreat, no photos are allowed for security reasons. You can take as many photos outside as you like, though!

More here: What to Know Before You Visit Key West

Location, Hours, and Admission

Address: 111 Front Street

The Little White House was easy to find, and walking around the Truman Annex was a treat! It’s like a gated community, and the homes on the property are well-kept and gorgeous. It’s hard to believe you’re just a block or two off of busy, bustling Duvall Street!

Hours: 10:00am-4:00pm, 7 days per week

Tours last about 30 minutes, and tours begin about every 30 minutes as well. During that time you’ll hear all about famous visitors (not just Truman!), interior design choices, and the history of the home, which goes back to the 19th century!

Admission: Adults $22.52 in person; $20.27 online

Children ages 4-12 cost $10.75 in person, or $9.68 online. Children 3 years old and under tour FREE.

Read on: The Ultimate Top 10 Travel Hacks

Buying Tickets

You will save $2.25 per adult ticket when you purchase online instead of at the property. It’s very easy to buy your tickets on their website, and your ticket will be good for any one day for 12 months from the date of purchase.

Also in Key West: Visiting Hemingway’s Home and Gardens

Highlights of the Tour

This was a very interesting tour! It’s one of the top six tours in the United States, according to Trip Advisor, so it will be worth your while. Some of the highlights include the very questionable poker table, the famous photograph of Tuman holding up an erroneous copy of the Chicago Tribune boasting of his loss (he actually won), and Truman’s red, white, and blue room.

Want more? Check out my United States Page for all my posts about Key West and Florida!

Love this post? Pin it for later!