My husband and I were both agreed that when we both were retired it would be a fun and interesting adventure to visit all fifteen presidential libraries.  It didn't matter whether the presidential library was dedicated to a president who led the country during our lifetimes or if we supported their candidacy; the allure will be in uncovering the tales of U.S. leaders. This will be an ambitious undertaking since the libraries are scattered across the country, from Massachusetts to California.  

The first presidential library, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, was built in 1941 in Hyde Park, New York under the direction of Franklin D. Roosevelt. With the exception of Herbert Hoover who preceded FDR but whose library was completed after Roosevelt’s, most earlier presidents have their papers and artifacts located in exhibits and other buildings throughout the United States. 

To date, we’ve only visited one presidential library, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. Reagan was the 40th president of the United States. At this time, the Reagan Library is considered the most impressive and at 9,000 square feet is largest of the presidential libraries.  (We are hoping to visit the Nixon Presidential Library and Museum soon since it is also located in our state.) 

We’ve visited the Reagan Presidential Library and Museum often because we live fairly close to it and because it has wonderful exhibits besides the permanent exhibit.   (More about these unusual exhibits later.)

The Museum and Library is perched on top of a mountain in Simi Valley and on a clear day offers a spectacular view.   The ride winding up the hill to the library is impressive and displays flags featuring each of the 45 U.S. presidents.  (I’ve long wanted to quickly stroll down that walkway and have my husband pick me up at the base. Unfortunately, he is not game for that.)

 For people of a certain vintage like us, the library and museum is a nostalgic journey through the Reagan era, prompting vivid flashbacks of historical moments that shaped our lives. As we went through each exhibit hall, we couldn’t help but reflect on how we felt at the time and how we consider the events of those days now.  Did we see things the same or in a different light? Some of what we saw acted as a catalyst for some very animated discussions later in the day.

You’ll have the opportunity to visit the full size replica of the Oval Office, experience the day that Reagan was shot, stand and perhaps give a short speech at the presidential podium, take a photo as you board the Air Force One and walk through the interior of  the actual Air Force One aircraft, tail number 27000, which flew seven U.S. presidents. Air Force One is situation in an expansive multi story glass windowed space that is specular.

Outside you can witness a portion of the Berlin Wall and pay your respects at the Nancy and Ronald Reagan Burial and Memorial site.

There are beautiful grounds to walk through including a grand entrance with a lovely sitting area, a beautiful rose garden and picnic area.

As mentioned before, we often skip the permanent exhibits and head straight for the temporary exhibit.  They are wonderful.   

If you are visiting while there is a new exhibit, generally your ticket will cover both the permanent exhibit and the featured exhibit.

You can easily spend the entire day at the Reagan Presidential Library and Museum.

In part years, we’ve enjoyed many special galleries featuring, the Magna Carta, Inside the White House ( a large miniature display of the White House) a  fascinating and often chilling Cold War Spy Exhibit which we could easily have spent the entire day viewing, The World of Da Vinci, Pompei, and A. Lincoln: Railsplitter to Rushmore.   These exhibits are first class often with large mock ups and the opportunity for interactive experiences. 

We wish we would have had the opportunity to see James Bond: 50 Years of 007, Read My Pins: The Madeleine Albright Collection, Auschwitz and Titantic. 

These are wonderful exhibits covering time periods, people and events that you never would imagine being featured at a presidential library and museum.   I mention these just to give an idea of what you can enjoy if you have the opportunity to visit a presidential library, especially the Reagan Library.

Next up, from March 15 until September 8, 2024 will be a Star Wars and SDI exhibit. The exhibit will include many props, costumes and other items from the Star Wars Franchise. This one we won’t miss!

The library continued to surprise us, proving that history and pop culture could coalesce in unexpected ways.

Before you go, you should know:

If you plan to visit the permanent exhibit and the temporary exhibit, you can easily spend an entire day at the Reagan Presidential Library. 

You can purchase your tickets online.

There is ample free parking.

Only service dogs that are identified as such are allowed in the museum.  No other animals are allowed.

There are two small restaurants and a picnic area.  The museum is close to other restaurants in the area as well.

****You can enjoy a bite at the Gippers Bar and Grill without purchasing a ticket to enter the museum.   There is a large outdoor eating area where you can enjoy a beautiful view and see a portion of the Berlin Wall and the grave sites of Nancy and Ronald Reagan.

Wheel chairs are available.

Large bags and backpacks are not allowed in the museum.

Whether you are a history buff, political animal or foreign visitor, making a presidential library part of your itinerary is worthwhile.  We’ve had friends from all “persuasions” and interests come along with us for a visit and all were fascinated and often surprised by what the library and museum had to offer. 

 If you ever find yourself in Los Angeles or Ventura County, seize the opportunity to visit the Reagan Presidential Library and Museum.  You will be glad you did!