Summary
Visiting the Ronald Reagan Library
For a minute, forget that the name of the Ronald Reagan Library includes the word library and the name of a past president. This might fool you into bypassing a remarkable destination to explore.
Instead, imagine walking inside a real but retired presidential Air Force One airplane, witnessing a piece of the Berlin Wall, and stepping into a full-sized replica of the Oval Office.
You will find various exhibits chronicling the President’s childhood, acting career, and political accomplishments. However, as they say in a bad late-night TV advertisement, there is more to discover. The “more” is the exciting part. You can also see a land-based Cruise Missile, one of the few remaining after the 1987 INF Treaty, and check out a replica of the Geneva Boathouse, where the first Reagan-Gorbachev summit occurred.
Moreover, the Air Force One Pavilion displays President Johnson’s Marine One helicopter and a presidential motorcade, which includes the 1982 Presidential parade limousine.
Outside, you’ll find Reagan’s tomb in the back courtyard. Nearby, you’ll see that piece of the Berlin Wall, gifted to the museum to commemorate Reagan’s vital role in the fall of Communism. You can visit the outdoor areas of the Ronald Reagan Library and the gift shop without an admission fee.
The library also features temporary exhibits that range from Disney archives to treasures from the Vatican. You can explore past exhibits or find out what the current exhibition is here.
Will You Like the Reagan Library?
The former president’s fans particularly enjoy the Ronald Reagan Library, and many visitors seem quite moved by their experience. Most online reviewers give it high ratings, often highlighting Air Force One as a memorable feature. Most visitors agree that the library is suitable for all ages. Consequently, you can check the reviews on Yelp or browse a few of the thousands of reviews at Tripadvisor.
Interestingly, even those who aren’t big Reagan fans find value in this place. This may be attributed to the variety of exhibits and the insights provided into the Presidency.
However, some visitors feel that it glorifies Reagan a bit excessively. Others mention a hard sell advertising photos and memberships. Nonetheless, even those guests appreciate the scenic views and the experience of seeing Air Force One.
For a different perspective on a President’s life, consider visiting the Richard M. Nixon Birthplace and Library in Yorba Linda.
What You Need to Know About the Reagan Library
The library is open daily, except for select holidays. They charge for admission, but parking is free. You can check current admission and hours on their website.
Plan to spend at least an hour for a quick tour, with up to half a day needed to explore all the exhibits and view all films. During busy periods, it is advisable to arrive before opening to secure tickets without long wait times, or you may order them in advance online. In the summer months, early arrival is recommended to avoid excessive heat and to explore the grounds comfortably before heading inside.
All exhibits are accessible for those with mobility challenges, except inside Air Force One. Single strollers are permitted in the galleries; however, temporary exhibitions might have different policies.
To manage expectations, it’s important to note that the library is not the same as Reagan’s ranch called Rancho del Cielo. That ranch, sold by President and Mrs. Reagan in 1998, was located north of Santa Barbara.
Getting to Ronald Reagan Library
The Ronald Reagan Library is located at 40 Presidential Drive in Simi Valley, CA, northwest of downtown Los Angeles.
