For a minute, forget that the name of the Ronald Reagan Library includes the word library and the name of a dead president. They can trick you into overlooking a fascinating place to visit.
Instead, think about walking inside an actual but retired Air Force One presidential plane, seeing a piece of the Berlin Wall, and stepping into a full-size replica of the Oval Office.
You’ll find all the expected exhibits here, recounting the president’s childhood, his acting career, and his political achievements. But as they say in a bad late-night TV ad, there is more. And the “more” is the fun part. You can also see a cruise missile on the ground, one of the few left after the 1987 INF Treaty, and see a replica of the Geneva boathouse, where the first Reagan-Gorbachev summit took place.
In addition to the plane, the Air Force One Pavilion also displays President Johnson’s Marine One helicopter and a presidential motorcade including the limousine from the 1982 presidential parade.
Outside, you’ll find Reagan’s grave in the backyard. Nearby you will see that piece of the Berlin Wall, given to the museum to commemorate Reagan’s role in the fall of communism. You can visit the outdoor areas of the Ronald Reagan Library, as well as the gift shop, without paying an admission fee.
The library also houses temporary exhibits ranging from the Disney archives to the treasures of the Vatican. You can explore past exhibitions or find out what the current exhibition is here.
Will you like the Reagan library?
Fans of the former president especially enjoy the Ronald Reagan Library, and many visitors seem quite moved by it. Most online reviewers give it very high marks. They often mention Air Force One as a highlight and most of them say that it is suitable for all ages. To learn more about what other people are thinking, check out the reviews on Yelp or check out some of the thousands of reviews on Tripadvisor.
Interestingly, even people who are not big Reagan fans like this place. That may be due to the breadth of exhibits and ideas it provides to the Presidency.
People who don’t like him think he glorifies Reagan too much. Others think that it is very difficult to sell photos and memberships. But even those people love the views and seeing Air Force One.
For a different take on the life of a president, try the Richard M. Nixon Birthplace and Library in Yorba Linda.
What you need to know about the Reagan library
The library is open every day except some holidays. They charge for admission, but there is no parking fee. You can check the current admission and hours and purchase tickets in advance on their website.
Wait at least an hour for a quick tour and expect to spend up to half a day to see all the exhibits and see all the movies. On busy days, try to get there before it opens to get tickets without queuing. Or just order them on their website before you go. In summer, arrive before it gets too hot and explore the gardens before entering.
All exhibits are accessible to people with mobility impairments, except inside Air Force One. Individual strollers are allowed in the galleries. Temporary exhibitions may have different policies.
Lest you be disappointed by expecting something wrong, the library is not the same place as Reagan’s ranch called Rancho del Cielo. That ranch was located north of Santa Barbara and was sold by the President and Mrs. Reagan in 1998.
Get to the Ronald Reagan Library
The Ronald Reagan Library is at 40 Presidential Drive in Simi Valley, CA, northwest of downtown Los Angeles.
