Ronald Reagan Presidential Library ~ Simi Valley

I had no idea!

I was thinking, “Why would I want to drive for an hour and a half to go to library?” We have a state of the art library right around the corner from our home. “Duh!, Cali-mama. “

A Presidential Library isn’t your traditional library. There are no books to check out, no librarian keeping the peace, and no Dewey decimal system. This amazing library system is a place where our Presidents get to donate items from their Presidency and their past.

The Reagan Presidential Library is a fun and amazing walk through history. The Cali-kids had a blast as well as learning so much American history. Come for an hour or come for the entire day. This self paced experience is a blast for everyone in your family. Grab the entire family and come on over to
The Reagan Presidential Library in beautiful Simi Valley to expericance a slice of American history and learn about an amazing man, Ronald Reagan. Click link above to view map.

Pass through the Gallery of Presidents then onto the Early Years Gallery. Learn about President Reagan before he entered politics. Follow along through his governor’s race and onto his run for President. We learned so many details about President Reagan’s time in the White House. Videos discussing key moments in his presidency were very cool and so educational. Getting up close to real historical items was thrilling. Every turn the kids were asking questions and genuinely interested in the answers.

The Air Force One Pavilion is truly amazing. Jaw dropping, take your breath away ….amazing! Entering this pavilion you get to view President Reagan’s Boeing 707 and even get the privilege of walking through Air Force One, the “Flying White House”. In the pavilion there is also the Presidential Motorcade. Stand right next to the Presidents cars. You can also feast your eyes on Marine One- The President’s helicopter. We were all surprised how small this chopper is, compared to Air Force One.

This is a great time to take a break and enjoy a little snack. Stop by The Ronald Reagan Pub located on the lower level of the pavilion. Yummy snacks and candies, coffees, sodas and even beer and wine are offered. This is a wonderful place to hang out for a bit and enjoy sitting under Air Force One.

The Cold War Gallery was most interesting to the Cali-kids. The Cold War ended before they were born. This concept took some explaining and the kids really were interested and asked lots of questions. When you get outside later in the day….make sure you get a family picture next to an actual piece of The Berlin Wall.

Then step into the Oval Office. This is an exact replica of the Oval Office as it looked during President Reagan’s administration. There is a docent standing in the center of the Office answering questions and testing everyone’s knowledge of the Oval Office. My kids surprised me with their awareness of Oval Office facts. Watching National Treasure with Nick Cage a few dozen times really taught them some real historical facts.

The sections of the library dedicated to Camp David and The Ranch were so fun to explore. Take a sneak peek into the private moments away from the public eye. Seeing Nancy and Ronnie kickin’ back, taking time to enjoy their family and friends made them seem so down to earth and real.

There is even an entire gallery dedicated to Nancy Reagan. Photos of her through the years, from her Hollywood days till her time in the White House are so charming. Her famous gowns are truly a highlight of this gallery.

The library’s grounds are beautifully manicured and have many things to see. Walk through a replica of The South Lawn and The Rose Garden while enjoying the amazing views. Don’t miss visiting the Memorial Site. It is where President Reagan was laid to rest after his June 5^th, 2004 passing. It was a moving moment for our entire family.

With all this excellent history now in our minds, we were ready to eat. Reagan’s Country Café offers soups, chili, sandwiches and even yummy grilled items. My favorite is the Sweet Potato Fries. My daughter loves the chili with a side salad. Dine inside or outside and enjoy the killer views of Simi Valley while discuss all the amazing things you just discovered or relearned.

I love Gift Shops. That’s just a “me” thing. Make sure to stop by the newly remodeled Reagan Library Gift Shop. There is something for everyone.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library has many special events and displays. Check their website often to see upcoming events.

My family left the Presidential Library with a great sense of good old-fashioned American Pride.

Click Here: Reagan Library Visitor Information