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The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Museums Public Services & Government Libraries Event Planning & Services Venues & Event Spaces Museums, Libraries, Venues & Event Spaces [Edit]
40 Presidential DrSimi Valley, CA 93065
(800) 410-8354
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 5 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
118 reviews for The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Review Highlights
"My favorite part was seeing Air Force One."
(in 65 reviews)
"There Is A Block Of The Berlin Wall There, So Awesome."
(in 28 reviews)
"Loved the model of the white House they had."
(in 17 reviews)
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118 reviews in English
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Review from Yi Z.
10/29/2011
At first I thought 12 bucks is a bit steep but it was well worth it. I felt motivated and inspired when I left the place. Mainly, I hope I can find someone who completes me the way Nancy and Ronald were to each other. Ok, enough of the fairy tale love story.
The museum covered everything from Reagan's birth to his governorship of California to his presidency and his death. We tried to read everything at the start but 2 hours into it, we realized that we were only half way through the museum so we decided to speed it up a bit.
Air Force One was very cool to board and being Asian we were too cheap to buy the lame picture they took of us. I got to play the "Life Under Reagan" game multiple times and it was fabulous since Life was always my favorite game growing up.
When we walked out, it was 4pm, the weather was perfect and the view was magnificent. It was a wonderful way to spend my afternoon.Listed in: Museums
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Review from James S.
Whatever your feelings on Reagan the President, Reagan the Actor, or Reagan the Man, the Presidential Library is well worth a visit.
Although I am no historian, I am a big fan of all things Presidential, so it was only a matter of time to make the trip (about an hour outside of L.A.). Occasionally, it appears that the mythos surrounding our 40th President overshadows some of the critical moments in his long public life. So, do not come here expecting the full, unbiased story. However, you will find a treasure trove of artifacts in the form of photos, videos and inventive interactive exhibits. There are also massive set pieces such as Air Force One, which served several Presidents but now resides here.
The Berlin Wall is here, and is but one of many wings of interest. An interactive game on economics (play the stock market in 1981, or budget a family in the 1980s) is fun for kids and adults. Much is devoted to his life before his Presidency (as Governor, as SAG President, as actor and radio broadcaster.) Be sure to do a screen test where you may either act in a Reagan movie, or call a Cubs' game.
You can visit the cafe on the premises, or bring your own and dine on the grounds. Try the remade Rose Garden. This was a fun option, and a great way to take in the expansive surroundings.
Kids are free. I didn't learn about the Membership option til we left. A ticket at $15 (just went up in November) is still a good deal. They are happy to make up some money if you want a picture on Air Force One (Tip: ask the photographer to be sure there's nobody in your background -- of if that happens, just ask for a reshoot. They're happy to accommodate.)
The museum struck me as selling the President as a brand, and I'm told this is not unique to this President: that all Presidential Library/Museums are there to lead the cheer. I walked away (bring good shoes and at least 2 1/2 hours) with a better understanding and appreciation of a major historical figure with whom I rarely agreed. -
Review from jazzy l.
San Francisco, CA
11/24/2011 2 photos
Visiting his library and museum made me more inspired and hopeful.
$15/ticket. $50/membership for one year. You get to visit the other 12 Presidential libraries.
We saw his memorial site.
The views from this 100 acre land was breathtaking. -
Review from Phil W.
San Clemente Island, CA
11/15/2011
Understand, I was no Reagan fan before this trip. But afterwards ... wow!
Just kidding. I still think the Gipper was a senile old coot, a bad movie actor, and a dogmatic reactionary with a trembling hand on the nuclear trigger. Pretty fricking scary if you ask me.
Otherwise, judging this facility purely on the grounds of historical accuracy and interest, it wasn't half bad. -
Review from Michael S.
Marina del Rey, CA
11/1/2011 3 photos
"All great change in America begins at the dinner table." - Ronald Reagan
That man would of been my kind of yelper. I may not be a total fan of the Gipper's politics, but I am of the the museum, views, and history at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on a picturesque Californian hilltop.
The museum is loaded with artifacts and history throughout Reagan's life including his hollywood, governor, and presidential careers. Highlights include
* A 9 1/2 foot tall piece of the Berlin Wall with graffiti on the "West" side and plain grey on the "East" side. "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" is a popular quote here.
* The real Air Force One presidential airplane used from 1973 - 2001 which you can walk through.
* A real Marine One presidential helicopter, a presidential limousine, and matching Secret Service motorcade.
* The final resting place of President Reagan since June 2004.
* An actual pub from Ballyporeen, Ireland that Reagan visited and now serves as a snack shop.
* A full-size replica of the White House Oval Office.
For dining, Reagan's Country Cafe offers classic American versions of a Smokey Southern Pulled Pork Sandwich, Air Force One Hamburgers, F-14 Fighter Dogs, Steakhouse Chili, Salads, and Sandwiches.
Parking = Free. Admission = $12.00 Adults; $6 Teens; Free Kids.
When you want to get out of L.A. for the day, the hour drive to Simi Valley is worth a visit to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.Listed in: Boredom Busters in L.A.
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Review from Cathy S.
I have been pondering about taking my 87 year old Mother to the Ronald Reagan Library as I was concerned about the weather and how hot it can become in Simi Valley. I chose today, Sunday, October 23rd and it was as lovely as it can be! Perfect weather and not a cloud in the sky. Fitting day to pay our respects to the 40th President of the United States. He would have been a 100 this year if not for Alzheimer's.
The driveway was lined with banners of previous Presidents and the parking lot was beautifully landscaped. The parking lot was a prelude to the actual grounds of the library. There were absolutely no petals or leaves on the grounds of the entry into the main entrance of the library. In the middle of the courtyard stood a beautiful fountain, once again, absolutely no leaves or petals inside, marring the beauty of the fountain.
We walked through every part of the library and learned quite a lot of Mr. Regan. Quite an impressive resume! A short story about the Oval Office with a few little known facts thrown in! Gipper http://www.yelp.com/bi... as he was known then felt he worked hard to be in the Oval office and made it his own. Who wouldn't feel that way! They also had some personal effects of his while he was in office.
Air Force One took my breath away. http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Just had to find out how did they were able to get the 707 into the building! Something you too will find out after reading and speaking to the volunteers there. Don't want to give it away...
Jars of jellybeans and German Chocolate cake... I refuse to disclose any more...
They showed a short film taken when he was shot and on display was the suit he was wearing. It brought back memories as the pictures flashed before me. I remember what I was doing that day and how it affected me.
I vaguely remember Reaganomics, Invasion of Grenada, the ending of the Cold War, the 1986 bombing of Libya and the revelation of the Iran-Contra affair. However, this library does a phenomenal job of educating you on both his political and personal lives. This is a flawless up close look of an important part of American History and I am truly glad that I was able to experience it with my loved ones.
The store is just beautifully done with many souvenirs available to purchase. Outside, a section of the Berlin Wall. In a beautiful setting with the gentle rolling hills as a back drop, perfect in every sense.
Loved this library in all it's tranquility.
This library should be on everyone's bucket list.Listed in: Date night, Working the mind and the…, LA Icons, Bucket List
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Review from VenturaRossMan K.
Ventura, CA
1/8/2012
So nice! Having a Presidential Library in the backyard of the city I live in is very rewarding. This was my second visit and I thoroughly enjoyed it. On this visit I took the Guidecam Audio/Video Tour and I highly recommend it. When I left the museum and library via a path past a piece of the Berlin Wall and the President's tomb I said to myself that this was a very informative and nice visit and promised myself to come again.
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Review from Nicole G.
Los Angeles, CA
11/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
My parents were in town and my stepdad was interested in going to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library to see the renovations and visit Reagan's grave. My mother and I weren't thrilled, but we went along. I'm so glad we did!
First off, what a beautiful location! Gorgeous views looking down on Simi Valley. Also, the location is well taken care of and has plentiful parking. The library also offers a guided audio tour. The audio tour is on an iPod and also allows you to take pictures and video and at the end of the tour e-mails them to you. This was definitely the coolest way to do an audio tour that I have seen and came in handy since our camera died. I wouldn't get the audio tour again, however, because there is SO much to see in the museum and the audio tour really slows it down.
The library and museum takes you through Reagan's birth, his time in college, his Hollywood years, through his governorship, presidency, assassination attempt, and death. I was quite surprised with how interesting I found the whole thing. Even a bit eerie, as some of the topical issues his presidency faced are happening again today.
My favorite parts were seeing the assassination attempt, the Oval Office replica, and the Air Force One. Really cool! The museum is huge so I recommend getting there early, but I definitely think it's something that many people can enjoy. Definitely worth a visit! -
Review from Bobby Y.
Cleveland, OH
10/12/2011
I've been to a half dozen or so museums of this sort, and boy do they get it right here. I sometimes wonder if they consulted the creative geniuses at Disney's imagineers, or if they just got it right.
The design of this place is a true fitting tribute to Ron.
The Air Force One display is really the icing on the cake, and elevates this museum to the next level.
A few hours drive from LA with the bad traffic, but it was worth it. -
Review from mark y.
Arcadia, CA
1/2/2012
I was really looking forward to my 1st visit to this library and brought my family from out of town, hyping up how great this place sounded and from all the reviews. Unfortunately my experience was ruined within the 1st few minutes when I got to the ticket line and encountered the worst ticket person in my life. Rebecca S. was so incredibly rude in her tone and in the things she said to me, rolling her eyes with her coworker, and when I called her out that she was being a bit rude, she tells my sister, "At least you are the nice one." I was in shock as this has never ever happened in which someone acted so unprofessional in their role. She was the 1st person we met and interacted with-- who is suppose to represent the museum.
I was a bit too upset and distracted to enjoy my time there and don't plan on coming back as that has become my association with this place. I guess for me, first impressions really did make (or in this case break) the experience. So for that-- 0 stars.
In contrast, the docents, the folks from the foundation were helpful, kind, nice, informative... all that you would expect from a place like Ronald Reagan Library. To be fair, I have to add stars back.
I left a message for the manager but still haven't heard back-- it's been a week.
BTW, this is from my wife's perspective. And I support this 100%. -
Review from Michelle B.
Los Angeles, CA
9/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
My dad dragged me here last weekend and to my surprise the trip was a lot of fun!
I loved this museum because it's a real tribute to love, history and humanity. It is so much more than a historical place, it told a story about a man and how he lived his life to the fullest. I cried at the very end!! The love shared between Reagan and his wife is just so touching!
In the end...I was surprised that I enjoyed it and I'm glad my dad took me!
Highly recommended! It's great for a picnic date up in the mountains or a place to go with your parents if they love a little piece of US history ;) -
Review from Todd O.
9/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
What's a liberal doing in a place like this??? Enjoying a super cool museum and part of US History. The place is absolutely beautiful and really well done. I definitely think its better than the Nixon Library. The museum part is really cool. As long as you can put your political opinions aside because they do make the guy out to be a saint that only did good, the place is WELL worth it. Air Force One is really worth it. The videos they show in various places are quite interesting. Damn the "Cold War" seems so silly and long ago now!
Only complaint, the people that worked there seem really grumpy. Doesn't matter what department or area they all seemed grumpy. -
Review from syrus f.
Arcadia, CA
10/24/2011
It was a very nice library up on the hills with a good looking view. I'm not a fan of history but still found this place very interesting. Too bad we came an hour to closing time and had to rush through everything.
The people who worked there were extremely friendly. Each time you walked into a new section of the museum there would be someone greeting you with a brief history of the section.
The highlight of the tour had to be the Air Force One. It was amazing. I somehow thought only the main body of the plane was in the museum and not the ENTIRE plane?!??!?! So it was a very pleasant surprise when we saw the ENTIRE plane sitting inside the building. We walked right through the Air Force One and, again, the history of the plane was explained to us by the people who worked there. -
Review from kathleen k.
Fallon, NV
10/25/2011
Throughly enjoyed ourselves and the history. Beautiful Location.
Extremely knowledgealbe staff that love to give you details. Air Force One is a must see. -
Review from Christa S.
Austin, TX
12/10/2011
Word to the wise - get there early...you should allot at least 3 hours (to be on the safe side, 4) for your visit. Set atop a beautiful hill in Simi Valley, this is an attraction not to be missed. From the standard exhibits chronicling the President's life and time in office to the Air Force One on display, this was a real treat. I've been to a number of Presidential Libraries and this one is right up there at the top of the pack. Whether or not you were pro the Gipper, a great way to spend the day and if you are lucky and stay until sunset, some gorgeous views to boot.
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Review from Adam E.
7/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Republican, Democrat who cares... That should not effect a Yelp review. This is a Museum that honors a great HUMAN being. No I am not a Republican if you were wondering.
The museum is a must see in my book. US history at his finest. It shows the human aspect of our late ex president.
I love walking through the old Air Force One and hearing the stories. The exhibits are well put together and there is great video footage throughout the whole museum.
I actually had a tear running down my face at the end of the exhibit when it showed the passing of Regan.
I really enjoyed this place and hope one day we can have a president, Rep.,Dem., Green, Indy., whatever... who is as classy, and for the people as this one.Listed in: 10 STARS
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Review from Sophia C.
9/3/2011
Being Labor Day weekend and gas prices dampering long driving, I opted to stick around SoCal and decided to finally check out the R Reagan library with the husband. Yikes!!! Who knew going here would turn into a crazy rush to get parking spot!
Anywho, this review is strictly in regards to the experience of the library, Democrat or Republican. So shove it if you have your panties in a bunch that you think this place should be above 5 stars!!!
When you enter the premises, you get a sense of calmness, perhaps what attracted Reagan to spend his last years in the neighborhood. There was so many artifacts of this president that I grew up with as a child (no, literally, from age 1-9 years old). I always remember Reagan giving speeches and such...and just seeing footage of the stuff I remember seeing on TV kind of sent me back to childhood...as well as experiencing Reagan's childhood up to his point of becoming president. Trust me, there is A LOT of videos to watch.
The exhibit is pretty well put together and I loved that they had an exact replica of how the Oval Office was when the man ran it. I loved that his original chair that Reagan had as Governor of California which was then brought with him throughout his eight years in the WH had returned to his library.
What I really came here for was to be able to step onto an Actual Air Force One. The library did a great job of pretty much keeping or replicating how things were back on planes when it was the 80s (what, ash trays in airplanes?!?!?). Details from the President's jar of jelly beans to the replica of how laptops looked like back in the heydays before we even knew what laptops are today, it was awesome to be able to step inside. Along with the Air Force One were also models of other vehicles that the President was transported in throughout the rest of the wing of the library. It's weird, but if you go to their cafe, you're actually sitting right below the airplane.
I loved that they had a piece of the Berlin Wall outside to see, as well as September 11th artifact throughout the exhibits. What is the most surreal is the simple area dedicated to where the president lies. Loved him or hated him, Reagan was a man that led a very interesting life.
A definite check out for a few hours if you are in the area. I would have given it 5 stars except that most of the docents for the day just seem irritated that there were way too many people for them to handle. I guess the library itself wasn't expecting that many guests on a usually long getaway weekend. -
Review from Rodney S.
9/21/2011 6 photos
I thoroughly enjoyed my excursion to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. I've been meaning to visit here ever since he passed away almost a decade ago.
I came as part of a tour bus. That's the best way to go as far as I'm concerned. I don't have to worry about traffic & parking. The cost of the trip included admission & a buffet lunch. Win-Win!
The premises were flawless, with beautiful landscaping all around. The bus dropped us off near the entrance, and there was a courtyard with a fountain in the middle. We started by checking out a piece of the Berlin Wall. On the West German side, there was graffiti all over, showing the freedom of speech they had. The East German side, there was some paint identifying for transport and barriers at the bottom. Fun fact, Carl Karcher donated it to the library. Yes, the late Carl's Jr. guy. Next, we headed to Reagan's grave where he is interred. We had the chance to have a moment of silence & pay our respects. I was a little perturbed that there wasn't an eternal flame on display, but it was still beautiful nonetheless. We then headed to the museum proper & visited the early, middle and later years of the former president. One of the most memorable moments was when we saw on display the suit Reagan was wearing when he was shot. Seeing the 2 bullet holes up close really had an emotional impact, at least to me it did. We also saw a replica of the Oval Office just as the "Gipper" had it during his administration.
The highlight for most people is probably going inside Air Force One. It's a 707, and it's kinda cramped considering the VIP's it held when it was operational. The current administration flies in a 747/757, which is 3 times the size. It was nice to see the requisite jars of jellybeans & the chocolate cake which Reagan would have on hand for birthdays/anniversaries/no reason at all other than to have chocolate cake.
We had a buffet lunch underneath the left wing of Air Force One consisting of salad, roasted vegetables, chicken breast in balsalmic glaze, mashed potatoes, chocolate chip cookies, breads & drinks.
There is also a "pub" nearby, but I don't think they serve alcohol. Just baked goods, tea & coffee. The food was good. There is also a cafe next to the gift shop, offering burgers/dogs/etc. The gift shop was nice to check out. We ended up buying a fridge magnet of the presidential magnet. No stuffed Ronnie doll? Come on!
All in all, I really enjoyed the time I spent here. Not having to worry about traffic & parking was just icing on the cake. I would definitely go again & I suggest you pay a visit too whenever you get the chance.
Excelsior! -
Review from mary c.
Los Angeles, CA
12/28/2011
Get here early during their busy times, like the week between Christmas and New Years, to park in the main parking lot; otherwise you need to park along the street and walk up the hill to the museum. I got here a few minutes before opening and there was plenty of parking. However, when I left before noon, cars were parked quite a way down the hill. Seeing Air Force One was pretty impressive and worth the drive and time to see it.
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Review from Lisa O.
Highlands Ranch, CO
11/6/2011
If you are liberal or a conservative, this is still a great place to go. Very interactive museum. You learn a lot about history. Air Force One is inside and very interesting to check out. Also you can do a "screen test" with the Gipper, check out teleprompters, and ride a fake horse with Ronnie. They also have a mockup of the oval office. Great for school age and up.
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Review from Fern R.
Upland, CA
8/15/2011
Woo-Hoo!!! I Was On Air Force One And I Have The Pictures To Prove it!!!
The Plane Was Cramped And Could Be Claustrophobic But Worth Going Into. I think You Have More Room On Regular Airplanes That The Old Air Force One Planes They Used.
I Took A Picture Of The Oval Office With Flash..Oops And I Got Caught...C'est La Vie...But I Don't Usually Listen Or Work Well With Museum Rules Anyway. (Just Ask The Mona Lisa At The Louvre, LOL)
I Enjoyed Going Through The Library Looking At All The Things Ronald & Nancy Were Involved In. You Get To See The Army Uniforms That Ronald Wore When He Was In The Army And Many Of His Hollywood Paraphernalia. You Also Get To See A Display Of Many Of The Dresses Nancy Was Gifted With or Wore. You Got To See Inside Their Lives As Well As Their Public Lives.
There Is A Block Of The Berlin Wall There, So Awesome...
The Gift Shop Was OK.
I Wish I Had Been Able To Go Into The Archives. -
Review from Joseph Z.
Woodland Hills, CA
6/11/2011
If I was a Republican, Reagan's Presidential Library would have gotten a 5 star rating. I went on a recommendation from my parents who enjoyed a visit the last time they came to California to see me.
The clear highlight is getting to tour the interior of the actual Air Force One plane used during the Reagan Administration. They also really did a great job of exhibiting the President's entire life and not just his time in office. I felt like I was able to learn much more about Reagan the person, as well as some interesting highlights of his acting career.
On top of the library/museum itself, it is set in an incredible, picturesque setting on the top of a hill in Simi Valley. I had never spent time in Simi and was very impressed. There are lots of grass, trees, and flowers. It's perfect for a day out with someone you love. -
Review from Steve V.
5/23/2011
On a whim while riding the Harley with my buddies, we decided to stop here at the Reagan Library. Now you say library to me and I think I don't read, but I have to tell you this is much much more. Pretty interesting stuff. Airforce One, Berlin Wall, the suit he was shot in, and the .22 caliber that Hinkley (Clown) used to shoot him. All that so that Jodi Foster would take notice to him... Hey clown, you really wasted those bullets... she's a lesbian... didn't you get the memo????
All in all, cool place to visit even if it's only once. -
Review from Anne P.
Red Bluff, CA
5/22/2011 5 photos
This is a first class museum! It does not matter whether you are on the right or left. What matters is that Ronnie was a grand part of history. This museum beautifully depicts the history, international relations, our country the USA and the love of his wife Nancy!
BRAVO to everyone at the Ronald Reagan that had the vision to follow through with this special place to document history! -
Review from Chuck C.
Murrieta, CA
3/18/2011
Great experience and I highly recommend it to everyone. As you read through the reviews keep in mind we Yelp about different restaurants, attractions ect...to give the details of our visit in order to help anyone that may read them decide if he/she or they should go.
That being said, Javier, Yelp is not your personal tool to trash Ronald Reagan! If I could I would ban you from yelp forever. FYI the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library thanks you for your contribution. -
Review from Chris C.
5/17/2011
This places has some really neat things to offer that you won't find at all the other presidential libraries. The most prominent feature of this library is Air Force One, which you can actually walk through and see for yourself. I probably enjoyed this more than anything else here. They also have Marine One on display though you can't walk through it like you can at the Nixon Library. They also have one of the largest sections of the Berlin Wall I've seen anywhere except for the Newseum in Washington D.C.
Some of the exhibits and hallways were not exactly designed to accomodate large numbers of people at once, as there were many "bottleneck" points throughout the exhibits that got crowded with people and made it impossible for others to pass by. The Kennedy Library in Boston felt much more open and "presidential". I found it interesting that there was almost no mention of any of Reagan's children here, probably because they were adults once he entered the White House but I was still a bit surprised.
In order to avoid the crowds, I'd try coming here on a weekday if possible. Also, show some class and don't wear your tacky "NObama" etc. t-shirts here. There wasn't anyone wearing any anti-Bush when I visited the Kennedy library. -
Review from mike b.
Diamondhead, MS
11/7/2011
Conservative ZEN! Free for Military in Uniform.
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Review from Jennifer S.
Dallas, TX
10/30/2011
Great tribute to the late Ronald Reagan! The museum is situated in a scenic, beautiful location. The museum provides just the right amount of information and it is very well done. Very cool to walk through an old Air Force One too!
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Review from Salim H.
Camarillo, CA
4/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is a Must Visit for every American, and every person who is interested in the historical and political developments of the latter half of the 20th century.
President Reagan is hailed as one of America's best and most influential president.
President Reagan's influence on American and World Politics cannot be ignored. Whether you agree or disagree with his policies, visiting his presidential library and museum should give you a closer look at Ronald Reagan The Man and The President.
Great Place to spend a day, and having a Beer under Air Force One, is a great way to wrap up your tour.
Great Settings, great location, great President. -
Review from Alex L.
5/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
What a beautiful, enthralling, and moving museum to visit. The setting is spectacular on a hill overlooking rolling hills. The exhibits are great and inspiring. Makes you feel so proud to be an American. It's also kinda weird how things Reagan said nearly 30 years later still apply to current events.
You need about a good 3 plus hours to really take your time to take in all it has to offer.
No matter what you thought of him, or think of him now, seeing this Library is a necessity. I've been inspired by Reagan for many years so of course, it reinforces more of my beliefs and love for the man. But heck, I'd go to President Clinton's library if I found myself in Arkansas. -
Review from Alvin-Christian N.
Lake Balboa, CA
4/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
First, just to clarify, I want to put up a paragraph from the library's brochure:
"Presidential Libraries are not libraries in the usual sense. They are archives and museums, preserving the written record and physical history of our presidents, while providing special programs and exhibits that serve their communities."
With that said, political differences aside, I had fun going through the different halls and learning more about Reagan's life. There is a good amount of information and I love that there are different interactive portions throughout the museum, including a chance to record yourself reading lines as Reagan did. Even though there was a lot of people, everything still seemed to be regulated well.
I would definitely want to go again in the future since there is still so much to learn. Definitely did not know that I would appreciate going to this place as much as I did. -
Review from Fannie S.
3/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Beautiful library. Extensive walking. Plenty to watch. Lots of interactive activities (touch screen/videos/podium teleprompter).
Everything is done in elegant colors, great progression of RR's life from room to room.
Docents here really maintain the crowd control....and they're friendly too.
Gallery of US presidents was wonderful. The miniature special exhibit of the White House was delightful.
The Marine One, and The Air Force One are overwhelming to behold, never mind the striking view of green hills and mountains outside....Listed in: Cultural Experience
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Review from John H.
Dublin, CA
9/15/2011
I'm giving this 4 stars instead of 5 because the day I went to visit the library CNBC was setting up for the Republican debate underneath Air Force One and we weren't allowed to take photos of the plane because of some agreement the library had with the network. Really stupid if you ask me because the bulk of the plane was one direction and their set was in another.
Other than that, the Reagan Library is a good source of history and culture of America in the 1980s. I've been to two others -- LBJ in Austin and Lincoln in Springfield -- but this is the one that really gave me a good sense about Ronald Reagan the human being and not just him as the actor or the politician. The interactive displays are rather fun, although having to wait your turn behind kids can be annoying.
President Reagan himself chose the site, and you can't help but feel his Hollywood actor sense making the decision. The view was gorgeous and probably would have been breathtaking were it not for the typical SoCal smog. Touching a piece of the Berlin Wall and spending time at his gravesite is more than enough to bring a tear to the eye.
Here's a hint: arrive at the library first thing in the morning. You'll be able to park in the parking lot. When I left at noon the lot was full and people had to park halfway down the mountain (and it really is a mountain). -
Review from Paul K.
The library is very well done, and informative. You also feel right at home if you're a Republican and a fan of Reagan (as I am). I'm definitely coming back here again in the future.
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Review from Javier J.
2/6/2011 1 photo
On this, what would have been the 100th Birthday of the gipper, I review his Presidential library. And really, what library doesn't have a large air plane in Air Force One in it? It goes hand in hand to Libraries like the Dewey decimal System.
To be perfectly honest, as much as I love California, I'll never forgive it for spewing the plague known as Ronald Reagan to our nation.
It's not just that he did terrible things as an actor, a governor and during his presidency. Sure enough he did all of those terribly. But he's poisoned our waters forever, giving credibility to ideas that should never been met with universal scorn.
And yet Ronald Reagan has one of the most visited presidential libraries and has a foundation going around getting his name put on new highways and libraries
It's sort of like going to a Hitler botanical garden and natural museum. Yeah.. I mean, this place AT BEST is a nice place to look around on what used to be Reagan's Ranch. But at worse it's propaganda towards white washing how horribleness the Reagan administration was.
In reality, having Reagan's name on a library is sort of comical considering how much government spending that doesn't involve shooting or imprisoning brown people.
The Ronald Reagan library seems like a perfect example of his president. In that it has no books. Must be cause of all those Reaganomics...
Just looking at this lay out I can finally understand how he tripled the national debt. He spent it on junk.
I was pretty surprised that no part of this place had any mention or highlighted the fact that he backed Saddam and he literally trained Osama Bin Laden to be a terrorist. But maybe I was just not looking in the right places.
Another fun fact - Reagan also de-funded the mental hospital system in the middle of a huge existential crisis where they were holding people who were not even mentally ill. Which does explain the workers here. Clearly all those nut bags came here looking for a job. Score one for the gipper.
I would like to know if the workers at this library are unionized. I mean.. that would be comical given Reagan's stance on Unions. He was utterly insane.
I mean, the man said "Israel is a land of stability and democracy in a region of tyranny and unrest" He literally said that. And this wasn't on opposites day.
How could we erect a monument of education for such a man? I think I'm more open to Bush's library. At least he wasn't completely gone mentally when he was running us into the ground.
I was also looking for the room that was made up entirely of Jellybeans. I mean, I know that he must have written it in his will that there be at least one jar of jellybeans in every room and one room stocked full of them.
He may have won the cold war, but he sure lost the battle with his mind.
Oh yeah, for anyone like me who stopped by Ladyface Alehouse on the way over here and drank a pitcher of some good beer in hopes to piss on his grave... well, you better rethink your plan. It does have a gate around it. So in theory you can still go in and at least dance on it. Though you risk the possibility of getting tackled by some right wing wacko.
Don't get me wrong, this place is beautiful. But that shouldn't surprise anyone. It's in a beautifully untouched chunk of land. Do you honestly think Reagan would have remembered to go out and do anything to the land when he was alive?
The difference between the Reagan library and the Nixon library is the tone. Reagan's is a celebration. For what? I have no idea. But it makes him seem like the greatest American possible.
The Nixon library on the other hand is all around apologetic. We see him for Watergate and being a criminal. Man, if only that theme would carry out in both libraries.
Oh yeah.. Nixon's is also in Yorba Linda, which, while it seems like in the middle of nowhere's-ville, has a lot more stuff around it than Simi Valley.
If your child is going on a field trip to Reagan country, realize that they'll be embedded with the idea that Reagan was some awesome dude and perhaps they will want a monkey or something.
They'll be taught the wonders of the Granada invasion.. only more twisted. And yet this smug smile 40th President won over the public with his smile. I'm so tempted to give this place a 1 star, but I can't. Maybe because it just needs to be seen to be believed on how insane it all is. -
Review from Steve F.
Los Angeles, CA
9/27/2011
If a visit to this very interesting place doesn't evoke emotions, rekindle memories, and encourage you to be a better you (regardless of your political philosophies) - then you can be certain you're none other than Commander Data, an Alzheimer's patient, and a born loser all rolled into one.
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Review from Scott S.
Midland, TX
5/23/2011
Truly inspiring. Ronald Reagan was a great President that did a whole lot for this country and the world. His library tells about his life and what was going on in the world. You need to make a trip here to see it.
They have updated the displays for Mr. Reagan's 100th birthday celebration. I really enjoyed them. A highlight is going through Air Force One.
The grounds are beautiful and well kept. A beautiful library. -
Review from Mike C.
FREE admission for military dudes...score!!!! I love free stuff.
Discounts for students and seniors and stuff. I'm into history and arts and stuff and this museum/library has them both. I was still a youngin when President Reagan was in office, but I never really knew the effect that he had on our country and essentially the world until the 1990's. He is probably, if not, the best president that served in the US. And this library is dedicated to his life as an actor, a humanitarian, a president, and a man amongst men.
It's a bit of drive to get here. It's in Simi Valley and there's nothing to do in Simi Valley. But if you live in the LA area, it's worth a visit. It's only 12 bucks to get in. That's like 2 pints of Stella or like 3 Bay Breezes from your favorite dive bar. So wouldn't you rather come up and gain some knowledge and stuff rather than getting hammered. Well if it helps...they do have alcohol in the Reagan Pub and Reagan Cafe.
Oval Office - It's the closest place in the West Coast to actually see the replica of the Oval Office. Although the attendant on hand tried to BS her way through it, it is still a nicely reconstructed room the way President Reagan saw it on a daily basis. Only the family pictures and a few others were originals. The rest are reproduction pieces.
Air Force One - Besides AF1, you'll see a bunch of President Reagan's Harley-Davidson collection, some replicas but a lot of the motorcycles out on display are real. Also a pub is located downstairs. And of course AF1 inhabits most of the space in this 3 story building. You get to actually walk inside and check out some neat stuff. The terrace offers a pretty nice view of nothingness as there is just hills and rattlesnakes.
South Lawn - Here is cool reproduction of the actual South Lawn in the White House and where President Reagan is actually buried. Nicely maintained area. Again, a nice view of open valleys, hills, and rattlesnakes. The cafe and museum store is located here as well.
Miniature White House - Such a great attention to detail piece. Everything from the West Wing to the individual White House guards were meticulously hand crafted to scale. Even the theater plays a miniature movie.
Jelly Beans - This man and his jelly beans. I mean...I love jelly beans too but this guy loooooooves his jelly beans. Every where you go, you will see at least one or two jelly bean dispensers here and there. His favorite flavor was liquorice. He also invented the boysenberry jelly bean.
Like I said before, its definitely a worthy visit, albeit far from LA. It's pretty cheap. You can probably go to the mall or something afterwards or the Best Buy. FREE parking too...if that helps. You will leave here a lot more learned and appreciate the stuff that President Reagan accomplished.Listed in: Cultured Club, Military Appreciation, Museums - Los Angeles
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Review from Mari C.
Simi Valley, CA
12/29/2010
You can purchase a family membership to the museum for 60$, it is good at all the presidential libraries in the United States and it is good for 1 year. Plus, you can go back to the museum multiple times in that year with up to 4 people (for free, w/out having to pay admission again). When you have extended family in the area who are not able to all make it in one trip this is a good buy, also if you are going to be visiting other states where presidential libraries are located (KS, AR, MO, MI, GA, NY, MA, TX etc).
Anyways, onto the museum itself. It's a combination museum, library and public affairs institute. Nice grounds, stellar views on a clear day or even on an overcast one. During the Christmas holiday the museum is decorated to the nines, currently there is a tree decorated for each decade of U.S. history. In previous years, I quote the tour guides here, trees were decorated for each of the 26 or 28 nations that Reagan visited while he was president. Good stuff. There is also an excellent 10-ton 1/12 scale replica of the White house on display (fully furnished)!
Btw, Air Force One (27000) is on display too, it's on permanent loan. It's definitely worth seeing too. There's also a piece of the Berlin Wall on the grounds here (makes you wonder if there is any of it left in Berlin anyways, but I'm sure they would just as soon not be reminded of it...ha).
Neat place to visit, probably packed on holidays and weekends. Popular with tour buses, so it might be packed most days. Still worth seeing no matter your political affiliations.Listed in: History nerd
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Review from Alex L.
Placentia, CA
8/9/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Awesome. Greatest president of my time
