Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum

A local must-see is the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum (40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley).  The sweeping views from this hilltop location is reason enough to stop by.  But this 100,000+ sq ft museum on 100 acres is incredible and quite interesting for all ages.  There is a wealth of memorabilia and artifacts from throughout Reagan's life on display. 

The Museum's was renovation was opened to the public in February 2011 with over 26,000 sq ft of NEW exhibits and dozens of interactive displays spanning Reagan's life.  There are 18 galleries that pay tribute to our 40th President's life. You can act in a movie with Reagan, deliver his inaugural address with a teleprompter (quite fun), set the table for a state dinner, learn about Reagan's economic policies in interactive games, read his handwritten diary, ride a horse alongside Reagan at Rancho del Cielo, and much, much more. There is also a full-scale Oval Office replica of when Reagan was president and a 9 1/2 foot, 6,300 lb section of the Berlin Wall on display.

Something else that I was thoroughly impressed at was the sheer number of volunteer docents on hand at the Museum. All very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable, they are there to help guide you through your visit and answer your questions. Plan to spend 2 to 3 hours in the Museum.

The huge Air Force One Pavilion opened in October 2005.  It features the actual Air Force One aircraft used from 1973 to 2001.  There are also motorcade vehicles, helicopter and other items on display. Check out the video to see how stunning this pavillion is. Then go visit and walk through Air Force One. 

In addition to the permanent exhibits discussed above, there are usually temporary exhibits on display. Visit the Museum website to find out what is currently on display.

Mark your calendars each December for the annual Christmas Around the World with decorated trees representing countries Reagan visited while President.  The kids will love it.

You can also dine at the Reagan Library! Reagan's Country Cafe offers panoramic views and is open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, 7 days a week. You can access the Cafe without entering the Museum. The Ronald Reagan Pub is located inside the Air Force One Pavilion and offers drinks and pre-packaged sandwiches and other items.

The Museum is open daily from 10 to 5 except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Parking is free of charge. Current admission costs as of July 2011 are $12 ages 18 to 61, $9 age 62+, $6 ages 11 to 17 and FREE for ages 10 and under. More information at www.reaganfoundation.org or by calling 805.522.2977.