How to Visit the Ronald Reagan Library in Semi Valley, California
The Ronald Reagan Library is located in Semi Valley, California, a northwest suburb of Los Angeles. It can be reached from State Highway 118, west off I-5 in San Fernando. Once of the 118, follow the directional signs. The museum and library houses many artifacts from the president’s eight-year term including a presidential limousine, a section of the Berlin Wall and Air Force One. President Reagan is buried on the west lawn overlooking the Pacific.
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Instructions
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Plan the visit during mid-morning, against the flow of Los Angelestraffic. After exiting the 118, note that the access road to the library is through residential suburbs. Speed limits are posted and enforced.
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Park the car in the parking area and walk to the front entrance. Once in the courtyard, immediately notice the parked presidential limo. This limo transported President Reagan to the hospital after the Hinckley assassination attempt.
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Take a moment to reflect in the courtyard. The fountain and reflecting pool are comforting. Shortly after his death, tributes from around the world had poured in and were on display at the front doors and in the interior foyer.
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Acquire a map of the museum and begin the personal tour. The rooms focus on major events of his life: Hollywood actor, California Governor and U.S. President.
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Note the replication of the Oval Office and the Situation Room. Look for the jar of jelly beans on the office desk.
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Spend several moments in the gallery that focuses on the Cold War, Soviet demise and Berlin Wall. A section of the wall is outside.
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Check out the Nancy Reagan gallery. Several dresses and inaugural gowns are displayed behind plastic. The infamous White House china is in this gallery as well.
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Stop at the gift shop and purchase something unique to the museum. The shop has a large variety. Also, take a break and lunch at the café before continuing the tour.
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Visit the Air Force One Pavilion. Note that the plane served other presidents beside President Reagan. Tour the interior of the plane.
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Exit Air Force One’s hangar and stroll along the west lawn of the library. Stop at the various artifacts and sculptures placed here. Take a moment to read the graffiti on a section of the Berlin Wall.
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Note the landscape of this area. There are several gardens and groves that were dedicated by famous people during the Reagan era.
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Stop at Reagan’s tomb. Located to the south of the west lawn, the design is crescent-shaped with a gentle circular walkway leading to an inscription in granite.
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Tips & Warnings
During major three-day weekends, Civil War reenactments are scheduled.
Resources
- Photo Credit James Barnett
