Visit North Dakota: Its Not Just Used for Storage!

Nobody thinks there is much to see in North Dakota. In fact, many people who have only seen 49 of the 50 states, have done so because they missed seeing North Dakota when they had the chance on a South Dakota vacation. So if you plan to go to South Dakota anyway, fly into Bismarck, North Dakota first and stay at the Rough Riders Hotel in nearly Medora, about two hours away by car. From there it is just steps to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Visit the Truman Presidential Library in Independence

The Harry Truman Presidential Library is worth a visit to Independence, Missouri, about a half hour outside of Kansas City.. Independence is a quaint town, where the visitor goes back in time by just being there. The library and museum itself are on sprawling grounds. The interior is sleek and modern, and conveys much about Truman's presidency. As with many of the presidential libraries and museums, there is a replica of the Oval Office, as well as samples of the china used during his two terms. However, three items stood out, which made the library and museum exceptional.

Visit FDR's Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, NY

Photo by Jann Segal

Franklin D. Roosevelt conceived the idea for the first presidential library to house all his papers and make them available to the pubic while he was president. It was one of the many trends he set throughout his four terms in office, and eventually led to the 1955 Presidential Library Act. The FDR Presidential Library and Museum and the surrounding  FDR homes in Hyde Park, New York have been newly renovated. When you purchase the ticket to the Library and Museum, you do so at the Henry A. Wallace Visitor and Education Center on the FDR grounds. The ticket is good for two days, and allows admission to both the Museum as well as the FDR home. The grounds to the rose garden where both FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt are buried are adjacent to the home, and are free to visitors.

Visit the Dwight Eisehower Library in Kansas

Photo: Jann Segal

A visit to the Dwight Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene, Kansas feels like a visit to the Twilight Zone and the 1950s. Once on Eisenhower/Buckeye Blvd, the 21st century is gone. This is not only evident at the Eisenhower Library, but upon visiting the small town of Abilene itself.

Visit America's Presidential Libraries for a Grade A History Leesson

America’s Presidential Libraries and Museums are unique to our country. However, the 13 libraries and museums that are in the presidential library system (Lincoln’s has not been added but is great to visit so has been included here), provide a peek into the past of these amazing men, their times, and the challenges they faced. They also allow us a glimpse into the future of America if you follow the history closely enough. This article will provide an overview of some of the Presidential libraries and museums. Subsequent articles will focus on each of them specifically with details useful for travelers.