Best Presidential Attraction
If you've ever wondered what happens to the furniture in the White House when a new president takes office or where retired Secret Service limos and planes live out the rest of their lives, you'll find the answer here: museums and historical sites dedicated to preserving POTUS artifacts are scattered across the nation, often built in the president's hometown. And they're more than just displays—you'll find serene gardens to explore and on-site storytellers who make American history come alive. Take a look at our list of top-tier presidential attractions, and get ready to explore these unique windows into the world's most powerful office.
These 10 presidential attractions were selected by our featured panelists and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best.
1. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum
& Boyhood Home | Abilene, KS
The Eisenhower Presidential Library honors one of the nation's greatest military leaders turned president. Walk through the 19th-century house where Dwight D. Eisenhower grew up before touring the museum, which features interactive components and artifacts sharing Ike and Mamie's remarkable life using their own words. Reflect on Ike's public service and his legacy and then pick up an "I Like Ike" mug from the gift shop after your visit!
2. Grant Cottage State Historic Site |
Wilton, NY
Get a fascinating look at the 18th president's last chapter: the Grant Cottage State Historic Site preserves the home where Ulysses S. Grant finished his memoir just before his death. The cottage has its original furnishings, including floral arrangements from his funeral. When you aren't listening to stories about the famous Civil War general's life from guides in period dress, you can wander acres of beautiful grounds and mountain overlooks.
3. Ronald Reagan Presidential Library |
Simi Valley, CA
Movie memorabilia from Ronald Reagan's years in Hollywood, items from his time as the governor of California and a 3-ton section of the Berlin Wall are a few samples of the almost 90,000 artifacts housed at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. This presidential attraction is the largest presidential library, with one of the largest exhibits—a retired Air Force One plane and Marine One helicopter you can fully explore.
4. William J. Clinton Presidential Library
and Museum | Little Rock, AR
The presidential library of President Bill Clinton sits in downtown Little Rock, perched on the banks of the Arkansas River. Wander the 30 acres of peaceful riverside trails and architecturally stunning bridges, and then check out the presidential limousine, the impressive replica of the Oval Office's Resolute desk and the re-created Cabinet Room. And in case you were wondering, President Clinton's saxophone does have its own exhibit.
5. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and
Museum | Springfield, IL
From a model of the humble cabin where Lincoln was born to a replica of the White House (complete with a life-size figure of the 16th U.S. president to greet you), the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum chronicles his historic life. You'll see thousands of Civil War–era artifacts, including macabre items from his assassination. You can even watch a popular holographic show that brings Lincoln's legacy to life.
6. George H.W. Bush Presidential Library
and Museum | College Station, TX
Positioned on Texas A&M's beautiful campus, the presidential library of George H.W. Bush lets you feel the pressure of leadership in the Situation Room, discover how the first family relaxed at Camp David and sit behind the desk in the Oval Office (definitely get a picture while you're in that seat!). You'll also see Cold War spy tools and a powerful sculpture that incorporates pieces of the Berlin Wall.
7. Harry S. Truman Library and Museum |
Independence, MO
A Midwestern farm boy reluctant to enter politics, Harry Truman became one of America's most influential—and unlikely—presidents. His library and museum tell that incredible story, from his days as a World War I soldier to his world-changing use of the atomic bomb to end World War II. The artifacts guests flock to see are a piece of the "Fat Boy" A-bomb and his famous "The Buck Stops Here" Oval Office sign.
8. John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum |
Hyannis, MA
Discover what a 1960s Cape Cod summer looked like with a visit to the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum. The Kennedys loved the shore of Hyannis, and the museum captures that love with candid vacation photos and videos of JFK and his family. Outside, the Hyannis Kennedy Legacy Trail takes you throughout the seaside village to visit the Kennedys' favorite spots, from their family church to their sailboat harbor.
9. Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National
Historic Site | Hyde Park, NY
Filled with mementos from four generations of Roosevelts, FDR's estate in Hyde Park was a place of refuge for the 32nd president during the Great Depression and World War II. As you wander the gorgeous gardens and house, you'll see many of his wheelchairs (the entire estate is accessible) along with floor-to-ceiling collections of books and his office dubbed the "Little White House," where he often met with world leaders.
10. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and
Museum | Boston, MA
At the JFK Presidential Library and Museum, the calm waters of Boston Harbor greet you before you dive into the excitement of the 1960 presidential race. Kennedy's launch of America's space race is a popular exhibit, showcasing a moon rock and a copy of his famous moon speech. Devotees of Jackie Kennedy can see the Emmy Award the First Lady won for her White House tour.
About Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards
Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readerschoice@newsweek.com.
Our Featured Panelists
Chez Chesak
Chez Chesak is an award-winning adventure travel writer, 29-year veteran of the outdoor industry, Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America and chair of The Society of American Travel Writers' Central States Chapter. Learn more about him at www.chezconnects.com.
Susan Lanier-Graham
Susan Lanier-Graham is founder and publisher of Wander With Wonder, an award-winning online travel journalism magazine. She has authored more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles while traveling the world over the past three decades. Susan's work has appeared in a variety of publications, including various AAA publications, TravelandLeisure.com, Hotels.com, Modern Luxury, WHERE publications, Fairmont.com, Marriott.com and more. Susan is a member of Society of American Travel Writers, International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association, and North American Travel Journalists Association. She is also a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist.
Amy Piper
Amy Piper is a freelance travel writer, blogger, photographer and author specializing in luxury and multigenerational travel. She is a native Michigander who travels through the lens of a food lover and has been to 45 states and 41 countries around the world. From getting chased by bomb-sniffing dogs in the middle of the night in Bogotá to being boarding on her plane from Buenos Aires to Paraguay due to the wrong visa, Amy always has an exciting adventure to tell her readers and community of travel enthusiasts. Learn more at followthepiper.com.
Cori Solomon
Cori Solomon, an award-winning writer/photographer in Los Angeles, often travels with her dogs. Her blog, The Written Palette, features eclectic articles focused on travel, wine, art, architecture and pets. As an animal artist, her articles utilize the art palette both visually and verbally. Cori looks for the story behind the restaurant, chef, winery, artist or pet. In addition her blog, she is a contributor to Big Blend Magazine, FWT Blog and Magazine, Rovology, The Alcohol Professor and Wander with Wander. Cori has also been featured on several radio shows, including Big Blend Magazine and SoCal Restaurant Show.
Newsweek contributors speak from a variety of backgrounds and offer expertise in a wide range of subject areas.