You don’t have to have agreed with Ronald Reagan’s politics, or even have been alive during his presidency to enjoy the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.

During his presidency in 1981-1989, the 40th President of the United States was known affectionately by some as “The Great Communicator” or derisively by others as the author of “Voodoo Economics.” Nevertheless, Reagan usually acted “presidentially” and decisively, and maintained a larger-than-life image throughout his presidency. The museum built in his honor strives to do the same.

Indeed, the public exhibits at the Ronald Reagan Library does its best to maintain that image by capitalizing on the Gipper’s strengths while minimalizing (if not glossing over) his weakness. For example, while you will see several exhibits relating to the fall of communism (including a portion of the Berlin Wall displayed outside the museum) that occurred during the Reagan era, there’s no exhibit dedicated to the Iran-Contra affair, which many historians have dubbed one of the biggest presidential blunders in the United State’s history. (In the museum’s defense, most presidential libraries shy away from exhibits that would cast a past president in a negative light. For example, it is a safe bet that you won’t find Monica Lewinsky’s infamous dress at former President Bill Clinton’s museum.)

But even with the museum’s unabashed pro-Reagan bent, even the most stringent Democrat can’t help be intrigued by some of the displays.

For example, the replica of Reagan’s boyhood home in Dixon, Illinois, will make you reflect what an incredible journey his life must have been, from his humble beginnings to his career as an actor, his entry to politics, his term as California governor and finally the presidency.

The replica of the Oval Office is also strangely awe-inspiring. In your mind, you realize it is simply a replica, but at the same time you can’t help feeling reverent as you look at the presidential seal emblazed in the carpet and ponder what an average day is like in the nation’s highest office.

Another oddly effective display is the case showing the famous red sweater President Reagan wore out of the hospital after John Hinckley, Jr. attempted to assassinate him in 1981. Those of us who were alive at the time will instantly remember where we were when we heard of the attempt, as well as the news coverage of the injured president leaving the hospital.

Of course, one emotional exhibit from his post-presidential years is the 1994 letter in which he announces he was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Also included in the display is a small sampling of the letters of support he received in return.

The presidential library has one exhibit that is sure to impress, no matter your political affiliation. The Boeing 707 that served as Air Force One for President Reagan and three presidents that preceded him is one of the newest exhibits at the museum.

Frequently dubbed “the flying White House,” this plane took Richard Nixon to China, President Ford to Vladivostok in the former USSR to meet Soviet Premier Leonid Brezhnev, President Carter to Three Mile Island after the infamous nuclear accident, and flew President Reagan to Germany where he famously challenged Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev to dismantle the Berlin Wall by saying, ” Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.”

But arguably the best display isn’t housed by the museum; it is the landscape outside, in what President Reagan would almost surely call “God’s country.” Nestled high atop the rolling hills in Simi Valley, the campus offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. On a clear day, you can see the Pacific Ocean from the campus. While you’re outside, be sure to view President Reagan’s tomb.

So, whether you were pro- or anti-Reagan (or weren’t even alive yet to form an opinion on him) don’t miss the chance to visit his library.