Dwight D. Eisenhower was our 34th US president, serving from 1953- 1961. Prior to being our former…read morepresident, he was a general during WW2 and was well known for making the decision to storm the beaches of Normandy which lead to the invasion of Normandy, which was a very important turning point in the war, that lead to the defeat of Nazi Germany. Interesting fact about Dwight Eisenhower is that he initially did not want to run for presidency. And both parties (Republican and Democrat) wanted him to run on their ballot since he had not declare a political party affiliation. Eventually he ended up choosing to run for the Republican side. With this presidential library, in addition to visiting the museum, you can also visit his boyhood home and the place of meditation where Dwight Eisenhower is buried, in addition to the First Lady Mamie Eisenhower, and their first-born son, Doud Eisenhower. Doud Eisenhower died of scarlet fever at the age of three years old. But Dwight Eisenhower did have a second son (John Sheldon Doud Eisenhower, who married former President Richard Nixon's daughter, Julie Nixon and passed away in 2013 but is not buried on the grounds). If you want to visit the home and not visit the museum, it cost $7 but if you purchase tickets for the museum, then it will cost an extra $5. If you do the home tour, you are only able to see the first floor and not allowed to go upstairs. There is a custom piano that Dwight Eisenhower's mother played on. From the tour, I learned that the mother was known to be an accomplished piano player and that she used part of her inheritance to have the custom piano made. And the piano itself is pretty with a special cut out frame like design. The mother would typically play in the evenings, including during their family bible studies (he was raised Jehovah Witness). Dwight Eisenhower lived in this home since he was 1 year old. Prior to that, he was living in Denton, Tx where you can visit his birthplace. Please note that if you do the home tour, it is fairly quick and you may feel a little rushed. The tour is about 20- 30 minutes. In the museum, you get to see photos from Dwight Eisenhower's childhood and learn a little bit about his family, in addition to his wife, Mamie Eisenhower. What was interesting was that there is a piece of their wedding cake that you can see and also Mamie's engagement ring. In the museum, I learned that Camp David was named after one of Dwight Eisenhower's grandsons. Camp David is a retreat for the US president for those that do not know what Camp David is. Although a retreat for the US presidents, international diplomacy has taken place there on numerous of occasions. Because Dwight Eisenhower did serve during WW2, you will see weapons and uniforms on display during that time period. I really liked seeing all of these things as it gave you additional insights to that time period. I did enjoy seeing the wing dedicated to Mamie Eisenhower, which included her dresses, handbags and shoes. I also enjoyed learning that Dwight Eisenhower is the only president that was awarded an Emmy Award. This was the Governor's Award that was given because of his pioneering use, encouragement, and embrace of television as a medium for public communication and news. There are so many great things to learn at this presidential library and is definitely worth a visit if you are into presidential history like myself. Please note that admission for the library only is $15 for adults and $10 for students. Parking is also free.

One of my favorite things to do when traveling is to visit different museums but I am especially…read morefond of presidential libraries and museums. Since childhood I have been fascinated with the presidency. As of today, there are 13 presidential libraries in the country with number 14 slated to open very soon. It is a goal of mine to see all of them. What makes it even more fun is that they sell a passport in the giftshop which each library and museum will stamp on your visit. Once you get all the stamps, you will get a commemorative gift. The staff here was amazing. Everyone I encountered loved their job and was ready to give information about the grounds as well as about the president. On a recent trip to Kansas City, I decided to hit all the libraries and museums around the area. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum was my first stop and library number four for me. It is located in the small town of Abilene, Kansas which is President Eisenhower's hometown and his actual childhood home is on the property. The town itself gets alot of praise for being one of the best small towns to visit. The museum and library recently got awarded as the #1 presidential attraction. At first glance, one may think the visitor center is the museum. In reality, everything sits on 22 acres of beautifully landscaped land. There are multiple buildings to visit to get the full experience. The first building you walk in is the gift shop and also where you can purchase tickets in person. This is also where you watch an introductory film on President Eisenhower. I'd be lying if I said I remember what I learned growing up, so the film helped jog my memory and prepare for the museum. You can walk the grounds in any manner you find fit. I chose to start with the chapel. This is where President Eisenhower, their son Doud, and Mamie Eisenhower are buried. Next, I made my way to the library. Some libraries have many items from the president's time in office. This library was small, but had some pretty cool items. Next, I went to the museum. This gave a glimpse of his life from childhood, West Point, military service, presidency, and life after his presidency. This museum was actually more interactive than some of the more current presidential museums I have been too. They also have films throughout which also gives you a reprieve from walking. Currently, all the libraries are celebrating America's 250th birthday and each have special exhibits. This one had actual documents from the vaults of American history. Very cool. Before making my way to the gift shop to get my stamp and mandatory magnet souvenir, the last stop was President Eisenhower's actual childhood home on the property. They do tours, but it was closed on the day I went. It's a small, modest home built in 1898. That to me is amazing that they preserved this. I think my expectations were a little low coming in because it was a museum for an older president. I was wrong in assuming that because this was probably one of the better museums I have been to. I learned alot and spent way more time than I allotted myself because there was so much to see. I highly recommend coming here if you appreciate history like me.