The Billy Graham Library and Museum is one of the best free attractions in the Charlotte. The beautiful grounds are a relaxing haven in a busy city. Charlotte is Billy's hometown and this attraction is a fitting and wonderful tribute to his ministry to the world.

The wooded site is lovely. There is ample parking and the beautiful outdoor music provides a fine greeting. The boyhood home of the Dr. Graham is restored ( moved from Fort Mill, SC where it was taken several years ago after being moved from it's original location on Park Rd.).You'll walk past that to the museum - a large dairy barn ( The Grahams were dairy farmers). You will be greeted by friendly volunteers who will give you a brochure and direct you to a ticket booth where you'll receive a timed ticket ( free of charge). We walked up and got in a group immediately. The first part of the tour moves from display to display with recorded information and state of the art video.

For children, a talking mechanical cow gives the orientation. After entering the museum, a video presentation ( short) precludes the opening of another set of doors to a model of the 1949 revival tent in Los Angeles. I won't give away the rest of the exhibit, but they are first class! Various interesting memorabilia are displayed and excellent displays and replicas are constructed.

The tour exits in the bookstores which contains some great items. Adjacent to the bookstores is the Dairy Bar which had some tasty soups and sandwiches...and ice cream.

Outside, a brick walkway leads to the prayer garden where Ruth Graham is buried. It's a nice, peaceful spot. I loved her epitaph - "End of construction..thank you for your patience".

We ended our tour by going into the home...it is decorated the way it looked when Billy's mother lived there. His cousin was on hand to give interesting information about the home and the furnishings.

Plan on at least two hours to visit everything. We could have easily spent a lot more time there, but had to move on. We WILL go back!