North Dakota – North Dakota officials celebrated the grand opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora on July 1, marking a milestone they said will preserve and share the legacy of the nation’s 26th president with future generations.
Gov. Kelly Armstrong and Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden joined local, state and federal leaders for the opening ceremony, praising the 96,000-square-foot facility for bringing Theodore Roosevelt’s life, leadership and conservation efforts to life through interactive exhibits and year-round programming.
During his remarks, Armstrong reflected on Roosevelt’s deep connection to North Dakota, quoting comments the future president made during an Independence Day speech in Dickinson in 1886. Roosevelt spoke of his admiration for the region’s “big prairies, big forests and mountains, big wheat fields, railroads, and herds of cattle,” while also emphasizing that prosperity should never come at the expense of virtue.
“The values T.R. carried away from these Badlands — hard work, conservation, and active citizenship — these are not historical artifacts. They are North Dakota values,” Armstrong said. “And they are exactly the values this library will showcase to the world.”
The governor said the library represents more than a tribute to Roosevelt’s presidency, describing it as a place that honors the resilience, honesty, courage and determination that defined one of the country’s most influential leaders.
Roosevelt traveled to the Badlands in 1884 after the deaths of his wife and mother on the same day, seeking solace in what would become a transformative chapter of his life. During his time in North Dakota, he established the Elkhorn Ranch, now widely recognized as the “cradle of conservation.” Roosevelt later credited his experiences in the Badlands with shaping his character and said he would not have become president without his time in North Dakota.
“Now, people from all over the world can come to this exact place, stand where T.R. stood, and feel — not just understand, but feel — how it changed him,” Armstrong said. “That’s what this library makes possible.”
Earlier in the day, Armstrong also joined Donald Trump, former North Dakota governor and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and other officials for the library’s dedication ceremony.
In recognition of Roosevelt’s arrival in Medora 143 years ago, the officials rode through the city aboard a red, white and blue-decorated BNSF Railway train before touring the new facility.
Following the tour, Trump addressed thousands gathered at the Medora amphitheater after remarks from Armstrong, Burgum and Hung Cao.
Armstrong welcomed attendees by highlighting the library’s unique setting in the North Dakota Badlands.
“The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library has the most stunningly beautiful backyard of any library in history,” Armstrong said. “And I cannot think of a better backdrop to hear from our President as we celebrate 250 years of American greatness.”
The governor also thanked Trump for making his fourth visit to North Dakota, including his third as president, to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary while celebrating Roosevelt’s enduring legacy of leadership, conservation and citizenship.
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is now open year-round and is expected to attract visitors from across the United States and around the world seeking to learn more about the life and legacy of the nation’s 26th president.
