Massive Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library to open in North Dakota Badlands

century when TR was in the arena.\”

Theodore Roosevelt’s connection to North Dakota runs deep, shaping his character, values, and love for the outdoors. The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation aims to honor this connection by opening a state-of-the-art presidential library overlooking the Theodore Roosevelt National Park in the Badlands of North Dakota.

The library is founded on Roosevelt’s values of citizenship, leadership, and conservation. It will not just be a museum with artifacts under glass but an immersive experience that encourages visitors to embrace the “strenuous life” enjoyed by Roosevelt in the wilderness of North Dakota.

Edward O’Keefe, CEO of the foundation, emphasizes that the library will serve as a hub for civic engagement, learning, and research. The design of the library will harness the power of technology and nature to give visitors a transformative experience that mirrors Roosevelt’s own journey in the Badlands.

Roosevelt’s time in North Dakota was pivotal in his life, helping him heal from personal tragedy and find solace in the beauty of the wilderness. He credited his experiences in North Dakota for shaping him into the man and president he became. The library aims to connect visitors with nature as a restorative force, inspiring them to be the change they want to see in the world.

The building itself is designed to live off the land, reflecting Roosevelt’s commitment to conservation and stewardship of the natural landscape. The use of local materials and sustainable practices will minimize waste and emissions, setting a new standard for environmental conservation in architectural design.

The library is set to open on July 4, 2026, on the 250th anniversary of America and the Declaration of Independence. Theodore Roosevelt V, a great-great-grandson of the president, sees the library as a legacy not just for North Dakota but for the nation and the world. He believes that Roosevelt’s legacy of citizenship, leadership, and conservation is as relevant today as it was during his presidency, inspiring unity and solutions in a divisive world.

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library will stand as a tribute to a man who found himself in the wilderness of North Dakota and emerged as a larger-than-life figure, embodying the spirit of adventure, conservation, and leadership that continues to inspire generations to come.