UPDATE: Medora, North Dakota, is gearing up for what is expected to be the biggest celebration in the state in years: the grand opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. Scheduled for July 1-5, 2025, this monumental event could draw between 20,000 and 40,000 attendees, including all living U.S. presidents who have been invited to celebrate this historic occasion.
The library’s dedication coincides with the nation’s 250th birthday, making this a pivotal moment for Medora, a small tourist town with a population of just 160. The event has gained significant attention following a feature from National Geographic, which named the North Dakota Badlands as one of its “Best of the World” travel destinations for 2026.
Local authorities, including Medora Police Chief Russel Lapp and Billings County Sheriff Dean Wyckoff, are actively coordinating with state officials to ensure safety and crowd management during the festivities. Chief Lapp expressed his anticipation, stating, “We’re excited about the event for sure. It’s kind of a lifetime opportunity to be part of something this immense.”
The celebration will include exclusive access for VIPs and library foundation members from July 1 to 4, with general public access commencing on July 5. Normal admissions are set to start from July 12.
The opening event is expected to be a logistical challenge for Medora, which is accustomed to handling tourist traffic but not at this scale. The library’s location on a hilltop necessitates improvements to emergency access routes, including a new 2-mile path designed for both pedestrians and emergency vehicles. This will complement the existing Chateau Road, which is being expanded to accommodate increased traffic.
In preparation for the influx of visitors, local law enforcement is gearing up for heightened activity. Sheriff Wyckoff noted, “I think we’re going to be busy. There is going to be a lot of impact.” The library celebration will not only draw massive crowds but will also kickstart a new era of tourism for the town, which is already famous for its Medora Musical and proximity to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Events during the opening will include speeches and remarks broadcasted live, alongside three nights of spectacular drone shows visible across the region. “We think that will be a really spectacular thing to see,” added Matt Briney, Chief Communications Officer for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation.
The library itself, under construction with a budget of $450 million, is nearing completion. The 96,000-square-foot building, designed with a sod-covered roof to blend into the landscape, is expected to be fully enclosed by November 2025, with exhibit installations commencing shortly thereafter. “Everything’s on schedule,” Briney confirmed.
As Medora prepares for this once-in-a-lifetime event, the entire community is rallying behind the effort, eager to showcase the new library and the legacy of President Theodore Roosevelt. With the eyes of the nation upon them, the coming days are set to be a defining moment for Medora and North Dakota.
