By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

The Theodore Roosevelt presidential library construction continues near Medora in western North Dakota. A grand opening is planned for July 4, 2026. Roosevelt was a rancher near Medora before becoming president of the United States.

Medora has, for many years, been a popular tourist destination for many residents of Otter Tail County. It was there, from 1883 to 1885, when the future president of the United States lived in what was then Dakota Territory. Today Medora is the gateway to the beautiful Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Once the new library and museum is open for visitors, in 2026, people from near and far will learn about the life and legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States. Roosevelt said his experiences in North Dakota helped shape his leadership style and his appreciation for, in his words, “the natural world.”

Roosevelt, while serving as president from 1901 to 1909, established five new national parks.
He used his executive authority to protect a large portion of the Grand Canyon.

“The progress we have made on the library thus far, near Medora, reflects the dedication and skill of all those involved in this project,” says Will Hollingsworth who oversees fundraising for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

The library construction site is west of Medora on a butte in the Badlands near Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Narrative galleries will tell the story of Roosevelt’s life and exhibits that use technology will engage visitors. Paths will connect visitors from the library to the Maah Daah Hey Trail which showcases majestic plateaus, jagged peaks and valleys.

If you want to donate to the library project to honor Teddy Roosevelt, make your check out to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation. The address is 401 East Main Avenue, Suite 201 Bismarck, ND 58501.