North Dakota Gears Up for Historic Theodore Roosevelt Library Opening

UPDATE: Medora, North Dakota, is preparing for what could be the largest celebration the state has witnessed in years: the grand opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. Scheduled from July 1 to July 5, 2025, the event is expected to draw between 20,000 to 40,000 attendees, including dignitaries and all living U.S. presidents who have been invited to this monumental gala.

Planners are anticipating a massive influx of visitors as the library’s opening coincides with the nation’s 250th birthday celebration. The National Geographic recently named the North Dakota Badlands as one of its “Best of the World” travel destinations for 2026, highlighting the library’s opening and the area’s rich historical significance.

Medora, a quaint tourist town with a population of just 160, is bracing for the surge in visitors. Local officials, including Police Chief Russel Lapp and Sheriff Dean Wyckoff, are coordinating with state law enforcement to ensure safety and manage the anticipated crowds. “It’s kind of a lifetime opportunity to be part of something this immense,” Lapp stated, confirming that they are actively seeking assistance from multiple agencies across the state.

The town is no stranger to handling large crowds, having previously managed tourism during the oil boom and ongoing events like the Medora Musical. However, the scale of the library dedication poses unique challenges. Emergency services are on high alert, with plans to enhance access routes for both pedestrians and emergency vehicles. Improvements are underway on a 2-mile emergency path to ensure safe evacuations if needed.

Access to the library during the initial celebration days will be limited to VIPs and members of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation. General public access will officially begin on July 5, with full admissions starting on July 12.

Preparations for the events are in full swing, with planners referencing the dedication of what was then known as the Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park on June 4, 1949. That event saw a massive turnout of around 30,000 attendees, a benchmark that both excites and concerns current organizers. “We’re going to be able to more tightly control how many people will have access to things to do,” said Matt Briney, chief communications officer for the library foundation.

The celebration will feature a series of speeches, broadcast to a wide audience, and three nights of spectacular drone shows, aiming to captivate attendees across a vast area. “We think that will be a really spectacular thing to see,” Briney added.

The $450 million library construction is nearing completion, with the building’s exterior expected to be fully enclosed by the second week of November. Interior work will continue into early next year, with a focus on installing 50,000 square feet of exhibits.

As excitement builds, officials urge residents and visitors to prepare for an unforgettable experience in Medora. This historic event promises not just to honor the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt but to showcase North Dakota’s rich cultural heritage to thousands from around the nation.

Stay tuned for further updates as the grand opening approaches, and get ready to be part of this extraordinary celebration!