Medora Gears Up for Huge Celebration: Theodore Roosevelt Library Opens

UPDATE: Medora, North Dakota, is poised for an unprecedented celebration as it prepares for the grand opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library from July 1 to 5, 2025. This historic event is expected to attract a staggering 20,000 to 40,000 attendees, including dignitaries and all living U.S. presidents.

The opening ceremony is a key highlight of America’s 250th birthday celebration, promising to be one of the largest gatherings the state has seen in years. The excitement is palpable as Medora, a town with a population of just 160, gears up to welcome thousands. Local officials are collaborating closely with state agencies to ensure safety and order during the event.

“We’re eagerly anticipating final numbers of what the estimates are,” said Medora Police Chief Russel Lapp. He emphasized the magnitude of this opportunity, stating, “It’s kind of a lifetime opportunity to be part of something this immense.” With a limited police force of just three officers, the town is relying on assistance from neighboring counties and state law enforcement to manage what is expected to be an overwhelming influx of visitors.

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation announced that VIPs and major donors will have exclusive access during the initial days of the celebration, while general public access will begin on July 5. The library’s opening has received a significant boost in visibility as National Geographic recently named the North Dakota Badlands one of its “Best of the World” travel destinations for 2026, highlighting the library as a key attraction.

Local law enforcement is preparing for the anticipated crowds. “We’ll be working with multiple agencies across the state,” Chief Lapp confirmed. The event will test the resources of local emergency services, which have historically handled smaller tourist crowds but are now gearing up for an unprecedented surge.

To accommodate the expected traffic, the Billings County Sheriff, Dean Wyckoff, noted that improvements are being made to routes leading to the library. Plans include upgrading a two-mile emergency access road for pedestrians and emergency vehicles, while Chateau Road, the primary route, is being expanded to include a third lane.

The library, with a budget of $450 million, is nearing completion and is expected to be fully enclosed by mid-November, with interior work and exhibit installations continuing into early 2025. “Everything’s on schedule,” said Matt Briney, chief communications officer for the library foundation. He added that the dedication will include a day of speeches, broadcast live, and spectacular drone shows over three nights.

Reflecting on historical precedents, Briney noted the 1949 dedication of the Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park, which drew an estimated 30,000 attendees, a record that could be surpassed this year. “We’re going to be able to more tightly control how many people will have access to things to do,” Briney assured.

As preparations ramp up, the community of Medora is braced for a transformative event that promises to elevate its profile on the national stage. The excitement surrounding the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is building, and officials are working diligently to ensure that this celebration is a resounding success for all involved.

Stay tuned for more updates as the event draws closer and the excitement builds!