Medora, North Dakota, is preparing for what is anticipated to be the largest celebration in the state’s recent history: the dedication of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. Scheduled for July 1 to 5, 2026, the event will coincide with the nation’s 250th birthday and is expected to draw between 20,000 to 40,000 attendees, including a host of dignitaries, with all living U.S. presidents invited.
The celebration’s significance has been amplified following the announcement that National Geographic has named the North Dakota Badlands one of its “Best of the World” travel destinations for 2026. The magazine highlighted the library’s opening, stating it “reflects a complex man — and an enigmatic landscape.” This recognition is expected to further boost attendance and interest in the region.
Preparation for Record Crowds
Medora, a small tourist town with a population of just 160, is accustomed to hosting visitors but is bracing for the unprecedented scale of the library’s dedication. The town, which serves as the gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, is preparing for logistical challenges associated with such a large influx of people.
Chief of Police Russel Lapp expressed excitement about the event, noting, “We’re eagerly anticipating final numbers of what the estimates are. It’s kind of a lifetime opportunity to be part of something this immense.” Lapp, along with Billings County Sheriff Dean Wyckoff, has reached out to state officials and other law enforcement agencies for assistance in managing the crowds.
Wyckoff added, “We’ve had to deal with the oil boom in the past. It made it busier.” The sheriff acknowledged that the library celebration could significantly impact local law enforcement and emergency services, noting, “As time goes on, I think we’re going to be busy. There is going to be a lot of impact.”
Infrastructure Enhancements and Event Details
To accommodate the anticipated crowds and ensure safety, the county, along with the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation and the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, is collaborating with the U.S. Forest Service to improve access routes. A secondary emergency path, roughly two miles long, is being developed to facilitate pedestrian and emergency vehicle access from the library and nearby Burning Hills Amphitheater.
Construction of the library, which has a budget of $450 million, is nearing completion. The 96,000-square-foot facility is designed to blend into the landscape with a sod-covered roof. Chief Communications Officer Matt Briney reported that the building will be fully enclosed by mid-November, with interior work and exhibit installations continuing into early next year.
The celebration will include a variety of events, such as speeches and remarks, which will be broadcast to reach a wider audience. Additionally, there will be three nights of drone shows, ensuring that the festivities can be enjoyed by many beyond the immediate vicinity.
Reflecting on past events, Briney noted the significance of the dedication of what was then known as Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park on June 4, 1949. That event drew an estimated 20,000 to 60,000 attendees, setting a historical precedent for national park dedications. “We’re going to be able to more tightly control how many people will have access to things to do,” he said, indicating that lessons learned from past experiences will inform planning for the upcoming celebration.
As Medora prepares for this momentous occasion, the excitement surrounding the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library reflects not only a celebration of history but also a remarkable opportunity for the community to showcase its resilience and hospitality on a grand scale.
