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The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is entering its final chapter of construction—now more than 95% complete.
In the West Wing, the vision is already coming to life. All structural walls are in place, and exhibit spaces have officially been turned over to installation teams. These galleries—where visitors will step into Roosevelt’s story and their own—are beginning to take shape in full.
Across the public-facing spaces, finishing touches are underway. The café, lobby, and museum store are being refined with careful attention to detail, ensuring that every moment of arrival and gathering reflects the spirit of the Library: welcoming, immersive, and alive with possibility.
Construction efforts are now focused on the East Wing, home to the auditorium, classrooms, and offices. Here, the final layers are being completed—spaces that will soon host conversations, learning, and civic engagement for generations to come.
This is more than progress—it is transformation. What began as an idea is now a place. And soon, it will be a place where visitors don’t just learn about history—they step into it.
Explore the latest construction photos from February in our video update and witness the Library taking shape.
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Exhibit Fabrication Updates
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From late January to mid-March 2026, the project saw a significant surge in both off-site fabrication and active on-site installation across several major galleries. In the DI and SRS shops, craftsmen focused on the intricate detailing of architectural elements, such as gold-leaf painting for White House columns, CNC-milling large foam projection surfaces for the Battle gallery, and conducting stain tests for the Orientation facade and Sagamore Hill shingles. This period also highlighted a commitment to authenticity through the recreation of artifacts, including Rough Rider dolls, branded mugs, and 3D-modeled pipes, alongside the collection of natural history specimens like birds from Maine and a recreation of TR’s snowy owl.
Simultaneously, the physical project site began to transform as major structural components were moved into place and finalized. At Elkhorn Ranch, crews progressed on the log cabin’s construction, completing the installation of walls, heavy ceiling beams, and applying protective clear coats to the wood flooring. The White House facade and large-scale Narrative Gallery display cases were successfully installed, creating a grand architectural anchor for those spaces. Environmental layering also advanced with the application of African landscape murals and the installation of felt wall coverings in the “In the Arena” gallery, setting the stage for more detailed thematic storytelling.
The final phases of this update period involved the refinement of interactive elements and the restoration of historical furniture. Significant work was completed on the “Bull Moose” voting stations and the large “Governorship” tables, which were prepped and packed for shipment. Restoration efforts peaked for found objects in the Family Room, including the assembly of mahogany display cabinets and the reupholstering of French-style floral sofas. As specialized props like vintage Whistle-Stop cameras and the Storytelling Campfire rock structures reached completion, the various components of the project began converging into a cohesive visitor experience.
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Medora is the Place to be in 2026!
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MeatEater Podcast
TRPL CEO Ed O’Keefe joined Steven Rinella on the MeatEater Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on Theodore Roosevelt’s life and legacy. The discussion explores Roosevelt’s intellectual curiosity, his time in the Badlands, and the personal experiences that shaped him—from his early struggles with illness to the pivotal moments that defined his character. The episode also highlights Roosevelt’s deep engagement with the natural world and the cultural context that continues to make his story relevant today.
Watch the full conversation
The Bully Pulpit
In a recent essay for The Bully Pulpit, TRPL Executive Director Robbie Lauf reflects on the role North Dakota played in shaping Roosevelt’s conservation ethic. Titled “Where American Conservation Was Forged,” the piece emphasizes that the Badlands were not just a backdrop, but a formative force—transforming Roosevelt and influencing the policies that would define his presidency.
Read the full article
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Planning a trip to Medora just got easier. The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library website now features a suite of new pages designed to help visitors prepare for the Grand Opening on July 4, 2026—and for visits well beyond opening day.
Tickets for opening will be released in phases, with Founding Members receiving early access on March 23, followed by general public sales on March 30. Due to high demand and limited daily capacity, all tickets must be reserved online in advance—no walk-up tickets will be available for July 4. Opening celebrations will include “Eyes on the Stars,” a drone light performance over the Badlands, along with a temporary exhibition, “The Making Of,” exploring the Library’s design and construction.
New website sections provide everything needed to plan a visit—from directions and travel details to dining, lodging, and outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore suggested exhibit itineraries, learn about the Library’s year-round operations, and discover activities across the region, including the boardwalk, hiking trails, and nearby national park. Whether planning a day trip or a longer stay, these tools make it easy to prepare for a visit to Medora and the Badlands.
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Tickets for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library will become available in March for visits beginning July 4, 2026, through December 31, 2026. To recognize the Library’s earliest supporters and help manage anticipated demand, ticket access will open in phases.
Founding Members will have the first opportunity to reserve tickets beginning March 23 at 10:00 AM MT, with general public ticket sales opening March 30 at 10:00 AM MT. Because daily capacity will be limited, some dates may fill quickly. All tickets must be reserved online in advance, and walk-up tickets will not be available for July 4.
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This inaugural year offers a special opportunity to become part of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library’s founding story. For a limited time, supporters may join as Founding Members—a once-only designation recognizing those who stepped forward at the very beginning to help bring the Library to life.
Founding Members receive permanent recognition, a limited-edition commemorative item, behind-the-scenes and member-only experiences, and early access to admissions ticketing and select programs throughout 2026. Membership also includes free general admission through December 31, 2026 for the member, one additional adult, and children in the household under 13, along with a 10% discount on retail and café purchases.
Founding Membership is available January 1 through July 31, 2026, and remains valid through December 31, 2026. After that, members will be invited to continue their support through annual membership—but their place in the Library’s founding chapter will remain permanent.
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The TRPL website now features a new Video Portal, bringing together the Library’s growing collection of digital content in one place. This centralized hub includes virtual programs, construction updates, media appearances, historical footage of Theodore Roosevelt, documentaries, lectures, and symposium recordings.
Designed as an ongoing resource, the Video Portal allows visitors to engage with the Library’s content from anywhere—before, during, and after their visit. It reflects the Library’s broader approach to storytelling: extending beyond the building to create access to ideas, conversations, and history over time.
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What does it mean to be a good citizen? On the Good Citizen Podcast, hosted by Ted Roosevelt V, each episode explores the values that drive people to step into the arena—through conversations with leaders, thinkers, and changemakers working to strengthen our country and protect our planet.
Recent episodes bring together a wide range of voices. George Packer examines patriotism and democratic values in a divided nation, while Doris Kearns Goodwin reflects on presidential leadership and the enduring lessons of Theodore Roosevelt. Karl Rove explores political unity across American history, and Jane Carpenter-Rock discusses the role of art and diplomacy in shaping national identity. Dwayne Fields shares a powerful story of resilience shaped by nature and exploration.
Additional recent conversations include Michael Luo on the history and resilience of Chinese Americans, Susannah Cahalan on consciousness and identity, and Amy Bowers Cordalis on restoring the Klamath River. Historian Douglas Brinkley highlights Roosevelt’s conservation legacy, while Bradford Fitch and Ruth Whippman examine civic engagement and cultural expectations. Episodes with Tony Porter, Jeffrey Rosen, and Emily Oster explore masculinity, civic virtue, and public trust, alongside conversations with leaders like Ben Jealous, Aloe Blacc, and Matthew Continetti on leadership, culture, and political thought.
New episodes are released regularly, offering listeners a continuing opportunity to engage with the ideas—and actions—that define citizenship today.
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Living Building Challenge
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The TRPL website now features new pages dedicated to the Library’s pursuit of the Living Building Challenge—one of the most ambitious sustainability standards in the world. These updates include new videos and detailed insights into how the project is approaching design, construction, and long-term operations.
The Living Building Challenge asks a simple but powerful question: What if every act of design and construction made the world a better place? At TRPL, that idea is guiding every decision—from the building’s integration into the Badlands landscape to its sustainability goal of achieving the “Four Zeros.”
Visitors can now explore how the Library is working to meet the Challenge’s seven performance areas, or “petals”—Place, Water, Energy, Health + Happiness, Materials, Equity, and Beauty—and how each contributes to creating a building that gives back more than it takes.
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How much do you know about Theodore Roosevelt’s international diplomacy? Put your knowledge to the test with a new quiz on the TRPL website, exploring Roosevelt’s role on the world stage and the ideas that shaped his approach to foreign policy.
From treaty negotiations to global power politics, the quiz offers a quick and engaging way to learn more about one of the defining dimensions of Roosevelt’s presidency. Take the quiz and see how well you know the diplomacy behind the statesman.
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Upcoming Virtual Programs
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Support the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and help bring this vision to life. Every gift—at every level—plays a role in building a place that will inspire leadership, conservation, and citizenship for generations to come.
In recognition of this support, every benefactor will be honored on the Library’s virtual donor wall, ensuring their contribution becomes a lasting part of the TRPL story.
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The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is growing—and we’re hiring across a wide range of roles as we prepare for opening in 2026. From guest experience and education to operations, facilities, and leadership positions, there are opportunities to be part of building and activating a new kind of presidential library.
Join the team helping bring this vision to life in Medora and shape an experience that will inspire visitors for generations to come.
Explore open positions and apply: https://www.trlibrary.com/careers
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