UPDATE: Medora, North Dakota, is preparing for an unprecedented celebration as the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library gears up for its opening, projected to draw between 20,000 and 40,000 attendees from July 1 to 5, 2025. This event coincides with the nation’s 250th birthday and has seen invitations extended to all living U.S. presidents.
With the spotlight on Medora, a town of just 160 residents, officials are collaborating with multiple agencies to manage the influx of visitors. Medora Police Chief Russel Lapp expressed excitement about the event, calling it a “lifetime opportunity” while emphasizing the need for careful crowd management.
The celebrations gained momentum after National Geographic named the North Dakota Badlands as one of its “Best of the World” top travel destinations for 2026, highlighting the library’s role in showcasing the area’s rich history.
To accommodate the expected crowds, local law enforcement is preparing for significant logistical challenges. Sheriff Dean Wyckoff noted the increased demands on emergency services, stating, “There is going to be a lot of impact.” The county is working with the U.S. Forest Service to enhance emergency routes and improve access to the library’s hilltop location.
The library’s construction, with a budget of $450 million, is nearing completion. The 96,000-square-foot facility, designed to blend into its natural surroundings, is expected to be fully enclosed by mid-November, with interior work continuing through early next year.
During the dedication event, there will be several high-profile activities, including a day of speeches broadcasted to the public and stunning drone shows illuminating the night sky. Chief Communications Officer Matt Briney commented, “We think that will be a really spectacular thing to see.”
Access to the library will be limited to VIPs and invited guests from July 1 to 5, with general public admissions starting on July 12. Historical context suggests that past dedications have drawn massive crowds, with estimates from the 1949 dedication of Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park ranging from 20,000 to 60,000 attendees.
As Medora braces for this momentous occasion, officials continue to finalize details and prepare for what promises to be a landmark event in North Dakota’s history. The anticipation is palpable as the community rallies to ensure the celebration is both safe and memorable.
