Directions
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is open in Medora, North Dakota, at the edge of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Nestled in the heart of the Badlands, our Library connects visitors with the land that shaped Theodore Roosevelt into the leader who transformed a nation.
Whether you’re driving across the wide-open prairies or flying into a nearby airport, this page will help you plan your trip and find your way to the Library.
Driving Directions
3410 Chateau Rd, Medora, ND 58645
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is located in Medora, North Dakota, along Interstate 94. Medora can be accessed from two exits: Exit 24 when approaching from the west, and Exit 27 when approaching from the east. Both lead directly into town, with clear signage to guide you toward the Library. For up-to-date road conditions, please check before you travel.
From the east, drivers coming from Bismarck (about 2 hours) or Fargo (about 4.5 hours) will follow I-94 west to Exit 27. From the west, travelers from Billings, Montana (about 4 hours) will take I-94 east to Exit 24. From the south, those driving up from Rapid City, South Dakota (about 4 hours) can follow US-85 north before joining I-94 west and using Exit 27 into Medora.
Once in Medora, follow posted signs to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, located on the bluffs overlooking the town and Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Driving an electric vehicle?
We have you covered with our on-site Tesla destination chargers.
Air Travel
While Medora does not have a commercial airport, several regional airports provide convenient access to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. Dickinson is the closest, with daily service to Denver, while larger airports in Bismarck, Williston, Minot, and Billings offer additional airline choices and broader connections.
Dickinson – Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport (DIK) – 35 miles east
- Airlines: United Airlines
- Service: Nonstop to Denver (DEN)
- Drive: ~35 minutes west on I-94
Bismarck Airport (BIS) – 135 miles east
- Airlines: Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, United
- Service: Connections via Minneapolis (MSP), Denver (DEN), Chicago (ORD), Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW), Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix (PHX)
- Drive: ~2 hours west on I-94
Williston Basin International Airport (XWA) – 125 miles north
- Airlines: Delta, United, Sun Country
- Service: Connections via Minneapolis (MSP), Denver (DEN), Las Vegas (LAS)
- Drive: ~2 hours south via US-85 and I-94
Minot International Airport (MOT) – 200 miles northeast
- Airlines: Allegiant, Delta, United
- Service: Connections via Minneapolis (MSP), Denver (DEN), Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix (PHX)
- Drive: ~3 hours southwest via US-83 and I-94
Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) – 280 miles west
- Airlines: Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Southwest, United
- Service: Connections via Denver (DEN), Minneapolis (MSP), Salt Lake City (SLC), Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW), Seattle (SEA), Phoenix (PHX)
- Drive: ~4 hours east on I-94
Bus Tours & Group Travel
Group Tour Operators Serving Medora
- Scheels Tours / Northland Travel – Based in the Upper Midwest, offering Badlands and National Park packages.
- Diamond Tours – One of the largest U.S. motorcoach tour operators, frequently including Medora in Dakotas itineraries.
- Regional Charter Companies – Operators in North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Minnesota regularly schedule group visits to Medora.
- Custom Charter Buses – Local and regional charter bus companies (e.g., Jefferson Lines Charters, Dakota Bus Service) offer private tours to Medora for schools, churches, and organizations.
Planning a Group Visit
If you are a tour operator or group leader, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library offers:
- Dedicated motorcoach parking
- Group ticketing and reservation assistance
- Opportunities for guided experiences tied to Theodore Roosevelt’s legacy and the surrounding Badlands
RV Travel
For those arriving in their own recreational vehicle, Medora and the surrounding Badlands are well-equipped to welcome RV travelers.
In Medora
- Medora Campground – Full-service RV park located along the Little Missouri River with pull-through sites, hookups, and easy access to downtown Medora.
- Red Trail Campground – Family-operated with modern hookups and facilities.
- Buffalo Gap Campground – Public campground offering primitive RV sites near the South Unit entrance.
In Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Cottonwood Campground (South Unit) – Just inside the park entrance at Medora, offering reservable and first-come sites (no hookups). A quiet setting beneath the cottonwoods with close access to park trails.
- Juniper Campground (North Unit) – A more rustic option, about 70 miles north of Medora, with scenic Badlands views and limited services.
Tip: Summer is peak season in Medora, especially during weekends and events. Reservations are highly recommended for both private RV parks and National Park campgrounds
Local Transportation
Once you arrive in Medora, most attractions—including the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, downtown shops, the Medora Musical, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park—are within a few minutes’ drive.
Rental Cars
- Dickinson (DIK): Enterprise, Hertz, and National offer rental services at the airport.
- Bismarck (BIS): Major providers including Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and Budget are available.
- Rental cars are strongly recommended for flexibility in exploring Medora, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and the surrounding Badlands.
Taxis & Ride Services
- Dickinson Taxi & Shuttle Services can provide transportation to Medora, but availability is limited and must be arranged in advance.
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Limited or unavailable in Medora—do not rely on app-based rides.
Getting Around Town
- Medora is walkable, with sidewalks connecting downtown shops, dining, and attractions.
- Bicycles are permitted in town and on some nearby trails, though not on National Park hiking paths.
Tip: Plan ahead—having your own vehicle is the most reliable way to explore Medora and the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library at your own pace
Free Medora Trolley
The Medora Stageline Trolley runs daily between the Library, downtown Medora, the hotels, and the campground — free, with no ticket needed. It means you can park once and leave the car where it is. Learn more about the trolley.
Parking
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library offers convenient parking options for all visitors.
On-Site Visitor Parking
- Free general parking is available on the Library campus, a short walk from the main entrance.
- Lots accommodate standard vehicles, accessible parking, and drop-off areas for those with mobility needs.
RV & Motorcoach Parking
- Designated oversized vehicle parking areas are provided for RVs, buses, and motorcoaches.
- Group arrivals have a dedicated bus drop-off zone close to the entrance.
In Medora
- Public parking is available throughout Medora, including near downtown shops, the Medora Musical, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s South Unit entrance.
- During peak summer weekends, parking in town can be limited—arriving early is recommended.
Tip: Parking at the Library is free and plentiful, but visitors planning to explore Medora on foot may prefer to leave their car in town and walk between attractions.
Accessibility
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library welcomes every visitor. Accessible parking and drop-off zones are located close to the main entrance, entrances and pathways are fully wheelchair accessible, and elevators connect all levels of the Library. Wheelchairs and mobility aids are available on request at Guest Services, assistive listening devices are available for guided tours and programs, and service animals are welcome throughout the Library and grounds.
For complete accessibility information — including accessible trails and seating, available accommodations, and how to request assistance in advance — see our Accessibility page or call 701-892-6070.
Extend Your Journey: The TR Triangle
While planning your drive to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, consider exploring the TR Triangle—a driving route that connects three iconic destinations of the American West: the Library in Medora, North Dakota, Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.
From Medora, it’s about a 4–5 hour drive south to Mount Rushmore through the Black Hills, or a 7–8 hour drive west to Yellowstone’s North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana. Travelers continuing between Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone should plan on 7–8 hours by way of I-90, with opportunities for scenic detours through the Bighorns or Cody.
Together, these three destinations form the TR Triangle—a natural, cultural, and historical journey that embodies Theodore Roosevelt’s enduring legacy.