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.
Once you arrive, the campus map shows the entrance, parking, restaurant, rooftop, boardwalk, and trailheads — and an exhibit map for finding your way through the galleries.
Jump to: Driving · Flying · Bus tours & groups · RV travel · Car services · Getting around · Parking · Accessibility · TR Triangle
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.
Traveling in winter? From late fall through spring, snow and high winds can close I-94 in western North Dakota. Check road conditions before you set out, keep a winter kit in the car, and give yourself extra time.
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
Flying your own plane? Eight public airports within about 90 miles of Medora serve private and charter aircraft. See General Aviation for runways, fuel, FBO contacts and a map.
Bus Tours & Group Travel
Group Tour and Charter Operators
- Diamond Tours – One of the largest U.S. motorcoach tour operators, which has featured Theodore Roosevelt National Park as a tour stop.
- Regional Charter Companies – Charter operators in North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Minnesota can arrange group trips to Medora.
- Custom Charter Buses – Charter companies such as Jefferson Lines (charters from Minneapolis and Billings) can arrange private group trips 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.
Near Medora
- Buffalo Gap Campground (Little Missouri National Grassland) – A U.S. Forest Service campground about six miles west of Medora off I-94 Exit 18, with pads for rigs up to 60 feet, showers and flush toilets in season, and no hookups. A few sites are reservable at Recreation.gov; the rest are first-come.
In Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Cottonwood Campground (South Unit) – About five miles into the park from Medora, in a quiet setting beneath the cottonwoods with close access to park trails. From May through October, all sites are by reservation at Recreation.gov; November through April is self-registration. No hookups.
- Juniper Campground (North Unit) – A more rustic option about 70 miles north of Medora, with scenic Badlands views and limited services. From May through October, sites are by reservation at Recreation.gov. No hookups. See the park’s camping page for details.
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.
Car Services (Limo & Taxi)
No taxis or rideshare drivers are based in Medora, so every car service must be arranged in advance. Book your ride before you fly, and set up the return trip at the same time.
- Premier Rides (Bismarck) – App-based ride service listed by Bismarck Airport for rides from BIS to the Library; also serves Dickinson and Medora. ewpremierrides.com · 727-271-9222
- Executive Limousine Services (Mandan) – Limousines, black SUVs, and vans, with service across North Dakota. Website · 701-333-8068
- Nightlife Limousine (Bismarck) – Limousines and SUVs for airport and long-distance trips; call for a quote. Website · 701-222-0202
- Hometown Taxi (Dickinson) – Taxi service from Dickinson and Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport (DIK). 701-260-1918
- Dickinson Public Transit – Shared, wheelchair-accessible rides, booked at least one day ahead; call to ask about trips to Medora. Website · 701-483-6564
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Available in Dickinson and Bismarck, but drivers are few and none are based in Medora — don’t count on finding a ride back.
Listings are provided for convenience; the Library does not operate or endorse these services. Confirm rates and availability when you book.
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 from June through September 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 4½-hour drive south to Mount Rushmore through the Black Hills, or a 6½–7 hour drive west to Yellowstone’s North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana. Travelers continuing between Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone should plan on about 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.