Exhibits
This is not a traditional presidential library.
It’s a story-driven experience that explores Theodore Roosevelt’s ideas, leadership, and lasting impact — and invites you to consider your own.
Designed to connect story and setting, the Library experience unfolds both inside the exhibition galleries and across the surrounding Badlands landscape.
Most participants spend about two hours exploring the exhibition and boardwalk. Some move quickly. Others stay longer. You choose your pace.
Timed entry tickets are required. This allows us to manage daily capacity and ensure a comfortable, high-quality experience for all participants.
The Core Experience
The permanent exhibition is the heart of the Library experience.
It tells the story of Theodore Roosevelt’s life, leadership, and lasting influence through original artifacts, historical media, and interactive elements woven throughout the galleries.
As you move through the exhibition, you’ll encounter:
- Media environments that bring context to life
- Interactive storytelling moments
- Personalized digital features
- Opportunities to pause and reflect on your own leadership and values
These elements are designed to deepen your understanding of Roosevelt’s ideas while allowing you to explore at your own pace.
Roosevelt Museum of Natural History
Campaign Trail
Storytelling Campfire at the Elkhorn Ranch
Cuba Pre-Battle Tent
TR's White House
White House Family Room
Bull Moose Campaign
Man in the Arena Gallery
How Much Time Do You Have?
45 Minutes
Short on time? Focus on:
- The opening orientation experience
- The narrative leadership galleries
- A selection of key interactive moments
- A brief pause in the reflection space
You will leave with a strong sense of Roosevelt’s character and conviction.
90 Minutes
With a little more time, you can:
- Move through the full narrative journey
- Engage more deeply with interactive storytelling moments
- Explore Roosevelt’s conservation and leadership themes in greater detail
- Spend time with original artifacts, photography, and digitized historical materials woven throughout the exhibition
This pace allows you to experience the full story without feeling rushed.
2 Hours or More
If you have two hours or longer, we recommend allowing time to experience both the exhibition and the landscape.
Inside, you can:
- Move fully through the narrative journey
- Engage with interactive storytelling moments
- Spend time with original artifacts, photography, and media
- Pause in reflection spaces designed for quiet consideration
Outside, the experience continues.
A nearly one-mile elevated boardwalk extends from the Library into the Badlands landscape that shaped Theodore Roosevelt’s life. It was here that he rebuilt himself after personal loss, tested his limits, and formed many of the convictions that would define his presidency.
The boardwalk and rooftop viewing areas are fully ADA accessible.
Walking the boardwalk offers:
- Expansive views of the Badlands
- Space for reflection and perspective
- A physical connection to the land that influenced Roosevelt’s ideas about conservation, citizenship, and stewardship
The Library was designed to connect story and setting. If time allows, we encourage you to experience both.
Plan Your Visit
Timed entry tickets help us maintain a high-quality experience for all participants.
Admission includes access to:
- All permanent exhibitions
- The outdoor boardwalk and landscape experience
- Temporary exhibits
We recommend reserving timed entry tickets in advance to secure your preferred arrival time. On peak days, entry times may sell out.
Please note: Admission to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is separate from other attractions and performances in Medora. Please check directly with those organizations for ticketing information.
Questions? Our Welcome team is ready to help. hello@trlibrary.com
