During Your Visit
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library isn’t a traditional library with books to borrow. It’s an immersive museum experience where you explore Roosevelt’s life, leadership, and legacy through interactive exhibits, original artifacts, films, and spectacular views of the Badlands. There’s no set route through the galleries, so you’re free to follow your interests and explore at your own pace. See campus & gallery maps ›
No. Theodore Roosevelt died in 1919, two decades before the National Archives presidential library system began. The Library is privately funded and independently operated by the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation, a nonprofit. Several other presidential libraries work the same way, including Abraham Lincoln’s in Springfield, Illinois. How the Library fits in the presidential library system ›
Most visitors spend around three to three-and-a-half hours in the galleries, plus another hour or so enjoying the grounds. Many grab a meal to go from salt+scoria and take in the Badlands from the Boardwalk or the walkable Rooftop Prairie. Every visit is different — if your schedule allows, we’d set aside at least half a day.
Yes. A popular plan: drive the South Unit’s scenic loop in the morning, when wildlife tends to be most active, then spend the afternoon in the galleries and on the Boardwalk. Allow about half a day for the Library and at least a couple of hours for the park drive. If you have a second day, the quieter North Unit is worth the trip. Visiting the national park ›
Plenty, and most of it is a few minutes from the Library. Tour the Chateau de Mores and Theodore Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Cabin, catch the Medora Musical on a summer evening, ride horseback into the Badlands or play Bully Pulpit Golf Course. Many attractions run on a summer season, roughly Memorial Day through Labor Day. See things to do in Medora for the full list and a map.
Yes. The Library is open year-round, with seasonal hours. Winter in the Badlands is quiet and striking: snow on the buttes, bison along the park roads and room to linger in the galleries. Check current hours before you go, and look at road conditions in winter. See hours ›
North Dakota road conditions ›
salt+scoria is the Library’s restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, coffee, and refreshments throughout the day. Whether you want a quick bite before the galleries or somewhere to relax afterward, everyone is welcome — no admission ticket needed. It’s busiest around lunchtime, so arriving a little earlier or later may mean a shorter wait.
Yes. The Museum Store is open to everyone, whether you’re exploring the galleries or just stopping by. From books and locally inspired gifts to exclusive Library merchandise, there’s something for every age and interest.
Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the Library.
Yes. Restrooms — including accessible and family restrooms — are located inside the Library near the Welcome Desk and within the galleries.
Yes, and we encourage it. Water-bottle refill stations are located throughout the building. You’re welcome to bring a water bottle with a sealed lid into the galleries; to protect the exhibits, please enjoy all other food and drink in salt+scoria or our outdoor spaces.
No — the Library is a cashless campus. We accept all major credit and debit cards, plus mobile payment such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, throughout the Library, Museum Store, and salt+scoria. If you only have cash, our on-site Cash-to-Card kiosk (a reverse ATM) converts it into a prepaid Visa card at no cost.
Absolutely. Visitors of all ages are welcome, and many exhibits include interactive, hands-on experiences designed to spark curiosity — from seek-and-find activities to AI-powered stations. Whether young or young at heart, there’s plenty to explore.
Single-width strollers are welcome throughout the galleries. To keep pathways clear and accessible for everyone, we ask that double-wide and oversized strollers be left with our Welcome Team before entering the galleries.
Yes. Baby-changing facilities are available in our family restrooms, located just inside the Library building and within the galleries.
Dogs on a leash are welcome to enjoy the outdoor grounds with you, and water is available outside for four-legged visitors. Only trained service animals are permitted inside the building. Please never leave a pet in a parked vehicle, even on mild days. If you need day boarding, Antelope Creek Estates offers it in Dickinson. More on pets & guidelines ›