Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” And honestly, that’s exactly the energy behind the brand‑new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota. It’s bold, it’s beautifully done, and it’s one of the most engaging presidential sites we’ve visited on our 50‑state journey.
When we partnered with the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, I expected to like it. I didn’t anticipate how incredibly immersive, fun, and kid-friendly it would be. Our visit sparked a whole new quest for us: Visit every Presidential Library. Will any of the others top the TRPL? Probably not, but there’s only one way to find out!
If you’re planning a family trip through the Badlands, or you’re a history‑loving nerd like us, this stop deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Our visit to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library was part of a hosted partnership, and our family received complimentary admission. All thoughts and impressions are entirely our own.
First Impressions: A Library Built for Storytelling
The TRPL isn’t your typical presidential museum. It’s immersive, modern, and intentionally designed to feel like you’re stepping into Roosevelt’s world, from his childhood home in New York to his cowboy years in North Dakota to his presidency and adventures in the Amazon.
The building itself blends right into the landscape, almost like it grew out of the Badlands. Inside, the exhibits are hands‑on, kid‑friendly, and packed with storytelling moments that make history feel alive.
What the Kids Loved
1. The Hands‑On Exhibits
Our kids were immediately drawn to the interactive stations; touching, building, exploring, and learning without even realizing they were learning. They loved seeing photos of themselves being transformed to show them in various eras of TR’s life.
In one really fun interactive exhibit, the kids made campaign posters and created a video of them on the campaign trail.
2. The Cowboy Era Displays
Roosevelt’s time in the Badlands is one of the most fun parts of his story. In fact, TR once said, “I would have not been President had it not been for my experience in North Dakota,” and the museum totally leans into this. The kids loved seeing how he lived, worked, and adventured in North Dakota- swanky cowboy clothes and all!
3. The Nature & Conservation Section
This was a huge hit. Roosevelt’s conservation legacy is massive, and the museum makes it accessible for kids with visuals, activities, and storytelling.
Did you know that after his presidency, TR went on a survey expedition in the Amazon? TR and his son, Kermit, joined a team of scientists to survey “The River of Doubt”. There’s an incredible immersive exhibit that tells all about this treacherous journey. The exhibit puts you in a boat right next to TR and the crew as they navigate the river. It was one of my favorite parts of the museum!
4. “Talking” to TR
One of the most popular exhibits in the museum allows visitors to “talk” to TR. With the magic of AI, you can ask TR questions and share your own stories. The kids thought this was really neat! One of our kids mentioned Abraham Lincoln and “TR” pointed out there was a Lincoln portrait hanging right behind the kids.
What would you ask him?
5. The Play Spaces!
Wait, play spaces in a Presidential Library? That’s CRAZY! The TRPL was designed with kids in mind. As if the interactive, AI-enhanced exhibits weren’t enough, they included play spaces for kids! They loved crawling, climbing, and explored.
Tips for visiting the TRPL
Plan 2+ hours — you’ll want plenty of time to explore without rushing. We were in the museum for just over 3 hours.
Pair it with Medora — the town is adorable and full of western charm. You won’t want to miss the Pitchfork Fondue Dinner or the Medora Musical! (seasonal).
Visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park — it’s right there, and it’s stunning.
Check for special programs — the library hosts family events, talks, and activities.
Final Thoughts
We’re big believers that presidential sites tell the story of America in a way textbooks can’t. The TRPL is one of the best examples of that — it’s immersive, thoughtful, and genuinely fun for families.
It’s also a perfect anchor stop for a North Dakota trip, especially if you’re exploring national parks, western history, or road‑tripping through the region.
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library exceeded every expectation. It’s beautifully done, deeply educational, and surprisingly fun — the kind of place that sticks with you long after you leave.
If you’re planning a trip through the West or checking off North Dakota on your 50‑state list, this is a must‑visit.
What’s Coming Next in the Series
This post is part of our full North Dakota road trip series. Each stop will get its own dedicated blog post, and once they’re published, I’ll embed the links right here so you can follow along:
- Enchanted Highway
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame
- Medora, and more!
And at the end of the series, I’ll share a full itinerary you can use to plan your own North Dakota road trip.
Stay Connected with Us
If you’re enjoying our North Dakota road trip series, make sure you’re following along on all our socials — that’s where we share the behind‑the‑scenes moments, reels from each stop, and all the chaotic‑good family travel energy. 
You can find us on:
Instagram — daily reels, stories, and trip highlights
Facebook — full posts, photo albums, and updates
TikTok — quick travel tips + funny family moments
YouTube — longer travel videos, shorts, and full trip recaps
Follow along as we keep exploring North Dakota — and every other state we pull from the hat next. 
