Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library

Frequently asked questions about the TRPL

Get in the arena. This FAQ section is your starting point for exploring the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library – whether you’re planning a visit, curious about the location, or interested to learn more about the building itself. Find quick answers, helpful details, and the context you need to dive deeper into this transformative place and space.

Who is the architect for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library? 

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library was designed by Snohetta and JLG Architects.  Snohetta is the design architect, and JLG Architects is the Architect of Record. 

When does the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library open?   

JLG Architects and Snohetta will celebrate the grand opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library on July 4, 2026, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the United States. 

Where is the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library located? 

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is located in Medora, North Dakota, situated on the edge of the Badlands and adjacent to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. 

How do I get tickets for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library? 

Tickets to visit the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library are now available to the public on the TRPL website by clicking here.  Daily capacity is limited, and all tickets must be reserved in advance. 

Why is the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota? 

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is located in Medora, North Dakota, because of the profound impact the state had on Theodore Roosevelt’s life and presidency. Roosevelt himself credited his time in the North Dakota Badlands as transformative, famously stating, “I never would have been President if it had not been for my experiences in North Dakota.”  

The rugged landscape, the Elkhorn Ranch, and the surrounding Badlands shaped Roosevelt’s conservation values and leadership philosophy, which later influenced his national policies as the “Father of American Conservation.” JLG Architects considers the Library’s site — adjacent to Theodore Roosevelt National Park — both a tribute to his legacy and a living platform for conservation, leadership, and civic engagement. 

JLG Architects is deeply connected to this project as the Architect of Record, collaborating with the internationally renowned design firm Snohetta. JLG Architects ensures that the Library’s design and construction authentically reflect Roosevelt’s legacy and the unique character of the North Dakota landscape. The firm’s North Dakota roots, commitment to stewardship, and expertise in sustainable, community-focused design make JLG Architects an ideal partner for this visionary project.  

Why is the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora? 

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is located in Medora, North Dakota because there is a powerful connection between Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the historic North Dakota sites where Roosevelt lived and worked—such as the Maltese Cross Cabin and Elkhorn Ranch—providing an opportunity to immerse visitors in the very landscapes that shaped Roosevelt’s legacy. These destinations already attract visitors, creating a natural synergy among all entities to offer a truly comprehensive and memorable experience.

How do I get to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library? 

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is located in Medora, North Dakota. To visit, you’ll want to travel to Medora, which is situated in the scenic Badlands of western North Dakota, adjacent to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The Library’s site is designed by Snohetta and JLG Architects to blend seamlessly with the landscape; intended as a destination for immersive storytelling, conservation education, and exploration. 

For the most direct route: 

By car: Medora is accessible via Interstate 94. Take Exit 27 or Exit 24, and follow signs into Medora. The Library will be located near the entrance to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. 

• By air: The nearest airport is in Dickinson, ND (about 35 miles east of Medora). From there, you can rent a car and drive west on I-94. 

• For additional visitor information or specific directions as the opening approaches, contact the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation at 701.658.3969. 

What is the purpose or mission of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library? 

The purpose of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is to honor the life, legacy, and enduring relevance of the 26th President of the United States by creating a “Living Library” that restores native habitat and invites outdoor and interactive exploration of Theodore Roosevelt’s conservation values. Through the collaboration of JLG Architects and Snohetta, the Library is designed to be more than a museum – it serves as a dynamic civic forum and a platform for conservation, leadership, and citizenship. Through immersive galleries, outdoor pavilions, and educational programming, the library fosters public participation, reflection, and debate grounded in Roosevelt’s values. 

The mission is to continue Roosevelt’s legacy by sharing conservation ideas, safeguarding artifacts, and providing a destination for impactful storytelling and discovery. The Library’s architecture and programming by Snohetta and JLG Architects are deeply connected to the North Dakota landscape that so profoundly influenced Roosevelt, aiming to inspire future generations to engage with the natural world, embrace stewardship, and participate in civic life. 

What does the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library look like? 

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, designed by Snøhetta and JLG Architects, is a “landform” building that functions as a natural extension of the North Dakota Badlands. Its most distinctive feature is a sweeping, low-slung profile with a walkable roof covered in native grasses and soil, allowing visitors to hike directly over the structure. This design ensures the Library harmonizes with the surrounding buttes rather than dominating the skyline, with viewing pavilions that offer panoramic vistas of the Little Missouri River valley. 

The exterior utilizes a palette of local stone, timber, and rammed earth to mirror the tans, reds, and browns of the rugged landscape. Large glass walls provide expansive views of the nearby Theodore Roosevelt National Park while maintaining a carbon-positive footprint through advanced energy systems and carbon sequestration. The surrounding site has been fully restored with native shortgrass prairie, making the building appear as though it is emerging directly from the earth. 

Inside, the Library prioritizes a high-tech “Digital Library” experience, featuring a Narrative Gallery characterized by massive wooden beams and immersive installations branching off. Because many of Roosevelt’s primary physical papers are housed on the East Coast, this space uses interactive technology and light to tell his story and explore his conservation legacy. Snohetta and JLG’s interior design balances this modern technology with a rugged aesthetic, creating a space that feels both historic and forward-looking in its tribute to out 26th President. 

What is the architectural vision of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library? 

The architectural vision for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, conceived by Snøhetta and JLG Architects, centers on a “landform” design that treats the building as a natural extension of the North Dakota Badlands rather than a traditional monument. This approach prioritizes the landscape by creating a low-slung, sweeping silhouette that mimics the surrounding buttes and integrates seamlessly with the local topography. A defining element of this vision is the continuous, walkable roof covered in native shortgrass prairie, which allows the library to function as a physical bridge between the community of Medora and the wilderness. By incorporating hiking trails and viewing pavilions directly into the structure, the architecture encourages visitors to engage with the environment in a way that reflects Roosevelt’s own deep connection to the outdoors. 

Sustainability and environmental stewardship are fundamental to the project’s design, which adheres to a “Cradle-to-Cradle” material philosophy and aims for a carbon-positive footprint. The vision utilizes a palette of local stone, timber, and rammed earth to ensure the library harmonizes with the natural textures of the landscape while minimizing its ecological impact. Under the category of Sustainability/Building Performance, the structure features advanced energy-monitoring systems and bird-safe glass, ensuring that the facility actively contributes to the health of the local ecosystem. 

Internally, Snohetta and JLG’s architectural vision shifts from a repository of physical papers to a high-tech “Digital Library” that uses immersive technology to tell Roosevelt’s story. The Narrative Gallery serves as the heart of this experience, utilizing massive wooden beams and soaring heights to evoke the feeling of a canyon or a forest, paying homage to the vast landscapes Roosevelt preserved. Because his primary physical archives are located elsewhere, the interior relies on interactive installations and light-based storytelling to explore the concept of “The Strenuous Life.” This creates a deliberate contrast between the ancient, geological feel of the exterior and a forward-looking, technologically advanced interior that invites visitors to reflect on the future of conservation. 

How was construction handled in Medora, a rural location adjacent to a National Park? 

Construction of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in the rural setting of Medora was managed through a partnership that balanced high-concept design with the practicalities of a remote, environmentally sensitive location. As the Architect of Record, JLG Architects oversaw the daily construction administration, serving as the critical link between Snøhetta’s international design team and the regional contractors who understood the geological and climatic rigors of western North Dakota. Because Medora has a permanent population of fewer than 150 people, the project required a specialized workforce strategy that drew skilled labor from across the region while utilizing Medora’s seasonal tourism housing to accommodate crews during the winter months. 

To protect the adjacent Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the local ecosystem, the construction process followed a strict “Cradle-to-Cradle” material philosophy aimed at minimizing the project’s carbon footprint. A significant portion of the construction material, such as the earth used for the rammed-earth walls, was sourced directly from the site or nearby areas to reduce the environmental impact and cost of long-distance hauling. This approach not only grounded the building in the local geology but also limited the amount of heavy truck traffic passing through the town and the park’s entrance, preserving the quiet character of the area during the multi-year build. 

How does the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library meet the Living Building Challenge and other sustainability initiatives? 

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is designed to achieve the highest sustainability standards, including full Living Building Challenge (LBC) certification —  one of the most rigorous green building certifications in the world. The project’s approach, led by JLG Architects’ sustainability team, is comprehensive and visionary, reflecting  Roosevelt’s legacy as the “Father of American Conservation.” 

Key sustainability initiatives include: 

• Living Building Challenge Certification: The library is pursuing full LBC certification, which requires the building to be self-sustaining, starting at zero and giving back to the environment. This includes net positive energy, water, and waste performance, as well as the use of healthy, locally sourced materials and a focus on occupant well-being. 

• Carbon-Positive Performance: The design aims for carbon-positive operation through passive design strategies, renewable energy production, and restoration of native habitat. The building will produce more energy than it consumes and will minimize embodied carbon through careful material selection. 

• Native Habitat Restoration: The “Living Library” concept restores native prairie and grasslands, supporting biodiversity and ecological health while connecting visitors to the landscape that inspired Roosevelt’s conservation ethic. 

• Biophilic and Regenerative Design: The architecture integrates biophilic principles, creating spaces that foster human health, well-being, and a deep connection to nature. The project is also a pilot site for new biophilic design assessment tools in partnership with the UC Berkeley Center for the Built Environment. 

• LEED Platinum Target: In addition to LBC, the library is seeking LEED Platinum certification, further demonstrating its commitment to sustainable design and operations. 

• Architecture 2030 Commitment: JLG Architects is a signatory to the Architecture 2030 initiative, actively pursuing carbon-neutral buildings by 2030 and integrating energy modeling and embodied carbon calculations into every project phase. 

• Post-Occupancy Engagement: JLG Architects remains engaged after construction to measure, fine-tune, and support building operations, ensuring the library continues to meet its sustainability goals and serves as a model for future projects. 

Through these initiatives, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library sets a new standard for environmental stewardship, resilience, and regenerative design, honoring Roosevelt’s conservation legacy and inspiring future generations. 

Is the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library carbon neutral? 

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is designed to achieve carbon-positive performance, which means it will produce more energy than it consumes — going beyond carbon neutrality. The project’s sustainability strategy includes passive design, on-site renewable energy generation, and careful material selection to minimize embodied carbon. The Library is pursuing full Living Building Challenge certification, which requires net positive energy and water, as well as a commitment to restoring native habitat and supporting ecological health. 

By targeting both Living Building Challenge and LEED Platinum certification, and through ongoing post-occupancy engagement to monitor and optimize building performance, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library sets a new standard for environmental stewardship and regenerative design. Its goal is not only to be carbon neutral but to actively give back to the environment, honoring Roosevelt’s conservation legacy and goal to leave the site better than it was found. 

Is the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library part of the National Archives (NARA)? 

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is not part of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) system. Unlike many modern presidential libraries, which are operated and maintained by NARA, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is an independent institution. It is privately funded and managed by the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation, with a mission to honor Roosevelt’s legacy and promote conservation, leadership, and civic engagement in the spirit of his time in North Dakota. 

How does the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library differ from the Roosevelt Study Center? 

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and the Roosevelt Study Center are two distinct institutions with different missions and locations. The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is located in Medora, North Dakota, and is dedicated exclusively to the life, legacy, and conservation values of Theodore Roosevelt. It serves as a “Living Library,” offering immersive exhibits, restored native habitat, and educational programming that highlight Roosevelt’s connection to North Dakota and his impact on American conservation. 

In contrast, the Roosevelt Study Center is based in Middelburg, the Netherlands, and functions as a research institute focused on the broader Roosevelt family—Theodore, Franklin, and Eleanor Roosevelt—and transatlantic relations between the United States and Europe. Its primary audience is scholars and researchers, providing access to archival materials, academic conferences, and publications. 

While the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is a public destination designed for visitors, families, and scholars, the Roosevelt Study Center emphasizes international scholarship and research. The Library is operated independently by the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation, whereas the Study Center is an academic facility with a broader historical scope. 

How does the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library’s roof act as an extension to the North Dakota Badlands hiking trails? 

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library’s roof is designed as a seamless “landform” that functions more like a natural butte than a traditional building topper. By utilizing a low-slung, sweeping silhouette, architects Snøhetta and JLG Architects created a structure that emerges directly from the earth, covered in the same native shortgrass prairie found throughout the surrounding Badlands. This intentional use of local soil and vegetation ensures that the tactile experience of walking across the roof—the sights, smells, and textures—is an identical extension of the natural environment, providing a literal bridge between the community of Medora and the rugged wilderness beyond. 

Functionally, the roof serves as a strategic gateway to the 144-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail system through a series of interconnected paths known as “The Loop.” Hikers can begin their journey in the town center and ascend the roof’s gentle gradients to reach elevated viewing pavilions that offer 360-degree vistas of the Little Missouri River valley and the Burning Hills. These pavilions act as natural rest stops where the man-made architecture begins to dissolve into the landscape, allowing visitors to transition into the backcountry without the interruption of paved roads or traditional boundaries. 

This architectural choice embodies Roosevelt’s “Strenuous Life” philosophy by requiring physical engagement and exertion to achieve the best views of the landscape he fought to preserve. The trail connections are reaching maturity and are accessible for those wishing to explore the Library’s exterior perimeter. By walking over the building and into the adjacent Theodore Roosevelt National Park, visitors experience a psychological shift from the civilized world to the restorative solitude of the wild, fulfilling the Library’s mission to serve as a living memorial to conservation. 

As an important note, the roof path is fully ADA accessible, meaning that visitors with mobility issues are able to benefit from the sweeping views of the butte and national park.

What makes the design of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library unique? 

The design of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is unique because it functions as a “Sky Prairie” building that integrates into the North Dakota Badlands rather than standing as a traditional monument. Conceived by Snøhetta and JLG Architects, the structure features a sweeping, low-slung silhouette that mimics the natural contours of the surrounding buttes. Its most distinctive feature is a continuous, walkable roof covered in native shortgrass prairie, which allows visitors to hike directly over the building. This design transforms the Library into a physical bridge between the town of Medora and the wilderness, connecting directly to the 144-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail system and encouraging the “Strenuous Life” that Roosevelt famously championed. 

The project is also distinguished by its commitment to Sustainability/Building Performance, aiming to be one of the only carbon-positive presidential libraries in existence. By adhering to the Living Building Challenge and a “Cradle-to-Cradle” material philosophy, JLG Architects led the sourcing and execution of local stone, timber, and rammed earth to minimize its environmental footprint. The building serves as a model for modern conservation, utilizing advanced energy-monitoring systems to ensure it gives back more to the ecosystem than it takes. This harmony with the land reflects Roosevelt’s legacy as the “Conservation President.” 

Internally, the Library is unique because it functions as a high-tech “Digital Library” rather than a primary repository for physical papers. Since Roosevelt’s original manuscripts are largely housed at Harvard and the Library of Congress, its interior design prioritizes immersive, light-based storytelling and interactive installations. The spaces connected to the Narrative Gallery, characterized by soaring wooden beams that evoke the scale of a forest or canyon, use digital projections to explore Roosevelt’s personal transformation in the West. This creates a deliberate contrast between the rugged, ancient feel of the exterior and a forward-looking, technologically advanced interior that invites visitors to reflect on the future of the American landscape. 

What is an Architect of Record? 

The Architect of Record (AOR) is the licensed professional or firm that holds primary legal and technical responsibility for a construction project. For TRPL, the design architect, Snøhetta, created the conceptual vision, and the AOR, JLG Architects, created the construction documents, making JLG legally accountable for ensuring the building met all safety codes, laws, and requirements. 

Beyond legal accountability, JLG Architects managed the complex transition from design to reality by producing detailed construction documents that guide contractors. The firm coordinated a team of specialized sub-consultants, such as exhibits and A/V, to ensure all technical systems work in harmony.  In the case of the TRPL, JLG also collaborated with the consultants to find solutions to unique challenges, creating systems and solutions that had never been done before.

Throughout the building phase, the AOR provided construction administration, conducted site visits, and reviewed technical submittals to verify that what was designed got built.

Who is the project team for Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library?  

The architectural team for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library includes Snøhetta as the international Design Architect|Design Landscape Architect and JLG Architects as the Architect-of-Record, along with Landscape Architect-of-Record Confluence and Construction Manager JE Dunn. 

Key team members of JLG Architects include Michelle Mongeon Allen, FAIA, LEED AP, CEO, Jennifer Burke Jackson, AIA, LEED AP | Principal, Community Practice Studio Leader, Chayna Claeys, AIA, LEED AP, LFA | Sustainability Manager, Chris Johnson, ICC | Senior Construction Services Specialist, and Josh Kehrwald, AIA | Director of Project Delivery.