Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opening in North Dakota Badlands

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: CBS News

June 21, 2026 / 9:28 AM EDT


Theodore Roosevelt consistently ranks among the nation's top five most popular presidents. On this upcoming July 4 holiday, 107 years after his death, T.R. is finally getting his own presidential library – but it's not where you might think. That library is rising out of the prairie grass in the North Dakota Badlands – a 96,000-square-foot tribute to our 26th president.

It's as grand as his likeness on Mt. Rushmore, except a lot more subtle, and that's by design, says architect Craig Dykers. "Nature is transformative here," he said. "It transformed Theodore Roosevelt, and it will transform new visitors to this library."


The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library under construction in the Badlands of North Dakota.
CBS News

Its gently sloping roof mimics the surrounding buttes, covered in native grasses and walking paths – yes, walking paths on the roof. The hope is they'll get visitors up and out for a commanding view of Theodore Roosevelt National Park right next door.

"We wanted something that just felt primitive," said Dykers. "And so, this form emerging from the Earth, it felt like it just arrived from the Earth."' Dykers said.

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/theodore-roosevelt-presidential-library-opening-in-north-dakota-badlands/

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REFERENCE - https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143119540

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[wcmagumba]

1. Wow, that is so cool...I'd love to see it...

[tazcat]

2. Love it! Blends with nature doesn't look alien.

[2naSalit]

3. I passed by there a couple times last year...

Didn't know about the library. The part I thought was cool is that I saw a few groups of bison while passing through the actual park.

[msongs]

4. did it cost 800 million? nt

[BumRushDaShow]

5. A little more than half that

Theodore Roosevelt library takes ‘calculated risk’ with remote North Dakota site

(snip)

Library boosters have a $450 million fundraising goal, with $344 million in cash and pledges so far, including from oil executive Harold Hamm and Walmart heir Rob Walton and his wife, Melani. Construction, design and related costs alone are pegged at $276 million. Other costs include millions for developing exhibits and digitizing archives

(snip

[chowder66]

6. Bill Maher must be pissed.

[EYESORE 9001]

7. New addition to my bucket list

I’ve wanted to return there for a longer visit, and this library could provide enough ‘nudge’ for taking the trip.

[bmichaelh]

8. Trust Buster

Theodore Roosevelt was a Republican when he was President.

But that Republicanism was different back then.

He started the Progressive Party.

He was also a trust buster.

He was also good friend to Seth Bullock, one of the main characters in the TV series Deadwood.

[BHDem53]

10. Sheriff Bullock spearheaded a drive to rename a peak north of Deadwood in honor of his dear friend.

A 31-foot Friendship Tower was constructed on the summit, and provides unobstructed views north towards western ND.

[electric_blue68]

9. Prerty cool! And great landscape!