BISMARCK, N.D. – President Donald Trump is set to visit North Dakota on Wednesday to explore the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. This impressive 96,000-square-foot facility delves into the life and legacy of the 26th president and is located in the very area where a young Theodore Roosevelt cultivated his conservationist values while ranching and hunting in the 1880s.
The library’s grand opening will take place over the July 4 weekend, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. However, Trump will be making an early visit to see the $450 million project, which was championed by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum during his tenure as governor of North Dakota. This visit brings the national celebrations to a region that holds historical significance in America’s westward expansion.
All living presidents were invited to the library’s opening, which joins a network of presidential libraries across the United States that honor the contributions of past leaders, from Ronald Reagan in California to Franklin D. Roosevelt in New York. Recently, the Obama Presidential Center was inaugurated in Chicago, uniting four former presidents for the event.
As the library’s first official visitor, Trump will speak at a nearby Western-themed amphitheater during an event organized by Freedom 250, a group he created that presents itself as nonpartisan. This week, he also intends to visit Mount Rushmore in South Dakota for Independence Day fireworks, a tradition he maintained during his presidency in 2020.
Trump has frequently expressed admiration for Roosevelt, even claiming in 2020 that he was “the number one environmental president since Teddy Roosevelt.” His remarks highlight a connection between their presidencies, with Trump drawing parallels between his initiatives and Roosevelt’s historical achievements.
Roosevelt, who served from 1901 to 1909, had a profound bond with North Dakota. He first visited the Dakota Territory in 1883 for bison hunting and experienced personal tragedy shortly after when both his mother and wife passed away on the same day. Seeking solace, he returned to the region, where he developed resilience and learned valuable life lessons while ranching and interacting with local cowboys.
Today, near the library is Theodore Roosevelt National Park, a beautiful area where visitors can hike scenic trails and drive through the Badlands, home to bison and wild horses.
Burgum, a key supporter of the library, successfully advocated for its establishment to the North Dakota legislature, highlighting its potential for tourism. The legislature approved a $50 million operations endowment, requiring library planners to raise an additional $100 million through private donations, a goal achieved in 2020. As of early 2026, total donations have reached approximately $354 million, with significant contributions from oil executive Harold Hamm and the Walton family of Walmart fame.
The library will feature artifacts that chronicle Roosevelt’s life, including his Rough Riders uniform and his personal diary from 1884, as well as items from the 1912 assassination attempt against him. Visitors will gain insights into Roosevelt’s conservation ideas, as well as the more controversial aspects of his legacy, including his views on Native Americans.
Organizers aim to attract families and school children from the surrounding region, as well as tourists traveling to Yellowstone National Park and the Black Hills. The library’s remote location is seen as a unique feature, embodying Roosevelt’s own journey in seeking personal growth in the wilderness.
However, the trip has drawn criticism from conservation leaders, who argue that some policies of Burgum and Trump contradict Roosevelt’s conservation principles, particularly regarding budget cuts and energy development on public lands. Despite these criticisms, the library stands as a testament to Roosevelt’s enduring influence on American history.
In essence, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library seeks not only to celebrate the achievements of a pivotal figure in American history but also to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding his legacy. It promises to be an enlightening experience for visitors of all ages.
