Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Review: Is It Kid-Friendly?

Imagine walking into a presidential library, having your photograph taken and then discovering yourself in historical scenes from more than a century ago! That’s just one of the surprises I experienced at the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota.

If you’re planning a family Badlands trip that includes Medora, here is what you can expect at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library to help you decide if a visit is worth your family’s time and vacation budget.

At-a-Glance

• Best for Ages: 7+. Older kids, teens and adults will get the most value out of the interactive challenges and historical depth.
• Time Needed: 3 to 4 hours total. Budget 2.5 to 3 hours inside for exhibits, plus 30 to 60 minutes for outdoor trails and the rooftop
• 2026 Ticket Cost: Adults (13+) $26
• Budget Hack: Outdoor grounds, boardwalks and the grass rooftop are completely FREE to access without a museum ticket
• Bottom Line: Having spent about three hours exploring the library and grounds, I think it’s definitely worth visiting, especially for families with school-aged children and teenagers. Younger children may not appreciate all the exhibits, but the outdoor areas provide another option for families traveling with little ones.

Editor’s note: The writer was hosted.

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What’s Different About the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library?

Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library | 3410 Chateau Road, Medora, ND 58645 | (701) 892-6070 | Museum, Store and Restaurant Hours Vary by Season

During my October visit, I discovered that this isn’t your typical presidential library.

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opened on July 4, 2026, fittingly coinciding with America’s 250th birthday. Located in the North Dakota Badlands, the library celebrates the life and legacy of America’s 26th president in a place that profoundly influenced him.

I’ve visited three other presidential libraries: Abraham Lincoln, Dwight Eisenhower and Bill Clinton. I enjoyed all three, but the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library was different. I wasn’t just learning about a president. I was actually participating in activities that made me think about what I would have done in his shoes.

Is Your Family The Right Age For This Library?

I visited the library without children, but as I explored the exhibits, I kept thinking about how much fun school-aged kids could have here. Between the interactive games, presidential campaign posters and opportunities to make decisions, there is plenty to keep them busy. I think teenagers would especially enjoy the more challenging activities.

• Toddlers and Preschoolers (Ages 0–5) : The library features wide, smooth indoor pathways that are very single-width stroller-friendly; double-width and oversize strollers must be left at the welcome station before entering the galleries. The library has a designated children’s area featuring a cozy Teddy Bear space. However, I think younger children likely won’t stay engaged with the main exhibits for long.
• Elementary and Middle School (Ages 6–12 ): Based on the activities I tried, I think elementary and middle school kids would have a great time here. I enjoyed the target shooting and seeing my photograph in historical scenes, and I can imagine children getting a kick out of those activities, too.
• Teens and Adults: History buffs and older studentswill appreciate the deeper presidential decision-making simulations, AI interactions, historical memorabilia and emotional exhibits.

Becoming Part of History Through Interactive Exhibits

One of my favorite things about the library was how it used high-tech wristbands to bring visitors directly into the exhibits.

When I entered, I received a wristband that I could tap at interactive stations throughout the museum. At one of the first kiosks, I tapped my wristband and had my photograph taken. At the time, I assumed they were collecting the photo for security purposes. I couldn’t have been more wrong!

As I continued exploring, I discovered that tapping my wristband placed my photograph into historical images from Theodore Roosevelt’s era.

Imagine my surprise when I suddenly spotted myself wearing a long cream dress beside a horse-drawn carriage in a historical scene! In the presidential campaign area, you can even create a poster as if you were running for office.

Hands-On Activities That Make History Fun

I never expected to find myself running for president, practicing my aim or making decisions that Theodore Roosevelt once faced, but that’s exactly what happened.

During my visit, I won my first round of target practice shooting bottles and watched a fellow traveler participate in an activity involving herding longhorn cattle. Some activities were purely entertaining, while others required serious thought.

The presidential decision-making experiences were particularly interesting: they presented competing choices and asked what you would do. I was shocked to learn my thinking was very similar to Teddy’s!

You also get the opportunity to interact directly with an AI representation of Theodore Roosevelt, which adds a fascinating futuristic dimension to history.

The Emotional Side: Roosevelt’s Personal Tragedies

Not every exhibit was designed to entertain; some were deeply moving and handled with remarkable sensitivity.

One exhibit that particularly affected me was the train experience exploring a devastating period in Roosevelt’s life. On February 14, 1884, Roosevelt lost both his mother (to typhoid fever) and his first wife, Alice (to kidney failure, two days after giving birth) on the same day.

Experiencing that part of his life in the train exhibit made the story hit home in a way that simply reading about it never had. I appreciated that the library didn’t focus exclusively on his accomplishments, but also explored the grief and experiences that shaped his resilience.

Historical Memorabilia and The Rough Riders

I’ve always associated Roosevelt with the Rough Riders, the volunteer cavalry regiment he helped lead during the Spanish-American War, and loved spending time in this dedicated military section. Another standout area is the Presidential Campaign Room, decorated in vibrant patriotic red, white and blue.

During my tour, I made several unexpected discoveries:

• The Bull Moose Party: I hadn’t realized TR ran for president again in 1912 as the Progressive Party candidate years after leaving the White House.
• His Handwriting: Seeing his elegant, beautiful penmanship up close was fascinating.
• The Vice Presidency Trap: Political rivals supported TR’s vice-presidential nomination specifically to limit his political influence, only for President McKinley’s 1901 assassination to propel him into the White House!

Outdoor Paths And The Grass Rooftop Experience

The experience doesn’t end when you leave the building interior. From a distance, the sustainable building seems to rise right out of the Badlands landscape rather than sit on top of it.

I spent about half an hour wandering the wide, smooth outdoor paths, enjoying views of the rugged Badlands and distant rock formations. I especially liked the sunflower garden and the picnic tables scattered along the paths. What a great place to enjoy a packed family lunch with a view!

Of course, one of the most unusual features is walking along paths directly on top of the building’s grass-covered roof.

Is the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Good for Families?

I think adults and teenagers will get the most out of this museum. Plenty of interactive activities keep older kids interested, but some of the more detailed historical exhibits might not hold younger children’s attention for long.

The library does have a designated children’s area.

Adults who enjoy American history, presidential history, or innovative museums will find this an attraction worth making time for.

Practical Planning Tips for Families

I spent approximately two and a half hours exploring the interior, plus another half hour outside, and that still wasn’t enough time! I could easily have stayed another hour inside.

• Recommended Time: Allow at least 3 to 4 hours total if you want to participate in interactive exhibits and explore the grounds without rushing.
• Shoe Choice: Don’t underestimate how much walking you’ll do. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Between the extensive indoor galleries and outdoor Badlands walking paths, you will spend several hours on your feet.
• Parking and Accessibility: Plenty of parking was available during my visit. Indoor areas are fully accessible, and outdoor walkways are wide and smooth for single-width strollers and wheelchairs.
• How to Fit It into a Medora Vacation: Pair a morning visit to the Presidential Library with an afternoon scenic drive through Theodore Roosevelt National Park (South Unit), followed by dinner and the famous Medora Musical in the evening.
• Meals: Food is available at the cafe, or you can bring a picnic lunch. Tables and chairs are available indoors and on the patio as well as picnic tables around the walking trail.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely!

I loved the personalized photographs, the presidential decision-making activities and the opportunity to discover things about Roosevelt that I hadn’t known before. What surprised me most was how seamlessly it balanced lighthearted interactive fun with deeply moving historical exhibits.

I’ve now visited four presidential libraries, and this one stands out for its hands-on experiences. I expected to learn more about Theodore Roosevelt, but I didn’t expect to see myself in historical photographs, practice target shooting or make presidential decisions. I had fun, learned quite a bit and even got emotional at some of the exhibits. For families visiting Medora, I think it’s well worth adding to the itinerary.

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