MEDORA, N.D. (KFGO) – Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Executive Director Robbie Lauf is excited about the connection the library provides visitors with the outdoors.
He says the access to Theodore Roosevelt National Park makes the library more than a museum.
Robbie Lauf, executive director of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, speaks during a news conference outside the library in Medora on May 6, 2026. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)
“Come through our exhibits and then go scrape your knee on the Maah Daah Hey, go catch a snake, you know, get out there and do the 170 miles of trails that leave from this place. 170 miles of the world’s best mountain biking, horseback riding and hiking,” Lauf said. “Guess what? The science is settled, the outdoors heal you,”.
Lauf says the park stands up to any national park in the country.
“We’re done with save the best for last, we are the first place you need to visit, we are proud of this place. I’m done with the self deprecating humor about our place, we are worthy of beating out Yellowstone, worthy of beating out Yosemite. This is the most beautiful place on earth.
Lauf also addressed how the library will attract visitors during times when tourism rates are slower than the busy summer months. He says the library is targeting one group from the months of August to may.
“School kids are out there, we want to make 25,000 kids every year come and experience, 4th graders and 8th graders from North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Minnesota come here and connect with history.” Lauf said. “Imagine if 4th and 8th graders get to come to this institution, hear from T.R., learn his story, see how important North Dakota was to him see their potential and then reimagine what they can do with their life,”.
Lauf called it an honor that North Dakota gets to be home to the library of the 26th President, who he called the ‘greatest American’.
The library’s grand opening is Saturday
in conjunction with America’s 250th birthday.
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