Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opening in North Dakota Badlands
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."
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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/
REFERENCE - https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143119540
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wcmagumba
(6,923 posts)tazcat
(318 posts)2naSalit
(104,673 posts)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
(74,459 posts)BumRushDaShow
(173,332 posts)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
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chowder66
(12,675 posts)EYESORE 9001
(30,008 posts)Ive wanted to return there for a longer visit, and this library could provide enough nudge for taking the trip.