Teddy Trail
Welcome to the Teddy Trail. This is your invitation to explore the very places in North Dakota that transformed a young Theodore Roosevelt into the "Conservation President." From his campaign stops in Fargo, to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in the North Dakota Badlands, every stop reveals a different chapter of his North Dakota story. Explore the places he loved, the monuments he protected, the food he enjoyed most, and the communities and people that continue to celebrate his legacy to this day.
Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is North Dakota’s newest crown jewel and a must-visit destination for any TR fan. Roosevelt famously declared, "I never would have been President if it had not been for my experiences in North Dakota," which now makes this rugged landscape the home for his legacy. This "living library" isn't just a collection of books; it's an architectural marvel nestled into the buttes of Medora, featuring immersive exhibits, and a sustainable "living building" design. By visiting, you aren't just learning about history—you are stepping onto the very soil where TR found the resilience to lead a nation, inviting you to explore the same wide-open vistas that continue to inspire the American "strenuous life" today.
Medora: His Home in North Dakota
Places Roosevelt Helped Conserve:
- Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge: Roosevelt designated this area as a "Federal Bird Reservation" to protect one of the last remaining colonies of American White Pelicans after nearly being hunted nearly to extinction. TR stepped in to ensure they had a safe haven to breed. Today you one of the largest colonies of American White Pelicans reside here.
- Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park: In 1907, Roosevelt took direct action to protect this site by signing the deed that transferred the federal land of the original fort to the state of North Dakota, officially creating its very first state park where you can hike, camp and explore the reconstructed Earth Lodge Village.
- Stump Lake National Wildlife Refuge: Established by TR on March 9, 1905, this was the first National Wildlife Refuge in North Dakota and only the third in the entire United States. It was a critical nesting ground for native birds and was a major step forward in their protection.
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park: Roosevelt did not actually create the national park that bears his name. However, the park exists because of the personal transformation he experienced on that land and the conservation "blueprint" he created as President.
- White Horse Hill National Game Preserve: In 1904, Roosevelt used his executive authority to designate the area as a National Park (the 8th in the U.S. at the time). He later signed legislation that transitioned its mission toward active wildlife restoration. Today it is home to bison and elk herds along with beautiful forested overlooks.
Teddy Experiences Across the State
Places Roosevelt Spoke
Where he said his famous line: "I never would have been president if it had not been for my experience in North Dakota."
His first major public speech while still a local rancher, which became famously known as the "I Like Big Things" speech.
A key stop on the express route where he continued his homecoming message to eager North Dakotans.
He stopped in the state capital to address the public during his trek westward.
The most emotional stop of his campaign tour, where he reunited with old cowboy friends.
He made multiple stops here to speak on his Vice Presidential Campaign, Presidential Tour, and Bull Moose Campaign.
Roosevelt spoke here, reflecting on his twenty-three years of history with the land.
One of the first stops on his Northern Pacific track tour where he greeted local residents.
Celebrate Roosevelt in your own way! Use the filters to select you own kind of adventure you love most and see what's happening across North Dakota.