Scott Molander, President | Dickinson State University
Scott Molander, President | Dickinson State University
Dickinson State University, the Theodore Roosevelt Center, and the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library have announced a joint celebration after National Geographic included North Dakota’s Badlands on its list of Best Places in the World for 2026.
The Badlands region has long been associated with former President Theodore Roosevelt, who first visited in 1883. He credited his experiences ranching and exploring near Medora as pivotal to his commitment to conservation and public service. Before assuming the presidency, Roosevelt visited Dickinson to deliver a speech outlining his vision for the American West.
Robbie Lauf, executive director of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, commented on the announcement: “The Badlands don’t just take your breath away — they give it back, stronger. As we ready the library for its opening in Medora, National Geographic’s recognition reminds us that this landscape is more than home — it’s a call to action.”
Scott Molander, president of Dickinson State University, highlighted how close students are to these historic lands: “Our campus stands at the crossroads of education and the American frontier. Students study and live just miles from where Roosevelt tested his strength and ideals. We invite travelers drawn to the Badlands to stop in Dickinson and experience the Blue Hawk spirit for themselves.”
Dr. Michael Cullinane, co-director of the Theodore Roosevelt Center, reflected on Roosevelt’s connection with North Dakota: “Theodore Roosevelt came to North Dakota to escape the trauma of losing his wife and mother. He found respite in the eroded buttes, arid landscape and friendly people of the Badlands. If it had the power to heal TR, imagine the effect it will have on modern visitors.”
Together with Dickinson State University in Dickinson and both cultural institutions—the Theodore Roosevelt Center (TRC) located in Dickinson and the soon-to-open Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library (TRPL) near Medora scheduled for July 2026—these organizations aim to serve as gateways into exploring both educational resources and historical context surrounding this region.
National Geographic described North Dakota's Badlands as “bold, breathtaking and unforgettable.” The three institutions encourage visitors not only to explore but also engage with what makes this area unique.
For more information about visiting each location:
- Dickinson State University: dickinsonstate.edu
- Theodore Roosevelt Center: theodorerooseveltcenter.org
- Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library: trlibrary.com
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