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Join Ash and John from Dirt In My Shoes as we explore America’s National Parks! We’re taking you around the national parks and talking about our favorite things, fun facts, adventures, and trip planning. Expect big laughs and fantastic information as we tour the parks together. Let’s start exploring!
Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library officially opened its doors on July 4th, 2026, in Madora, North Dakota, the gateway town to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The grand opening coincided with the 250th celebration of Independence. The library aims to provide a well-rounded understanding of Theodore Roosevelt's life, including his accomplishments and controversial decisions.
The town of Madora, North Dakota, is deeply immersed in the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, with his name and influence present on nearly everything from local businesses to accommodations. This consistent focus creates an environment where visitors gain a comprehensive appreciation for his life and impact, highlighting his significance to the region.
The grand opening events for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Madora, North Dakota, were significantly impacted by severe weather on July 4th, 2026. The planned glamping campground had to be evacuated due to extreme winds and hail, forcing organizers to cancel some activities and adapt plans for the celebration.
During a visit to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the petrified forest was highlighted as a unique and ancient natural wonder. The park also offered abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, including bison and prairie dogs, and scenic drives such as the loop road.
Visitors to Theodore Roosevelt National Park explored the Maltese Cross Cabin, the first place Theodore Roosevelt lived in North Dakota. The park also provided sightings of wild horses, adding to the overall experience of the park's natural beauty and historical significance.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the only national park established specifically to memorialize a person, President Theodore Roosevelt, and his impact on conservation. Ash and John discuss how Roosevelt's experiences in the North Dakota badlands shaped his love for the wild and his commitment to preserving natural spaces for future generations.
Beyond conservation, Theodore Roosevelt's presidency saw significant advancements in national policy, including modernizing the Navy, completing the Panama Canal, and championing consumer protection. John highlights Roosevelt's role in advocating for fairness and consumer safety through legislation like the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act.
John recounts a remarkable incident where Theodore Roosevelt, after being shot in the chest, insisted on delivering a planned campaign speech before seeking medical attention. The bullet's impact was slowed by his speech manuscript and a metal glasses case, allowing him to survive the potentially fatal injury.
Ash explains the unique geological origins of the North Dakota badlands, shaped by ancient glaciers, mountains, volcanoes, rivers, and floods over millions of years. This rugged landscape was personally significant to Theodore Roosevelt, becoming the site where he developed his love for the wild and leading to the establishment of the national park.
John draws a parallel between Theodore Roosevelt's life and the American ideal of the self-made man, tracing this narrative back to Benjamin Franklin. He explains how Franklin's rise from humble beginnings to international renown established a cultural narrative that continues to inspire Americans to believe in limitless potential.
Ash, a former park ranger and founder of Dirt on My Shoes, asserts that finding solitude in national parks is achievable, even during peak summer months. She counters the common belief that solitude requires visiting during off-peak seasons or hiking extreme distances. Her advice is based on practical experience and suggests that strategic planning, not just early mornings, can help visitors avoid crowds.
Ash from Dirt on My Shoes highlighted that their Yellowstone itinerary is designed to help visitors avoid crowds, even during the busiest summer months. She emphasized that their strategies allow for a positive experience without being constantly surrounded by large groups.
Ash and John, hosts of the podcast, discuss strategies for avoiding crowds in national parks. Ash argues against the necessity of extremely early starts, suggesting that understanding park rhythms and implementing strategic timing can be more effective and less disruptive for families.