• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Learn about local history at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Attractions
Learn about local history at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum
© North Dakota Heritage Center

2. Stop by the State Capitol Building ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Stop by the State Capitol Building
© Courtesy of sframe - Fotolia.com

3. Take the kids to The Dakota Zoo

Category: Kids & Family
Take the kids to The Dakota Zoo
© The Dakota Zoo

4. Best Free thing to do: Hike, fish and play in McDowell Dam Nature Park

Category: Activities
Best Free thing to do: Hike, fish and play in McDowell Dam Nature Park
© Courtesy of bzyxx - Fotolia.com

5. Best romantic thing to do: Visit Former Governor's Mansion and the lovely garden that surrounds it

Category: Museums & Culture
Best romantic thing to do: Visit Former Governor's Mansion and the lovely garden that surrounds it
© Former Governor's Mansion

6. Visit Buckstop Junction

Visit Buckstop Junction
© Buckstop Junction

7. Check out the interactive exhibits at Gateway to Science

Category: Kids & Family
Check out the interactive exhibits at Gateway to Science
© Gateway to Science

8. Ride the Ferris wheel at the SuperSlide Amusement Park

Category: Activities
Ride the Ferris wheel at the SuperSlide Amusement Park
© Courtesy renatsadykov - Fotolia.com

9. Step back in time at Camp Hancock State Historic Site

Category: Attractions
Step back in time at Camp Hancock State Historic Site
© Camp Hancock State Historic Site

10. Camp at General Sibley Park & Eagles Park

Category: Activities
Camp at General Sibley Park & Eagles Park
© General Sibley Park & Eagles Park

11. Play golf at Hawktree Golf Club

Play golf at Hawktree Golf Club
© Hawktree Golf Club

12. Go on a dinner cruise aboard the Lewis and Clark Riverboat

Category: Activities
Go on a dinner cruise aboard the Lewis and Clark Riverboat
© Lewis and Clark Riverboat

13. Go shopping and grab lunch at the Kirkwood Mall

Go shopping and grab lunch at the Kirkwood Mall
© Kirkwood Mall

14. See a show at the Bismarck Downtown Artist Cooperative

Category: Museums & Culture
See a show at the Bismarck Downtown Artist Cooperative
© Bismarck Downtown Artist Cooperative

15. Go on a date at Pirogue Grille

Category: Food & Drink
Go on a date at Pirogue Grille
© Pirogue Grille

16. Order your favorites at Oahu Hawaiian BBQ and Sushi Bar

Category: Food & Drink
Order your favorites at Oahu Hawaiian BBQ and Sushi Bar
© Oahu Hawaiian BBQ and Sushi Bar

17. Have lunch at Peacock Alley

Have lunch at Peacock Alley
© Peacock Alley

18. Keelboat Park Bismarck

Category: Activities
Keelboat Park Bismarck
© Courtesy of kichigin19 - Fotolia.com

19. Visit Bismarck Art and Galleries Association Visual Art Center

Category: Attractions
Visit Bismarck Art and Galleries Association Visual Art Center
© Bismarck Art and Galleries Association Visual Art Center

20. Cool off at Raging River Waterpark

Category: Kids & Family
Cool off at Raging River Waterpark
© artemstepanov/stock.adobe.com

21. Play a round of golf on Riverwood Golf Course

Category: Entertainment
Play a round of golf on Riverwood Golf Course
© Courtesy of Bismarck Parks and Recreation District

22. Enjoy fabulous comfort food at Space Aliens Grill and Bar

Category: Food & Drink
Enjoy fabulous comfort food at Space Aliens Grill and Bar
© Space Aliens Grill and Bar

23. Attend a concert by the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra

Category: Entertainment
Attend a concert by the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra
© Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra

24. Taste unique brews at Laughing Sun Brewing

Category: Food & Drink
Taste unique brews at Laughing Sun Brewing
© Laughing Sun Brewing

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • Question: Where is Bismarck located?
    Answer: Bismarck is situated on the banks of the Missouri River in North Dakota.
  • Question: What is the Cathedral District known for?
    Answer: The Cathedral District is Bismarck's historic neighborhood, featuring the imposing art deco Cathedral of the Holy Spirit.
  • Question: What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Bismarck?
    Answer: Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and exploring historic attractions.
  • Question: What makes Bismarck a modern city with natural appeal?
    Answer: Bismarck is a fast-growing modern city surrounded by parks and the green banks of the Missouri River, offering great outdoor adventures.

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