Looking for history, river views, and Midwest hospitality? Head to Bismarck! North Dakota’s capital offers museums, parks, and a welcoming downtown along the Missouri River. With scenic trails, Native American heritage sites, and vibrant local culture, Bismarck makes a great year-round destination.
When I like to visit
The best time to visit Bismarck is in the late spring through early fall (May–September). Warm temperatures make it ideal for outdoor recreation, festivals, and exploring the Missouri Riverfront. Winter brings snow and chilly weather but offers cozy charm and indoor attractions.
Tips for getting There
- By Plane: Fly into Bismarck Airport (BIS), which offers direct flights from major hubs like Denver, Minneapolis, and Dallas.
- By Car: Bismarck is located along I-94, about 6 hours west of Minneapolis and 2 hours from Dickinson, ND.
- By Train/Bus: While there’s no direct Amtrak service, Jefferson Lines and other bus services connect Bismarck to regional cities.
Where I like to stay
- Radisson Hotel Bismarck – Downtown location with comfortable rooms, a bar, and easy access to attractions.
- Staybridge Suites – All-suite hotel with kitchens, free breakfast, and great for extended stays or families.
- Expressway Suites – Friendly and well-equipped hotel near the river and Bismarck Event Center.
Top Attractions
1. Learn about local history at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum
There is no better way to learn what has made modern North Dakota what it is than by visiting the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum.
Traveling through time from one exhibit to another, you will see the life-size skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex, beadwork and rare pottery crafted by native people, the world’s biggest giant squid fossil, and even a Mars spacesuit.
Located within the grounds of the State Capitol in the spectacular glass and steel Northern Lights Atrium, this state history museum covers the history of North Dakota in all aspects – its geology, prehistory, early inhabitants, and a vibrant mix of cultures that helped shape North Dakota.
There are thousands of specimens and artifacts, high-tech 3-D displays, and interactive exhibits arranged in a number of galleries covering more than 600 million years of development and changes.
When you need a pick-me-up, stop at the James River Café for some dinosaur cookies.
Find it at this Address: 612 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501, 701-328-2666
2. Stop by the State Capitol Building
About 20 miles before you reach Bismarck you will see the city’s main landmark: the magnificent 19-story Art Deco State Capitol Building, the tallest building in the city and the seat of the North Dakota government dominates the city skyline and can be seen from far away.
Architects W. F. Kurke of Fargo and Joseph Bell DeRemer of Grand Forks together with the Chicago Holabird and Root designed Tthe 241.67-foot tall building, which is called the Skyscraper on the Prairie.
There is an observation deck on the 18th floor, the highest point in the entire state.
The building is located in the middle of a beautiful green campus that houses six other government buildings, Myron Atkinson Park, the Capitol Park, and in the center, Capitol Mall, an open field of grass surrounded on both sides by magnificent American elms and miles of walking paths. U.S. President George H. W. Bush for the state’s centennial planted one of the elms.
Find it at this Address: 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505, 701-328-2471
3. Take the kids to The Dakota Zoo
Would you like to adopt a snow leopard? Don’t worry, you do not have to bring it home and find a way to feed it. Adopt an Animal is part of The Dakota Zoo fundraising campaign to make the zoo even better and to help feed the animals that are living there.
It is also an excellent reason to visit this amazing facility. What started as a Christiansen family farm in 1961 with a few farm animals today spreads across 90 acres of forested land on the banks of the Missouri River, offering natural habitats to more than 600 animals, reptiles, fish, and birds representing 125 species.
Many of the animals are endangered, and the zoo is involved in the international effort to ensure that they survive and thrive.
The zoo works closely with local schools and has a range of programs and presentations for the kids. Come and stroll among the habitats and pick an animal to become your little protégée, or just enjoy watching them have fun and watch you back.
Find it at this Address: 602 Riverside Park Rd, Bismarck, ND 58504, 701-223-7543
4. Best Free thing to do: Hike, fish and play in McDowell Dam Nature Park
Hike, fish and play in McDowell Dam Nature Park, a 271-acre park surrounding a man-made lake built for the sole purpose of recreation.
It is located about five miles from Bismarck and is one of the favorite local parks during the summer. The sandy beach offers a great spot for sunbathing and swimming, and kids love it for making sand castles. There are boats and paddleboats for rent, and the lake, stocked with trout, is popular among fishermen.
Picnic shelters and the kids’ playground are lively during the warm summer weekends and are available to rent for parties and celebrations. A horseshoe pit is also located in the park, not something seen in many other parks. There is a paved trail for hiking or running around the lake as well as another one through the wooded area of the park.
Find it at this Address: 1951 93rd St NE, Bismarck, ND 58501, 701-223-7016
Attractions for Couples
5. Best romantic thing to do: Visit Former Governor's Mansion and the lovely garden that surrounds it
Built in 1884 as a private residence of the liquor dealer Asa Fisher, Former Governor's Mansion was designed in a Victorian Stick style and functioned as the residence of North Dakota governors from 1893 to 1960.
During that time the mansion housed 20 state governors. Besides the main two and half stories house, there is a carriage house in the back that was added after the building’s construction.
Both the mansion and the carriage house have undergone extensive restoration and are today open for tours and various functions.
The lovely garden that surrounds two buildings has more than 60 species of heritage plants, while the 1903 Carriage House features the permanent exhibit From Bucket of Oats to Quarts of Oil.
Find it at this Address: 320 E Avenue B, Bismarck, ND 58501, 701-328-2666
6. Visit Buckstop Junction
Buckstop Junction is a historic town that was established to preserves the area's history.
Designed and built by the Missouri Valley Historical Society to give visitors a feel for the atmosphere of the Missouri River Valley during the past, the little town is a life-size replica of the one that dates back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, with actual buildings that have been moved to the site.
Historic buildings in the town range from an old school house built in 1906 and the Sterling Depot made in 1885 to the Yegen Store built in 1877, a 1916 Bethel Lutheran Church and a 1930s Capital Aviation hangar. Other early buildings to explore in the town include a bank, post office, barbershop, and farm museum, as well as several homes of important townspeople.
After your visit, browse The Vintage Gift Shoppe for memorabilia and collectibles from this fascinating “old” town.
Find it at this Address: 3805 E Bismarck Expy, Bismarck, ND 58501, 701-250-8575
7. Check out the interactive exhibits at Gateway to Science
Gateway to Science is a science center for all ages that offers a variety of informal science learning opportunities through interactive exhibits, displays, programs, and special events.
The state-of-the-art science center focuses on inspiring visitors to take an interest in science and the natural world and think about a career in the science/technology field.
North Dakota's only hands-on science center features a vast gallery containing over 90 interactive science exhibits, ranging from simple machines and robotics to advanced nanotechnology and even a real specimen of the human brain! Exhibits cater to all ages, from preschool to adult, and a variety of educational programs are held throughout the year, such as After School Science Clubs, Super Science Seminars, Gateway@Night, and Science Summer Camps.
Find it at this Address: 1810 Schafer Street, Ste 1, Bismarck, ND 58501, 701-258-1975
8. Ride the Ferris wheel at the SuperSlide Amusement Park
Bismarck’s SuperSlide Amusement Park provides fun for the whole family.
Established in 1967, the park has been a center of excitement for families for nearly 50 years. The park features a variety of slides, rides, and games for all ages, from the exhilarating SuperSlide and mini-golf to Bankshot basketball and batting cages for sports fans.
Younger kids can enjoy an array of games and rides that cater to their size and age, including teacups and an antique carousel, while older children can have fun on the roller coaster, climbing wall, and bumper cars.
Take in the beautiful views from the top of the Ferris wheel or head to the bouncing castle for mind-boggling fun. Other exciting rides include swings, a critter track, and whisper carts, and the park is home to North Dakota's only “runaway trail” roller coaster.
Find it at this Address: Riverside Park Rd, Bismarck, ND 58504, 701-258-5038
9. Step back in time at Camp Hancock State Historic Site
Camp Hancock State Historic Site preserves part of an 1872 military installation once known as Camp Greeley that was established to provide protection for garrison troops who were building the Northern Pacific Railroad.
Located at 101 East Main Avenue, the camp features several buildings, including the log cabin that was once the headquarters of the camp and now serves as an interpretive museum filled with artifacts, items, and information about Bismarck’s local history.
Other amenities on the site include a 1909 Northern Pacific Locomotive, the oldest church in Bismarck, the Bread of Life Church, a lovely picnic area for relaxing, and modern restrooms. The camp's name was changed to Camp Hancock in 1873 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Find it at this Address: 101 East Main Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58501, 701-328-9528
10. Camp at General Sibley Park & Eagles Park
General Sibley Park & Eagles Park is a popular recreation spot and campground located on South Washington Street four miles south of Bismarck.
Established in 1967, the park, which covers an area of 138 acres, was named after General Henry Sibley, and it features an array of recreational activities and attractions for the whole family.
The park includes clean and spacious camping sites for both motorhomes and tents, as well as electrical hookups, modern restrooms, picnic shelters, playgrounds for children, and a boat ramp. You can enjoy a game of golf on the 24-hole disc golf course, and there is a sand volleyball court for some fun in the sun.
Eagles Park also offers rustic camping space just south of the historic Double Ditch Indian Village site.
Find it at this Address: 5001 South Washington St. Bismarck, ND 58501, 701-222-6455
Where I Like to Eat
- Pirogue Grille – Upscale restaurant known for refined Midwestern cuisine and regional ingredients.
- Fireflour Pizza + Coffee Bar – Wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, craft coffee, and a hip downtown vibe.
- Big Boy Restaurant – A Bismarck institution serving comfort food, burgers, and its signature “pizza burger” since 1954.
Local Events
- Capital A’Fair (August) – Outdoor arts and crafts fair on the Capitol grounds with live music and food trucks.
- Downtowners Street Fair (September) – Popular community event featuring vendors, entertainment, and local eats.
- United Tribes International Powwow (September) – Celebrates Native culture with dance, drums, and traditional regalia at United Tribes Technical College.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Bismarck, North Dakota
- Mandan (10–15 min) – Cross the river to explore Fort Lincoln, Raging Rivers Waterpark, and a lively Main Street scene.
- McDowell Dam Nature Park (20–25 min) – Kayak, paddle, or hike around this peaceful recreation area east of Bismarck.
- Missouri River Trails (0–30 min) – Walk or bike along scenic riverfront paths with views, picnic spots, and birdwatching.
- Huff Hills Ski Area (25–30 min) – Small ski resort with winter fun for all levels, just south of the city.
- Double Ditch Indian Village (20–25 min) – View ancient Mandan earthwork ruins and sweeping river vistas from this archaeological site.
Plan Your Trip