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

Learn about local history at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum Stop by the State Capitol Building Take the kids to The Dakota Zoo Best Free thing to do: Hike, fish and play in McDowell Dam Nature Park Best romantic thing to do: Visit Former Governor's Mansion and the lovely garden that surrounds it Visit Buckstop Junction Check out the interactive exhibits at Gateway to Science Ride the Ferris wheel at the SuperSlide Amusement Park Step back in time at Camp Hancock State Historic Site Camp at General Sibley Park & Eagles Park Play golf at Hawktree Golf Club Go on a dinner cruise aboard the Lewis and Clark Riverboat Go shopping and grab lunch at the Kirkwood Mall See a show at the Bismarck Downtown Artist Cooperative Go on a date at Pirogue Grille Order your favorites at Oahu Hawaiian BBQ and Sushi Bar Have lunch at Peacock Alley Keelboat Park Bismarck Visit Bismarck Art and Galleries Association Visual Art Center Cool off at Raging River Waterpark Play a round of golf on Riverwood Golf Course Enjoy fabulous comfort food at Space Aliens Grill and Bar Attend a concert by the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra Taste unique brews at Laughing Sun Brewing

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