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Capital city of North Dakota, United States
Photo: Bobak Ha'Eri, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Bismarck (Hidasta: mirahacii arumaaguash; Arikara: ituhtaáwe) is the capital of North Dakota and the county seat of Burleigh County. Bismarck is North Dakota's second most populous city, after Fargo.
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The state's tallest building, and the location of all three branches of state government. Tours available M - F 9AM-11AM and 1-3PM year round, M - F 8AM-11AM and 1-4PM, Sa 9AM-11AM and 1-3PM, Su 1-4PM from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Art, photography and sculptures exhibits by local, regional and national artists. Open year round, Tuesday-Friday 10AM-5PM; Saturday 1-3PM Free admission.
Reconstructed village with buildings from the late 1800s to the early 1930s. Turn-of-the-century atmosphere. By appointment. Admission fee is $2.
State historic site. Open May 16 to September 15, W-Su 1-5PM. It was established in 1872 as a military post, Camp Creeley, then renamed Camp Hancock in 1973. Its mission was to provide protection for work gangs building the Northern Pacific Railroad. The camp headquarters, a log building, is still standing on the site.
Native American village site with self-guided tour of the grounds, contains earthlodge depressions and a fortification ditch.
Variety of animal exhibits, including endangered monkeys, moose, and brown bears, some in natural habitats. Open late April to end of September from 10AM-8PM daily. In the winter (October to late April), open Friday to Sunday, 1-5PM. Admission for children under age two is free, $4.25 for children 2-12, $7.25 for ages 13-60, and $6.25 for 60+.
Remains of a large Mandan Indian earthlodge village that is believed to have been inhabited for almost 300 years until 1781. Eight interactive signs provide information on the site.
State historic site. Restored Victorian mansion and carriage house. It was built in 1884, and housed 21 ND governors from 1893 to 1960. Exhibits explain the restoration process, architectural style changes, and furniture used by several governors. Open May 16 to September 15, Wednesday thru Sunday, from 1-5PM.
This is North Dakota's largest museum. It displays a collection of Plains Indian artifacts, and exhibits of North Dakota's military, agricultural, and natural history. Includes a special children's historical area. Sakakawea was the guide for the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804-1806. Her statue is displayed near the center's entrance.
In the State Capitol. Displays portraits of recipients of the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award, the state's highest, given to North Dakotans who have brought honor to the state. Open year-round, Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM and during Memorial Day to Labor day, also open on Saturday 9AM-4PM and on Sunday 1-4PM.
A 150-passenger paddle wheel riverboat based at the Port of Bismarck, River Road, Bismarck. Afternoon and evening round-trip cruises on the Missouri River from the historic Port of Bismarck to Fort Lincoln and the On-A-Slant Mandan Village. Dinner and beverage service available for regular cruises and charters. Narrations and reenactments provided during cruises. Call for regular scheduled cruises from April through October.
Located in the buttes on the western banks of the Missouri River, is the largest downhill ski area in North Dakota, with a vertical drop of 450 feet (140 m). Huff Hills is 18 miles (29 km) south of Mandan on ND State Highway 1806. The scenic drive takes around 45 minutes from Bismarck, and around 30 minutes from Mandan.
Locally-owned. The favorite among local movie enthusiasts. It offers stadium seating in most of its theaters. The theater features curved screens, two giant screens, rocking seats, a theater with many loveseats, and lavish decor.
The Bismarck Bobcats are a local NAHL hockey team that plays most weekends between October and April in the VFW All-Seasons Arena.
formerly Bismarck Civic Center
Offers the occasional concert, featuring performers such as Clay Aiken.
Superslide, Ferris wheel, carousel, batting cages, tubs, swings, bumper cars, critter track, whisper carts, mini-golf, bankshot basketball. Open from May through mid-September, weather permitting, daily from noon to 10PM.
A non-profit organization that serves as a regional community resource and provides gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) diversity education and promotes unity within the LGBT community and allies in western and central North Dakota.
American and German cuisine. Famous for their Knoephla soup, which you can purchase by the bucket.
A locally owned, retro-style drive-in from 1965. One of the oldest restaurants in the city. Burgers, hot dogs, fries – all the things you'd expect, plus the possibility of a dill pickle milkshake at the end.
A local favorite, The Walrus has been open since 1996. Try any one of their signature pasta dishes, unique pizzas, house-made soups, or select from 41 beers on tap, in addition to their reasonably sized wine menu. Live music on Tuesdays.
Hand made pizzas fire roasted in a stone oven. Free parking up to 2 hours with $10 purchase.
BBQ and pizza, in an alien themed atmosphere. Contains an arcade for the young, and young at heart.
In the historic Patterson Hotel Building, within walking distance of the Bismarck Civic Center and Bismarck's downtown events. A healthy fresh lunch menu is available daily. Voted the best martini year after year and featuring 23 different tap beers.
Consistently rated best restaurant in Bismarck by readers of the Bismarck Tribune. It features a variety of dishes including regional Italian specialties. Thursday night is sushi night with live music.
Another well-known fine-dining establishment in Bismarck. Monday night is sushi night with live music.
The restaurant concept features Midwest regional cuisine that changes with the seasons. Featured menu items include walleye, bison, duck, and house-made venison sausage. Great selection of desserts and breads, all made in house; extensive wine list featuring many different varietals.
Come for the sushi, stay for the Teppanyaki grill show. A variety of sake, beer, wine, and spirits are also available.
A tea shop that is a daily stop for locals. Once a dream by a local tea-maker is now a bustling business.
Formerly Radisson and Best Western Ramkota. 306 rooms, 8 suites, indoor water park with 150 foot (46 m) waterslide, sauna, whirlpool, fitness club
Indoor heated pool with a 100-foot (30 m) waterslide.
1918 historic Victorian style home with 2 guest rooms, antiques.
150 tent sites, 115 RV sites with electric.
By train
The nearest Amtrak station is located in Minot, North Dakota, which is around 100 miles (160 km) north of Bismarck on US-83.
By car
You can get to Bismarck from the east or west via I-94, or from the north or south via US-83. Taxi 9000 does offer cab service for the area. They are usually at the airport upon arrivals.
By bus
The airport offers car rental services or you may use taxi services as well. The CAT (Capital Area Transit) now provides limited public transit service between the airport and Kirkwood Mall.
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Bismarck · Regional · BIS
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