Bismarck, ND

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. 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

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.

Find it at this Address: 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505, 701-328-2471

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.

Find it at this Address: 602 Riverside Park Rd, Bismarck, ND 58504, 701-223-7543

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.

Find it at this Address: 1951 93rd St NE, Bismarck, ND 58501, 701-223-7016

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. 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

Visit Buckstop Junction

Buckstop Junction is a historic town that was established to preserves the area's history. 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

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.

Find it at this Address: 1810 Schafer Street, Ste 1, Bismarck, ND 58501, 701-258-1975

Ride the Ferris wheel at the SuperSlide Amusement Park

Bismarck’s SuperSlide Amusement Park provides fun for the whole family. 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

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.

Find it at this Address: 101 East Main Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58501, 701-328-9528

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.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

Play golf at Hawktree Golf Club

Hawktree Golf Club is an eco-friendly 18-hole golf course bordered by the hills of Burnt Creek Valley.

Find it at this Address: 3400 Burnt Creek Loop, Bismarck, ND 58503, 701-355-0995

See a show at the Bismarck Downtown Artist Cooperative

The Bismarck Downtown Artist Cooperative (BDAC) is an art gallery and working studio space operated by and for local artists. Shows feature an array of work in different art mediums, styles, and formats and continually change throughout the year.

Find it at this Address: 222 North 4th Street, Suite 202, Bismarck ND 58501, 701-202-3400

Go on a dinner cruise aboard the Lewis and Clark Riverboat

Owned and operated by The Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation, The Lewis and Clark Riverboat offers daily seasonal cruises on the Missouri River, including dinner, entertainment, and special event tours.

Find it at this Address: 1700 N River Road, Bismarck ND 58503, 701-255-4233

Go shopping and grab lunch at the Kirkwood Mall

Built in 1970 by the Wachter family, the Kirkwood Mall, also known as Kirkwood Plaza, is an enclosed shopping center in the heart of Bismarck.

Find it at this Address: 706 Kirkwood Mall, Bismarck, ND 58504, 701-223-3500

Go on a date at Pirogue Grille

With its rustic exposed brick walls covered with original artwork, elegant furniture made of beautifully designed woods and metal, and modern light fixtures, Pirogue Grille could be in any world metropolis.

Find it at this Address: 121 N 4th St, Bismarck, ND 58501, 701-223-3770

Order your favorites at Oahu Hawaiian BBQ and Sushi Bar

If you like Asian food, Oahu is the right place for you. You’ll find Japanese sushi, Thai Pad See Eu, Korean BBQ, a few Philippino touches, and, of course, Hawaiian, such as Loco Moco.

Find it at this Address: Oahu Hawaiian BBQ and Sushi Bar, 2626 State St, Bismarck, ND 58503, 701-751-6248

Have lunch at Peacock Alley

Located in the marble lobby of the former historic Patterson Hotel, Peacock Alley will envelop you with a sense of history.

Find it at this Address: 422 E Main Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501, 701-221-2333

Keelboat Park Bismarck

Keelboat Park is a lovely green space next to the Missouri River that offers visitors a variety of things to see and do.

Find it at this Address: River Road, Bismarck, ND, 701-222-6455

Visit Bismarck Art and Galleries Association Visual Art Center

Bismarck Art and Galleries Association (BAGA) is an organization that promotes the study and preservation of the visual arts.

Find it at this Address: Bismarck Art and Galleries Association Visual Art Center, 422 E Front Avenue, Bismarck ND 58501, 701-223-5986

Cool off at Raging River Waterpark

Bismarck’s Raging River Waterpark provides 4 acres of watery fun from May to October every year.

Find it at this Address: Raging River Waterpark, 2600 46th Avenue SE, Bismarck, ND 58554, 701 663 3393

Play a round of golf on Riverwood Golf Course

Riverwood Golf Course is an 18-hole par-72 championship course that features tree-lined fairways, velvet putting greens, grassy swales, and changing bunkers.

Find it at this Address: 725 Riverwood Dr, Bismarck, ND 58504, 701-222-6462

Enjoy fabulous comfort food at Space Aliens Grill and Bar

Space Aliens Grill and Bar is a mini-chain restaurant and entertainment place, and the flagship is in Bismarck.

Find it at this Address: 1304 E Century Ave, Bismarck, ND 58503, 701-223-6320

Attend a concert by the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra

The Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra is a famous regional orchestra that calls Bismarck its home.

Find it at this Address: 215 N 6th St, Bismarck, ND 58501, 701-258-8345

Taste unique brews at Laughing Sun Brewing

Laughing Sun Brewing Co is a popular tavern and brew house located in the historic Laskin Building in downtown Bismarck.

Find it at this Address: 1023 E Front Ave, Bismarck, ND 58504, 701-751-3881