Location: Bismarck
Top Things to do in Bismarck
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The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Bismarck, North Dakota (ND)
Bismarck's 19-story Art Deco capitol dominates the cityscape as the tallest building in the entire state. Its grounds include historical and cultural institutions including the State Supreme Court, the State Library and the Liberty Memorial. Stretching along the Missouri River, the Great Plains city is home to extensive parks, hiking trails and golf courses, as well as the Dakota Zoo and the Super Slide Amusement Park.
Restaurants in Bismarck
1. North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 618 reviews
** We will be reopening on June 22. Four galleries tell the fascinating story of North Dakota through thousands of artifacts and specimens, high-tech displays, and interactive exhibits. Experience North Dakota’s heritage throughout the museum spaces. Along with the galleries, hallway exhibits located within the Corridor of History also help tell our unique story. The Northern Lights Atrium is a stunning combination of architecture and symbolism, and the outdoor Pembina River Plaza features specimens from our geologic past. Find treasures in the new Museum Store, and enjoy refreshments at the James River Cafe. From a life-size T. rex skeleton cast to a 1950s soda shop, you will find connections from your own life with your experience here. Our goal is “history for everyone."
Reviewed By 80TJ
We only had an hour before they closed at 4PM. We needed at least 2 take our time and read most everything. It has great displays and authentic Native American artifacts. We learned lots of new things here and would definitely come back. They do have really strong COVID practices in place which was good.
2. North Dakota State Capitol Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 286 reviews
Tours begin on the hour. Monday through Friday: 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm. Memorial Day through Labor weekend tours are offered. Saturday: 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm. Sunday: 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm.
Reviewed By 66Marla - Lewisville, United States
After visiting the Heritage Museum, we walked over to the Capitol building. The beautiful wood paneling in the Senate and House of Representatives rooms was magnificent. We took the elevator to the 18th floor and were able to view the city. This gave us a nice perspective on the area. Returning to the first floor we looked at all of the paintings in the Rough Rider Hall of Fame, those from North Dakota who brought fame to the state. Short but great visit.
3. Missouri River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 139 reviews
Reviewed By jeffd825 - Fessenden, United States
The Missouri river in Bismarck is a wonderful place to relax. I has parks, roadways, and boat ramps all along the river. City park with camping from roughing it to full service. The river is flowing full to the brim of the banks now as Garrison Dam upriver is releasing overflow control amounts of water. The river view is awesome.
4. The Dakota Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 313 reviews
The Dakota Zoo was founded in 1961 by Marc & Betty Christianson with the help of a host of dedicated volunteers. The Dakota Zoo opened its gates on June 3, 1961 on 15 acres of developed land, with 75 mammals and 23 birds, and 40,000 visitors passed through the gates that first year. Today, thanks to the continued support of members, visitors, donors and volunteers, the Dakota Zoo has grown to a 90 acre facility housing 600 animals, birds, reptiles and fish representing 125 species and visited by more than 150,000 people each year.
Reviewed By UCFKnightsFan - Orlando, United States
I have been to about 90 zoos around the world. This zoo was great! I really enjoyed it. Spaced out well with nice walking paths, nice habitats / exhibits / biomes. Great complement of species.....Transcaspian Urial, Siberian Musk Deer, Pronghorn, Elk, Bison, Aoudad, Mouflon, White Bengal Tiger, Snow Leopard, Grizzly Bear, Coati, Pine Marten, Reeve's Muntjac, Tammar Wallaby, Mexican Gray Wolf, Fisher, North American River Otter, Lynx, Arctic Fox, Mountain Lion / Puma, Bobcat, etc. They also have a wonderful and well-designed children's area. The admission was only $10.00. A great bargain for a zoo such as this. I was in the gift shop and was chatting with the two employees working (Paige and Troy). They were GREAT! Very friendly, personable, and wonderful to chat with. I HIGHLY recommend a visit to the Dakota Zoo!
5. McDowell Dam Nature Park
6. Laughing Sun Brewing Co.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
Started in 2012, Laughing Sun Brewing Company is Bismarck, North Dakota's first brewpub. Laughing Sun produces quality hand crafted American Ales and specialty beers. Laughing Sun's mission with their pub is to have a place where the local community can feel welcome and involved. Their walls feature the work of local artists. Their stage is open to local musicians, poets, writers, and thinkers with original compositions and ideas. It is a special place and we now have a full food menu to offer! You are invited to visit them at 1023 East Front Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58504.
Reviewed By patn03 - Minneapolis, United States
This place has a lot of good beer (personally my favorites were their sours), and their barbeque is amazing. We stopped through quickly and tried a few flights with some burnt ends, and thoroughly enjoyed both. (Definitely get the burnt ends - they were the best I've had.) The dog friendly patio was a big plus, too, especially with the great overhead heater. Would go back!
7. General Sibley Park & Campground
8. Former Governors' Mansion State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 36 reviews
The private lives of public people are on display at the Former Governors' Mansion, home to 20 chief executives and their families from 1893 to 1960. An impressive staircase leads from the public rooms to the areas where children played, servants worked, and the families retreated from public life. Unique room exhibits feature the restoration process, architectural style changes, and furniture used by several governors.
Reviewed By sunjulie73 - Kansas City, United States
amazing old architecture. plenty of parking in the parking lot around back. great displays and historical information. free water, but feel free to slip some money in the donations jar. staff was very knowledgeable and friendly. don't forget to check out the carriage house in back.
9. Buckstop Junction
10. Gateway to Science
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 26 reviews
Gateway to Science is North Dakota's hands-on science center. With exhibits to touch and discover, Gateway to Science is an educational, hands-on, entertaining experience for visitors of all ages. Admission: $9.00 Adults, $6.00 Children (4-17), Children 3 and under are free with paid adult admission. Memberships are available (ASTC reciprocity).
Reviewed By A7219XRmelissag - New Market, United States
We stopped here to kill some time and do something fun while driving from Minnesota to Yellowstone. Our family has four children ranging from ages 2 through 11, and everyone had a great time and walked away learning something new. Well the atmosphere was fairly simple, everything was Hands-On and Interactive.
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