Location: Bismarck
Top Things to do in Bismarck
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Bismarck, United States
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. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 167 reviews
Rich in both military and early Native American history, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is your destination! The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department is the state agency charged with administering selected parks and recreation areas that are deemed to have state-wide or regional significance. In addition, the department has responsibility for the following functions: ◾Off-highway vehicle planning and safety program ◾Snowmobile safety programs and trails ◾Nature Preserves Act ◾Outdoor recreation grants and statewide recreation planning ◾State Scenic Byways Program The mission of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department is to provide and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities through diverse parks and programs that conserve the state's natural diversity. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park in North Dakota is one of the outstanding historic areas within the state. The park is made historically important because within its boundaries are the ruins of On-A-Slant Mandan Indian Village and the Fort Abraham Lincoln cavalry and infantry posts. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is located 7 miles south of Mandan, ND, on Highway 1806. For those touring the historic fort buildings and Mandan Village, interpretive passes are required in addition to the vehicle entrance fee. There are daily tours of the Custer House and the On-A-Slant Indian village (May - September). Amenities ◾1,006 acres ◾Campground ◾Electrical ◾Reservations ◾RV Dump station ◾Showers ◾Cabins ◾Visitor center ◾Historic buildings ◾Interpretive tours ◾Picnic shelters ◾Playground ◾Horse corrals
Reviewed By MissMyDog - Lower Michigan
We camped here overnight. The park was beautiful. Great paths and places to walk with our dogs. Lots of trees and grass and along the river. It will be one of my favorite places that I have camped. Custer's home and the barracks were very cool to see.
2. North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 467 reviews
North Dakota's largest museum features four new museum galleries tracing the state's rich history from its earliest geologic formation 600 million years ago to today. Experience North Dakota's heritage throughout the museum spaces. From a life-size T. rex skeleton cast to a 1950s soda shop to rare beadwork, the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum offers interesting opportunities for you to connect North Dakota history with your life.
Reviewed By AFFamilyTravelers - Minot, North Dakota
My family and I visited the Heritage Center shortly after moving to North Dakota. We were all totally captivated by this place! I enjoyed it as much as my 6yr old! When we saw that it was free, we were worried that it would be underwhelming. We were pleasantly surprised.
3. On-A-Slant Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Home of the Mandan Indians for over 200 years until they were virtually wiped out by smallpox.
Reviewed By Amanda T
I must admit, I was skeptical about whether this would be worth my time and money or not, but it was fantastic. The museum is where you begin and it was filled with fun facts and great artifacts from the Mandan Indians. Our tour guide then took us on a tour of what living on a slant was like. It was so exciting to see how they lived. The replicas of the homes and meeting huts were phenomenal. I was so surprised at how big they were. My boys and I learned many cool and interesting facts about the civilization and the times. Definitely worth the minimal amount of money to get to view this. It includes the Custer House, as well.
4. The Dakota Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 246 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 Dave F
While in the midst of a family road trip, we stopped at the Dakota Zoo on a Saturday morning. I'm from Chicago and while this is the largest zoo in North Dakota it was a lot smaller than what I was used to. That being said, I thought they did a great job with the resources they have and I did walk away seeing some unusual animals such as Mouflon sheep, chinese pheasants (they actually had several kinds of amazing looking pheasants), a white tiger, and a golden tabby Bengal tiger. They have a little train for kids and gift shop. They definitely could use some upgrading but, then again, small town non-profit zoos usually do. The animals seemed happy and you could see their needs were the top priority as it should be. I will say that for a small zoo there animals had lots of space, especially the elk. I doubt I'll ever find myself in Bismarck again, so I'm glad we made the stop.
5. North Dakota State Capitol Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 223 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 PhoenixRobin - Phoenix
The North Dakota capitol is not very impressive on the outside, but very lovely on the inside. It is one of four capitol buildings that is not designed in the traditional domed style (Florida, Louisiana and Nebraska being the other three) but rather more of an art deco, 1930s style. Our two-person tour was led by Darlene. Darlene had a script and a time table and everything was hunky-dory if you didn’t interrupt with a question or delay the tour. But we had a number of questions and were repeatedly admonished with the answer “I’m gonna tell you that.” A senator stopped to chat with us and I thought she was going to reprimand him as well for delaying her tour. After being scolded several times, I shut up. Someone (probably me) should tell Darlene you don’t speak to adults the same way you talk to fourth graders. Darlene notwithstanding, the N.D. capitol is interesting and definitely worth seeing. The observation deck is cool.
6. Custer House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reconstructed home of Gen. George Armstrong Custer.
Reviewed By USAFret - USAFret
Because there were only two of us on the tour we opted out of the living history tour. Nevertheless the guide did a very good job. The house is quite large and it was interesting how much of his own money Custer put into it to make it livable for his family. It shows something of what life was like at a frontier post.
7. Missouri River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Reviewed By XXXXXXyt
I viewed the river from both Bismarck and Fort Lincoln. From Fort Lincoln you can see for miles of the river because if was a fall day you could see the leaves changing colors. It gives you a great impression of how it must have looked to Lewis and Clark
8. Raging Rivers Waterpark
Overall Ratings
4 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By myblessings
They have a good selection of slides & activities for all ages. Not enough seating. And the food concession lines are crazy slow. We waited for 25 minutes to order with the long lines. And it was pretty spendy for our family of 5 to get in so we only went once over the summer. Its a great Waterpark though.
9. Laughing Sun Brewing Co.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Started in 2012, Laughing Sun Brewing Company is Bismarck, North Dakota's first brewpub. Located in the heart of the downtown district, Laughing Sun produces quality hand crafted American Ales and specialty beers. Local musicians are featured on Sun Stage every Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. The work of local artists is exhibited on a three-month rotation on the Laughing Sun Artist's Wall. Food from local eateries, including Fireflour Pizza, is available in the brewpub. Hours are Monday - Thursday 4-midnight; Friday - Sunday 2-midnight.
Reviewed By Stlrsfan73 - Bismarck, North Dakota
I absolutely love this place. The staff is incredible and their beer superb. They have live bands there frequently which is a bonus. If I had to find a negative is that when the live bands play it gets really loud. So if you plan on going somewhere to hold a conversation this might not be the place on live band nights.
10. Former Governor's Mansion
Overall Ratings
4 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By MrsBaum - Leeds, United Kingdom
I imagine it's difficult in this day and age to get grants to keep hear kind of places going and interesting in the modern era of interactive exhibits and the such.
It's a lovely house where the staff quite clearly care about the history and their job. We arrived to a lady playing guitar and singing for people and were offered ice cream cones by someone else. Interesting to see the houses from that period and the rooms were set out well.
We left a donation as I believe in keeping these things supported not only for locals to learn about their history but for visitors like us who love to learn.
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