Bismarck travel guide
Bismarck Tourism | Bismarck Guide
You're Going to Love Bismarck
The capital of North Dakota may be unassuming and underrated, but make no mistake - this friendly, creative city will leave its mark on you.
If it isn't the city's beautiful location on a bend in the Missouri, it could be the thriving arts scene clustered around Main Street, the museums near the Capitol, or family attractions like the State Zoo. Failing that, it could be the eateries and bars of Downtown Bismarck, regularly rated as one of the country's most liveable neighborhoods. Or it could be the outdoor activities available like hiking, golf, or water sports. What's certain is that Bismarck will find a way into your heart.
If you are looking for a safe, walkable city with shopping opportunities, galleries, and museums aplenty, look no further: Bismarck is the place for you.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Bismarck
1. Excellent Museums and Historical Sights
Bismarck has a host of museums to keep sightseers busy, including the State Historical Society of North Dakota and the North Dakota Heritage Center right next door to the State Capitol, and the Gateway to Science Center, not far away. Whether you are a North Dakotan or visiting from out of state, there's plenty to learn.
2. A Vibrant Arts Scene
One of the things that makes Bismarck a great place to live is its thriving arts community. In Downtown Bismarck, you can't move for galleries, with highlights including the Downtown Artist Cooperative and Art Gallerie on Main.
3. Family Attractions to Keep Everybody Entertained
Another thing that makes the city so liveable is the range of things to do with kids. From the State Zoo (where the residents include monkeys, snow leopards, and lemurs) to the Super Slide Amusement Park, the city has plenty to keep youngsters happy.
4. Outdoor Activities for All Tastes
The city has a high concentration of golf courses, the local countryside offers great hunting opportunities, and there are innumerable gorgeous hiking trails in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
5. The Fun to Be Had on the Missouri River
You can take cruises on paddle boat steamers - Huckleberry Finn style - or walk along the scenic river banks of the Missouri and even enjoy the sunshine at 'the Desert', a huge area of sandbanks that functions as Bismarck's city beach. Water-skiing, tubing, boating - every kind of water sport is on offer in a destination where people love to cool off beside the river.
What to do in Bismarck
1. North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum: "Smithsonian on the Plains"
North Dakota's past comes to life in this contemporary building, home to the State Historical Society. Regional artifacts that range from the prehistoric age through to the 20th century can be admired here, each piecing together the character of this unique area. From dinosaur skeletons to Native American crafts, visitors can get in touch with local history from before state lines were even drawn. More contemporary history is found across the way in the State Capitol Building.
2. Dakota Zoo: Fun for All
Set on the banks of the Missouri River in the heart of Bismarck, this delightful zoo is home to hundreds of intriguing animals. Local marvels like the bald eagle or the American bison are right at home here, famous symbols of the country's Great Plains. Exotic creatures also spice up the fun, with the Bengal tiger and ruffed lemur never failing to captivate. The family fun continues nearby at the popular Superslide Amusement Park, just a few minutes down the Riverfront Trail.
3. Missouri River: Merrily, merrily, merrily...
Flowing peacefully through the heart of North Dakota's capital is this stoic river, flanked on either side by lush parks and recreational areas. Take a break from the busy streets in either Keelboat or Steamboat Park, both nestled along the waterside and filled with public art installations. From here you can even hop on a riverboat cruise and see the city from a new perspective, or follow the river south to Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, where military buildings and an Indian village await.
4. Camp Hancock State Historic Site: A Tale of Origins
The development of the Northern Pacific Railroad is one of the historical hallmarks of this region, and Camp Hancock preserves the details of that era. The city itself was founded when the cross-continental tracks finally reached the banks of the Missouri River, and just minutes away from that landmark these military quarters were established to protect the construction workers settling here for the first time. Now visitors can explore the authentic quarters and learn about Western Expansion.
5. Gateway to Science: Get Your Hands Dirty
This hands-on science museum is one of the most exciting spots in Bismarck for kids of all ages. The natural curiosity that children are imbued with is stimulated around every corner, with colorful surprises drawing them in for hours of fun. Exhibitions awaken all of the senses, inviting visitors to engage with everything from fossils to robots. Adults won't be disappointed either as they follow the young ones along on their thrilling educational journey.
1. North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum: "Smithsonian on the Plains"
North Dakota's past comes to life in this contemporary building, home to the State Historical Society. Regional artifacts that range from the prehistoric age through to the 20th century can be admired here, each piecing together the character of this unique area. From dinosaur skeletons to Native American crafts, visitors can get in touch with local history from before state lines were even drawn. More contemporary history is found across the way in the State Capitol Building.
2. Dakota Zoo: Fun for All
Set on the banks of the Missouri River in the heart of Bismarck, this delightful zoo is home to hundreds of intriguing animals. Local marvels like the bald eagle or the American bison are right at home here, famous symbols of the country's Great Plains. Exotic creatures also spice up the fun, with the Bengal tiger and ruffed lemur never failing to captivate. The family fun continues nearby at the popular Superslide Amusement Park, just a few minutes down the Riverfront Trail.
3. Missouri River: Merrily, merrily, merrily...
Flowing peacefully through the heart of North Dakota's capital is this stoic river, flanked on either side by lush parks and recreational areas. Take a break from the busy streets in either Keelboat or Steamboat Park, both nestled along the waterside and filled with public art installations. From here you can even hop on a riverboat cruise and see the city from a new perspective, or follow the river south to Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, where military buildings and an Indian village await.
4. Camp Hancock State Historic Site: A Tale of Origins
The development of the Northern Pacific Railroad is one of the historical hallmarks of this region, and Camp Hancock preserves the details of that era. The city itself was founded when the cross-continental tracks finally reached the banks of the Missouri River, and just minutes away from that landmark these military quarters were established to protect the construction workers settling here for the first time. Now visitors can explore the authentic quarters and learn about Western Expansion.
5. Gateway to Science: Get Your Hands Dirty
This hands-on science museum is one of the most exciting spots in Bismarck for kids of all ages. The natural curiosity that children are imbued with is stimulated around every corner, with colorful surprises drawing them in for hours of fun. Exhibitions awaken all of the senses, inviting visitors to engage with everything from fossils to robots. Adults won't be disappointed either as they follow the young ones along on their thrilling educational journey.
Where to Eat in Bismarck
Bismarck is North Dakota's premier gastronomic destination, with foods on offer from all over the world. Some of the city's most highly regarded restaurants include the cosmopolitan Toasted Frog, Fireflour Pizza, and the Pirogue Grille, which always features seasonal ingredients. The Blarney Stone does excellent pub food, while the Texas Roadhouse is exactly what its name suggests: a superb place to find BBQ food. Prices vary by establishment, but expect to pay around $20-25 for entrees at the finest local eateries.
When to visit Bismarck
North Dakota is a great summer destination. Between June and September, you can expect warm (and sometimes extremely hot weather), which should be fine for sightseeing. Winters are usually bitterly cold, but the shoulder seasons (May to early June and October) are good times to find accommodation bargains.
How to Get to Bismarck
Plane
Bismarck Municipal Airport (BIS) lies three miles southeast of the city and has connections to major cities like Denver, Minneapolis, Dallas, and Phoenix, so it's a handy way to reach the city. When you've touched down, the cheapest route into town is via taxi (there aren't currently any public buses), which should cost around $40.
Train
If you'd like to get to Bismarck with Amtrak, the closest station is in Minot, ND, around 100 miles away. From there, you can take Jefferson Lines services straight to Bismarck. However, buses and trains are infrequent, so check the schedules. It may be necessary to include a night's accommodation in Minot in your travel plans.
Car
If you are arriving in Bismarck by car from the east or west, I-94 is the road to take, which links the city to the northwest and Minneapolis. If you are coming from the south, take I-29 and change onto I-94 at Fargo.
Bus
Bismarck is on the Trailways bus network, which connects the city to major regional cities like Fargo, Minneapolis, and Boise. If you need to travel from distant cities like New York, catch a Greyhound to Minneapolis and change to Jefferson Lines for the leg to Bismarck. The bus stop is on E Rosser Ave, on the eastern edge of town, so a taxi may be needed to reach Downtown Bismarck.
Airlines serving Bismarck
Where to stay in Bismarck
Downtown Bismarck - Downtown is the major retail and creative center of Bismarck, and it's a great place to while away some time. Check out Main Street galleries like 522 or Art Gallerie on Main, independent stores like Eco Chic Boutique, as well as fine dining options like Pirogue Grille - all are within a few steps of each other in the heart of the city.
Popular Neighborhoods in Bismarck
The Missouri Riverfront - the majestic Missouri River snakes its way through Bismarck and dominates the town. Down by the river, you'll also find some of the best family attractions, including the Dakota Zoo and, just across the river, the excitement of Raging Rivers WaterPark.
North Bismarck - home to the State Capitol and the North Dakota Heritage Center, the northern half of central Bismarck is North Dakota's political nexus. With so many museums and great places to eat like La Tejana Mexican Market, it's a must-see area for visitors.
Where to stay in popular areas of Bismarck
Most booked hotels in Bismarck
How to Get Around Bismarck
Public Transportation
Capital Area Transit provides quite limited bus services in the Bismarck area, although they do cover all parts of the city. Fares are $1.50, day passes cost $6, and passengers need to pay the driver when they enter the bus.
Taxi
As the bus network tends to be fairly infrequent and shuts down early in the evening, taxis are a useful option to have in reserve when getting around Bismarck. There's no Uber service in the city as yet, but local companies like Taxi 9000 do a great job instead. Rates will be around $4.50 for the flag drop, then $2 per mile and a $0.50 per minute waiting charge.
Car
Having your own car is a massive plus in Bismarck, with attractions in the Missouri Valley and plenty to see in the surrounding area. It's also easy to find parking in the city center, and traffic isn't regarded as a major issue. Rental branches in the city include Avis and Enterprise, and you can find deals for as little as $20 a day.
The Cost of Living in Bismarck
Shopping Streets
Bismarck's shopping scene is very lively for a city of its size and is centered around the Downtown area. It's a great place for window shopping, with independent stores like Lillian's Boutique and Eco Chic Boutique, along with regular street fairs and German Days throughout the year. Just to the south of the city center, Kirkwood Mall is also a good place to look, hosting chains and brand name stores.
Groceries and Other
There's no shortage of grocery stores in Bismarck thanks to the presence of supermarkets like Dan's (the city's major supermarket) and smaller stores like Bisman Community Food Co-op. Prices are around average for the USA, at about $4 for a gallon of milk and $1.25 for a pound of apples.