Bismarck Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Located in the heart of North Dakota, Bismarck is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and outdoor beauty. As the capital of North Dakota, it is a city that exudes both charm and modernity, making it a must-visit destination for travelers.

One of the city's main attractions is the North Dakota State Capitol. This magnificent building stands tall, overlooking the Missouri River, and is a symbol of the state's rich history. Visitors can take guided tours of the capitol, exploring its beautiful architecture and learning about the state's political heritage.

For those interested in history, the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum is a must-see. This museum showcases the diverse cultural heritage of the state, with exhibits ranging from Native American artifacts to pioneer history. Visitors can wander through the exhibits, immersing themselves in the fascinating stories of North Dakota's past.

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in and around Bismarck. The Missouri River, which runs through the city, offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking. The nearby Dakota Zoo is another popular attraction, featuring a wide variety of animals from around the world.

Bismarck also boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene. The Bismarck Art & Galleries Association showcases the work of local artists, while the Belle Mehus Auditorium hosts a wide range of performances, from live music to theater productions. The city's downtown area is dotted with art galleries, boutique shops, and delicious restaurants, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon strolling and soaking up the atmosphere.

No visit to Bismarck would be complete without experiencing the unique flavors of North Dakota cuisine. From traditional German dishes to hearty Midwestern fare, the city offers a wide range of dining options to suit every palate. Be sure to try the local specialty, kuchen, a delicious pastry filled with fruit or custard.

Alternative names: Population: 71.2 thous. (2019)Area: 33.74 mi²Elevation: 1699 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 46°48'38"N, 100°47'6"W

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North DakotaUnited States

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Bismarck Top Attractions

Bismarck Attractions - What to See and Explore

Bismarck offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: North Dakota State Capitol, Dakota Zoo, Heritage Center, Double Ditch Indian Village. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • History museum
North Dakota State Capitol
The North Dakota State Capitol is the house of government of the U.S. state of North Dakota. The capitol, a 21-story Art Deco tower, is located in Bismarck at 600 East Boulevard Avenue, and is the tallest habitable building in the state.
Park • Outdoor activities • Zoo
Dakota Zoo
The Dakota Zoo is a zoo in Bismarck, North Dakota located on the banks of the Missouri River. It is the third zoo built in North Dakota. The Dakota Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Museum • History museum
Heritage Center
The North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, located on the North Dakota State Capitol grounds in Bismarck, is the state of North Dakota's official history museum. The original building, which was opened in 1981, is operated by the State Historical Society of North Dakota and features permanent and temporary exhibits.

Archaeological site
Double Ditch Indian Village
Double Ditch, also known as the Double Ditch State Historic Site, Burgois Site, 32BL8, Bourgois Site, and Double Ditch Earth Lodge Village Site, is an archaeological site located on the east bank of the Missouri River north of Bismarck, North Dakota, United States.
Church
Cathedral of the Holy Spirit
The Cathedral of the Holy Spirit is a cathedral and parish church of the Catholic Church located in Bismarck, North Dakota, United States. It is the seat of the Diocese of Bismarck.
Church • Modernist architecture
Our Lady of the Annunciation Chapel at Annunciation Priory
The Our Lady of the Annunciation Chapel at Annunciation Priory in Bismarck, North Dakota, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2020. It is located at 7500 University Drive and is the chapel of University of Mary.
Concerts and shows • Performing arts • Theater
E. G. Patterson Building
The E. G. Patterson Building at 412–414 Main St. in Bismarck, North Dakota, United States, was built in 1905. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Archaeological site
Chief Looking's Village site
The Chief Looking's Village site is a historic archeological site on the east side of Pioneer Park in Bismarck, North Dakota that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. It has also been known as Ward Earth Lodge Village. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
Museum • History museum • Military museum
Camp Hancock
Camp Hancock Site on Main Ave. in Bismarck, North Dakota was built in 1872. It has also been known as Camp Hancock Historic Site and as Camp Hancock. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
Park
General Sibley Park
General Sibley Park is a park around 4 miles south of Bismarck, North Dakota. Opened in 1967, it stands on a piece of land closely associated with North Dakota's history and settlement and is named after General Henry Sibley. It covers an area of 138 acres, and the site is a popular recreation spot and campground.
46°48'15"N • 100°47'6"W
Bismarck Art and Galleries Association
Museum
Park
Sertoma Park
Sertoma Park is a park in Bismarck, North Dakota. Sertoma is on a three-mile stretch of riverside plain on the Missouri River. The Lewis and Clark Riverboat docks at the park when it is not giving tours of the river where Lewis and Clark once were over 200 years ago.
Library
North Dakota State Library
The North Dakota State Library is a government operated library in the U.S. state of North Dakota. Located in the state's capital city of Bismarck on the capital grounds, the library has been in operation since 1907.
46°48'29"N • 100°47'2"W
Burleigh County Courthouse
The Burleigh County Courthouse in Bismarck, North Dakota was designed in the Art Deco style by architect Ira Rush. It was built in 1931 and was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
Museum • History museum
North Dakota Governor's Residence
The North Dakota Governor's Residence is the home of the governor of North Dakota. The current residence is on the southwest corner of the North Dakota State Capitol grounds in Bismarck, and is the third official residence built for North Dakota's governors.
Temple
Bismarck North Dakota Temple
The Bismarck North Dakota Temple is the 61st operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Missionary work in North Dakota began in 1914 and by 1930, there were 145 members in the state, and by 1997, those numbers had climbed to 5,000.
Museum
Bismarck Air Museum
The Bismarck Air Museum is an effort to preserve the large municipal hangar, now known as Hangar #5, at Bismarck, North Dakota. In the 1930s and 1940s a terminal building, a large hangar and the runways were constructed as a part of the Works Progress Administration airport development project.
Bridge
Liberty Memorial Bridge
The Liberty Memorial Bridge, across the Missouri River connecting the "twin cities" of Bismarck and Mandan, North Dakota, also known as Missouri River Bridge, was a Warner-Turner through truss structure that was built in 1920. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.
46°48'26"N • 100°47'10"W
Bismarck Downtown Artist Cooperative
Museum

Day trips

Bismarck – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Bismarck, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park (Mandan), North Dakota State Railroad Museum (Mandan), First Presbyterian Church of Steele (Steele).

4.3 miSW
Recreated outpost once led by Custer
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, Mandan
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is a North Dakota state park located 7 miles south of Mandan, North Dakota, United States. The park is home to the replica Mandan On-A-Slant Indian Village and reconstructed military buildings including the Custer House.
7.8 miNW
46°51'33"N • 100°55'59"W
North Dakota State Railroad Museum, Mandan
Specialty museum, Museum
41 milesE
Church, Romanesque architecture
First Presbyterian Church of Steele, Steele
First Presbyterian Church of Steele is a historic church at Mitchell Ave. N and First Street in Steele, North Dakota. It was built in 1922 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.
5.3 miW
46°49'32"N • 100°53'38"W
Five Nations Arts, Mandan
Art gallery, Shopping, Museum
30 milesNW
Nature, Natural attraction, Protected area
Cross Ranch State Park
Cross Ranch State Park is a public recreation area covering 569 acres on the west bank of the Missouri River nine miles south of Washburn in Oliver County, North Dakota.

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Best Time To Visit Bismarck

Learn when is the best time to travel to Bismarck weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in May and September.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in January, February and December. Most of it rains in June and July.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Bismarck?

The top attractions to visit in Bismarck are:

What is the best time to visit Bismarck?

June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in May and September. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.

Bismarck Travel Guide

Facts and practical information

Bismarck Attractions - What to See and Explore

Bismarck plan & book

Bismarck – popular in the area (distance from the center)

Best Time To Visit Bismarck

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Bismarck?

What is the best time to visit Bismarck?