Have you ever wondered what kinds of attractions you can find in a plain state known mainly
for cornfields and cows?
Well, as it turns out, there is quite a lot to discover in such a place!
Seated beautifully on the banks of the Missouri River, Bismarck embodies the rich histories
unique to North Dakota, ranging from its rich cultural attractions and prehistoric past
to its full-bodied German-inspired cuisine.
In fact, merely flying over North Dakota without checking out its monumental and compelling
locations and activities is a great disservice to your travel experience.
Tour beautiful mansions, shop till you’re spent, visit Bismarck restaurants to relish
sumptuous meals - there's so much to do for everyone of all ages.
Not to mention the picturesque landscapes, free museums, and the exciting riverboat cruises.
So, are you looking for things to do in Bismarck, North Dakota?
Or perhaps just curious about this location?
Either way.
join ViewCation as we bring to you some of the best things to do in Bismarck, North Dakota.
Dakota Zoo Do your kids love wildlife?
Then, certainly, you should be considering and planning a vacation to this location.
Dakota zoo is quite popular among tourists, recording over 150 thousand visitors yearly.
It is North Dakota's third zoo situated at Missouri's riverbank.
Dakota zoo has a history that dates back to the 1960s and only a few other Bismarck attractions
can contend with it.
Of course, it's not the largest zoo, so why, you might ask does it warrant a visit?
Dakota zoo is home to an expansive range of animal species (including 125 bird species,
mammals, arthropods, Bengal tiger, American alligators, etc.), events, and shows, all
contributing to its popularity amongst wildlife enthusiasts.
The best part of the entire experience is that you can take a train to see various animals.
Furthermore, if you want to take a break from the wildlife, there are also aquariums and
play areas waiting to give you a remarkable experience, especially on hot summer days.
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park This historic park is located at the intersection
of the Missouri and Heart rivers and is the oldest state park in the state.
At Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, you get to see civil war era barracks, a commissary,
and even General Custard’s house.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience is more than enough to make your day.
Wandering the Infantry post blockhouse, you'll also get to take in a view of the scenic valley
and the beautiful Missouri river just below.
Besides, if you're down for some activities, you can decide to climb on the blockhouses
and take a walk on the roof (kids will especially find this fun).
Historic trolley rides and horseback riding are also available during the summer months.
So, you may want to plan your travel around that season.
North Dakota Heritage Center & Museum We all love freebies!
So how does the idea of visiting museums and seeing prehistoric beasts at zero cost sound?
Exciting, right?
The North Dakota Heritage center & state museum strikes a delicate balance between education
and fun with its treehouse and geologic time exhibit.
The most thrilling feature of this location is its adaptation gallery, where you can appreciate
skeletal frameworks of dinosaurs, including Triceratops and T-rex.
And that's not all, the gallery also features giant skeletons of ice age mammals that will
leave you in awe.
Naturally, all of these things may bore children.
Fortunately, there's something that appeals to them – The Treehouse.
The treehouse is a small museum for children, where they can have a dance party, climb through
tubes, soar above trees, ride trains, and even enjoy a boat cruise.
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Raging Rivers Waterpark Are you considering the idea of spending a
relaxing day in Bismarck?
Or perhaps, you see all of the cultural and historic attractions as boring and simply
looking to have a little fun?
Look no further than the Raging Rivers Waterpark.
Elegantly seated at the heart of Mandan is the scenic park, which is home to an incredible
range of slides, a splash play area for kids, and lazy rivers.
When the temperatures are approaching the high 90s in summer, there's no better place
to cool off than a visit to this waterpark.
Buckstop Junction If you're still up for some adventures and
exploring historic monuments, head on to Buckstop Junction, where you get to step into actual
historic structures from the 1880s to the 1990s.
On your first visit, you'd think you just entered a time machine and landed on a Prairie
town around the 1880s.
Buckstop junction is an institution of the historical society of Missouri's valley.
Its overall design gives you a feeling and an atmosphere of an ancient prairie settlement.
You'd find historic buildings moved here to develop the town, as you can see in pictures.
In addition, there are people to tell you stories about the origin of North Dakota,
how the towns were built, and how the early residents homesteaded the grasslands.
You also get to wind down and refuel before resuming the hustle and bustle.
Tickets are only $6 a person for adults, with discounted rates for children.
Bismarck Art Alley Are you a mural stalker?
Or perhaps, does creativity intrigue you?
Then get ready to be wowed.
The Bismarck's art valley is a great location if you have a thing for street art and murals,
with creative expressions showcasing a uniform theme – “North Dakota Reflection.”
They showcase various elements peculiar to the state, including cows, farmlands, indigenes,
and the list goes on.
You'd also find some mind-blowing murals including a map of the 53 counties in the state, picturesque
sunflower paintings, and a wall filled with good vibes and positive energy.
Bismarck art Valley, or as the natives call it, BAGA also hosts an exciting monthly exhibit
featuring art enthusiasts across the nation.
You can just stop by to appreciate the artwork at zero admission fee.
Fort Mandan Another great place to hang out – whether
on your own or with family, is fort Mandan, where you can explore the wintering encampment
Lewis and Clark built in the 1800s.
Not only is fort Mandan a rich historical location, but it also doubles as a recreational
option with its overwhelming range of exciting activities.
There is a wonderful play area for your kids with a tent for camping.
Park tours are available to guide you and satisfy your curiosity.
After your tour, be sure to check out the natural hiking paths and trails along the
river.
Former Governor's Mansion The former governor's mansion is an iconic,
historic, and luxury mansion that dates back to the 19th century.
The Victorian stick-styled mansion was erected in the 1880s, serving as home to the state's
governor till the early 1960s.
If you want to catch a glimpse of what living was like in the era when men had to wear dress
shirts on the daily and women wore skirts heavier than a bull, the former governor's
mansion is a great place.
It features furniture past governors used over the centuries alongside exhibitions on
the restoration journey.
There's a tour to tell you more about the history of the building and guide you through
the era.
Obviously, this is not the most exciting attraction for the kids, but history buffs will find
the former governor's mansion fascinating.
Bismarck restaurants There are many pleasant surprises for you
in Bismarck.
But beyond question, none will surprise you more than the Bismarck restaurants.
You'll find breweries all over town serving up incredible beers and equally enchanting
cocktail culture.
Pizzerias are everywhere offering unique and exotic slices.
Another thing you don't want to miss is Bismarck's Butterhorns.
Wondering what those are?
Imagine a soft, light, and buttery blend of the best crescent roll and dinner roll combined.
And this is just the tip of the iceberg of what you can expect to find in Bismarck's
culinary scene.
Additionally, you will find coffee shops everywhere with an imaginative menu that will leave you
coming back for more.
Missouri Riverboat Cruise on Lewis and Clark.
Are you sick of merely admiring the Missouri River from the banks and looking to get on
it?
Then jump on the Lewis & Clark riverboat and enjoy an hour cruise down the river.
And of course, it's not just a cruise- it's an experience you will want to relive over
and over again, with views of Bismarck from the water, aquatic and terrestrial wildlife,
and fascinating information about the Missouri River Valley.
But the best of all is that depending on your budget, you may decide to go for a simple
cruise, or a themed one.
The cruises are usually available from May to September, around the busiest tourist seasons.
So if you are looking forward to this, be sure to plan your next trip towards those
months.
That about wraps up our list of the best things to do in Bismarck.
Do you think we missed anything or left out anything that deserves recognition?
Please let us know in the comments.
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