Things to do & places to visit in Bismarck, North Dakota, 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.

Bismarck city in North Dakota, United States. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 20:01.

Top things to do (25)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Bismarck-Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau (12 reviews)
- Friendly, knowledgable staff, lots to see, and unique gifts available
Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

Located at 1600 Burnt Boat Drive in Bismarck, North Dakota, the Visitor Information Center and Genuine Dakota Gift Shop is part of the Bismarck-Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau. The operator that day took some time to lay out a route to the nearby "Badlands". She unrolled a map, indicated places of interest along the way and answered every question. Her daughter was at the center that day and also gave some advice as to the drive ahead. The accompanying store/museum was interesting and could be an attraction on its own as it offers lots to see and learn about the region, and a selection of unique gifts that are available. See more..
5.0 Bismarck Downtown Artist Cooperative (3 reviews)
- Wonderful little gallery - a must visit!
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

Wonderful little gallery - owned and operated by a group of local artists. Easy to find and great stop in Downtown Bismarck. So much artwork to check out and always changing...very friendly! See more..
5.0 Cornerstone Community Church (1 review)
- The orange church that we cannot forget
Spent 1-2 hours Churches & Cathedrals

The Cornerstone Community Church is painted in orange, even the roof. We cannot miss it! There is a steeple with the cross on the top. It is completely in white. It stands out very well. Church is at 10:30 A.M. on Sundays. When we were here they had a motto: " Let all you be done with love." See more..
5.0 St George's Episcopal Memorial Church (1 review)
- The Ultra Modern Church
Spent 1-2 hours Churches & Cathedrals

At St. George’s you’ll find an exciting array of opportunities for fellowship, spiritual growth, and outreach. Worship is at the heart of all that we do. Our main service is on Sunday at 9:00am for the summer and includes music and activities for children and youth. We also offer a more contemplative services on Wednesday at 5:30pm. Come and experience our blend of Native American and Anglican traditions. It’s the people of St. George’s who really set our community apart. They are creative, interesting, caring, hospitable, and fun. You’ll enjoy meeting them, and we gladly welcome you as part of our family. Episcopal Church, Anglican Church, Orthodox Church See more..
5.0 United Church of Christ (1 review)
- They host game nights
Monday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Sunday morning worship at 10 AM and Wednesday worship at 6 PM. Call to inquire about special services and events offered throughout the year. See more..
5.0 Art Gallerie on Main (1 review)
- hard to find but worth it.
Art Galleries
I actually found this gallery when I decided to take some lessons there. Beautiful work, primarily by the owner/artist, and everything from jewelry to fabric art to paintings. It's fun to discover the entrance, then explore the art. See more..
5.0 Bismarck Marathon (1 review)
- Top notch small race, great organization
Sports Camps & Clinics
This is a well organized race with a nice flat course, best part is you can park right next to the starting line. Be sure to spend some time checking out the heritage center when you pick up your number. Appreciated the fact that packet pick-up was open later for out of town arrivals night before the race. Highly recommended for 50 staters. See more..
4.5 North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum (634 reviews)
- Exploring the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum
Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • History Museums

** 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." See more..
4.5 The Dakota Zoo (324 reviews)
- An Excellent Zoo for a Close Up Experience
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Zoos

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. See more..
4.5 North Dakota State Capitol Building (309 reviews)
- Unexpectedly glamorous interior
Monday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Government Buildings

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. Guided tours weekends Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Saturdays 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm. Sundays 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm. Free visitor parking east of Capitol. Entrance on southeast side. See more..
4.5 Missouri River (143 reviews)
- Beautiful Stretch of Water
Bodies of Water

The Missouri River as it passes through Bismarck is a beautiful sight. Wide and calm and the perfect location for people to enjoy the activities that the river provides. we saw many kayakers, boaters and water skiers enjoying the water. Keelboat park sits along the banks and a great place to enjoy watching the river. See more..
4.5 Laughing Sun Brewing Co. (107 reviews)
- Come for the beer, stay for the BBQ (or music, or axe throwing)
Monday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

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. Laughing Sun Brewing Co. is all about freshly crafted American ales, served in a community-friendly setting. Local art on the walls, live music on the Sun Stage, Axe Throwing, board games on our shelves, and a rotating tap list of fresh handcrafted brews. Don't forget to try our Award Winning house-smoked BBQ, made daily! See more..
4.5 McDowell Dam Nature Park (39 reviews)
- Beautiful area, well maintained!
Nature & Wildlife Areas

I’ve seen a lot of improvement over the past few years! Very nice area and the manager is more than willing to help. The rental area for boats is at a very reasonable price and they also sell ice cream and sodas. People are frequently going out just to pick up trash that visitors leave in the parking lot. See more..
4.5 General Sibley Park & Campground (22 reviews)
- A quiet camping even during the night
Parks

We liked the General Sibley Park. No one was making noise, even in the night. We slept so well. We had a concrete path for our RV. And the restrooms and showers were a few feet away. We had lots of trees. People played golf here. There is a shelter with picnic tables. For the children there is a playground. The river was beautiful! Worthwhile to see! See more..
4.5 Buffalo Statue (15 reviews)
- Beautiful statue! Right next to Heritage Center
Spent < 1 hour Monuments & Statues

Don't miss this lovely statue right next to the Heritage Center and the Sakakawea statue. 3 fantastic highlights of Bismarck all in one place! See more..
4.5 Bismarck Brewing (7 reviews)
- Walleye Fish and Chips
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

We are a craft brewery in north Bismarck that handcrafts interesting ales and lagers. We have a taproom in the loft area of the building we share with the restaurant Ale Works. We don't have any TVs, because we want to create an environment for discussion and togetherness. We have a selection of board and card games available to use though! Food is available through the restaurant as well. Cheers! See more..
4.5 The Church of the Bread of life (3 reviews)
- An attractive church in Bismarck
Spent 1-2 hours Churches & Cathedrals

The Church of the Bread of life is quite unique. It has a steeple with the cross on the top. The people in this church are really nice. This is worthwhile to see! See more..
4.5 Bismarck Municipal Ballpark (2 reviews)
- Take Me Out to the Ballgame
Spent 2-3 hours Sports Complexes

Great ballpark for this level of baseball. The Larks have me hooked. Great family entertainment during the summer. See more..
4.0 Bismarck Civic Center (61 reviews)
- Kathy Haider Shirley and Janet.
Arenas & Stadiums

These guys did a great job at the Lignite Energy Conference. The food and service was great. No waiting required. See more..
4.0 Former Governors' Mansion State Historic Site (42 reviews)
- Viewing the Former Governors' Mansion State Historic Site
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites

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. See more..
4.0 Superslide Amusement Park (31 reviews)
- 2 hours of fun
Spent 2-3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

We brought our 3 year old daughter here for a few hours of fun after just getting to town. She was able to ride almost everything. It’s about 2 tickets a ride and you can get 25 tickets for $20. The staff were super friendly and accommodating. Our daughter was able to go slow or fast on the swings, front or backwards by asking. (No other kids were on them when doing this). Totally work a few hours of laughs. See more..
4.0 Buckstop Junction (28 reviews)
- Nice afternoon stop "in the past"
Historic Sites

A small collection of ND's historic builings moved and preserved for all to enjoy. I believe it is all run by volunteer efforts. Nice job! See more..
4.0 Gateway to Science (27 reviews)
- WOW
Monday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Science Museums

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, $3.00 Museums for All (w/ EBT card & ID). Memberships are available (ASTC and ACM reciprocity). See more..
4.0 Kirkwood Mall (26 reviews)
- Love the Kirkwood Mall
Monday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Shopping Malls

Kirkwood Mall is conveniently located near Bismarck Expressway and 7th Street with direct access to I-94, and is anchored by Herberger's, I. Keating Furniture, JCPenney, Scheels and Target. Other favorite retailers include American Eagle Outfitters, Bath & Body Works, Buckle, Chico's, Kay Jewelers, Victoria's Secret and Yankee Candle. Mall restaurants include Arby's, Bob's Pizza Plus, Fortune Cookie, Grizzly's Grill & Saloon and Subway. See more..
4.0 Sakakawea Statue (17 reviews)
- Beautiful Statue and Great Historic Information
Monuments & Statues

Statue of Sakakawea (correct spelling according to historians), Commonly spelled Sakajawea or Sakagawea). She was the Indian woman that helped Lewis and Clark on their Expedition. The statue portrays her with her child. She was the wife of one of Lewis and Clark's men. See more..
4.0 Camp Hancock State Historic Site (17 reviews)
- Historic
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites

Before there was Bismarck, there was Camp Hancock. Built in 1872 as a bustling military supply post, it became a national weather station in 1894. Camp Hancock is home to the oldest building in Bismarck, as well as an 1881 church and a locomotive from the glory days of steam transportation. The building houses interpretive exhibits and artifacts. The grounds are open daily, but buildings are currently closed. See more..
4.0 Chief Lookings Village (14 reviews)
- Best views of sunsets on the Missouri River!
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Walking Areas • Scenic Walking Areas

Do note, during winter months you must walk into this area as the gate is closed. If you are looking at capturing a beautiful sunset photo, this is the place to go. The way the river is oriented with the overlook, works perfect for sunset and water reflection photographs. There are benches to sit on but not many. There are mountain bike trails that you can get to from this location. These trails are also for hiking but be careful hiking as there are many blind curves due to the trees, and the course is speedy for mountain bikers. Great place to eat lunch. There is a small memorial park on the south end of the park. Beautiful flowers during the summer. See more..
4.0 Nickle's Lounge & Casino (7 reviews)
- Bomb Caesars!
Casinos
Great people, drinks, pull tabs, darts... What more could you ask for in a small bar? We will be back for sure! See more..
4.0 Gideon's Brewing Company (1 review)
- Downtown Location
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

Gideon’s Brewing Co. is a locally, veteran owned and operated craft beer and hard seltzer bar located in the heart of Downtown Bismarck, North Dakota. We brew a limitless variety of small batch ales and hard seltzers. Our ruggedly quaint taproom offers an engaging and inclusive atmosphere where friends can connect, and strangers become friends. See more..
3.5 Keelboat Park (48 reviews)
- Nice place to see a piece of American History
Spent < 1 hour Bodies of Water • Biking Trails • Parks

Keelboats were an important means of transportation in this part of the Missouri River. They carried goods and people along and across the river. The park has an authentic Keelboat that kids can climb on and which gives you a picture of what these boats were like. Great view of the river from here and great place to watch people enjoying themselves along the river. See more..