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Bismarck is the capital of North Dakota, a city of about 75,000 people on the east bank of the Missouri River. It began in 1872 as a camp for the Northern Pacific Railway and was named after the German chancellor Otto von Bismarck in hopes of attracting German investment. The river crossing was long used by the Mandan people, and Lewis and Clark passed through in 1804.
The 19-story North Dakota State Capitol, finished in 1934, is the tallest building in the state and is nicknamed the "Skyscraper of the Prairie." The grounds also hold the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum, an excellent free museum covering dinosaurs, Native American history and pioneer life.
Across the river in Mandan, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park preserves rebuilt earth lodges of the On-A-Slant Mandan village and the house where George Custer lived. Downtown Bismarck has restored brick buildings, local restaurants and the historic Patterson Hotel, and riverside parks and trails follow the Missouri.
Art Deco tower of 19 stories built in the 1930s, nicknamed the skyscraper of the prairie, with polished wood and marble halls inside. Free guided tours run on weekdays and include the observation deck on the 18th floor. Its grounds hold statues, gardens and memorials.
Victorian house built in 1884 that was home to North Dakota governors from 1893 to 1960, now a state historic site restored with period furniture. Guided tours run in the summer season. It is a short drive from the Capitol; check opening days before you go.
Bronze statue of the Lemhi Shoshone woman who guided the Lewis and Clark expedition, shown carrying her baby, on the Capitol grounds. It was made by Leonard Crunelle in 1910, and a copy stands in the US Capitol. Visit it with the Heritage Center next door.
State museum on the Capitol grounds with galleries on geology and dinosaurs, Native nations, homesteaders and modern North Dakota. It is large, free and well designed. Allow two to three hours; the cafe and gift shop make it easy to spend half a day.
Site of an 1872 army camp that protected railroad crews, with the original log headquarters building, a small museum, an early church and a steam locomotive. It explains how Bismarck began. It is small and close to downtown; check summer opening hours.
Outdoor heritage village on the east edge of Bismarck with historic buildings moved from around the area, including a church, schoolhouse, depot and stores furnished with period items. It is run by volunteers and open on summer weekends; check the event days.
Compact downtown with locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, bars and boutiques in historic brick buildings around Broadway and Main. Summer brings street events and farmers markets. Park in a downtown ramp and combine with a walk to the Capitol nearby.
Riverfront park beside the Missouri River with a replica of the keelboat used by the Lewis and Clark expedition, the Thunderbirds sculpture and walking paths along the water. It is a good sunset spot near the Memorial Bridge. Parking is free; watch for mosquitoes in summer.
Large wooded park along the Missouri River with walking and bike paths, picnic shelters, playgrounds and sports fields, located next to the Dakota Zoo. It is popular for family outings in summer. The riverside trails continue to other parks for longer rides.
Zoo on the Missouri River with hundreds of animals, including big cats, bears, moose, bison and river otters, set among trees and ponds. It is a favorite family outing. It is fully open in the warm months with limited winter hours; bring water, as paths cover a large area.
Paddlewheel-style riverboat offering sightseeing cruises on the Missouri River in summer, departing from the Port of Bismarck. Narration covers the river's history, Lewis and Clark and local wildlife. Book ahead for evening or dinner cruises, which sell out on weekends.
Hands-on science center with interactive exhibits on physics, engineering, the human body and space, plus a makerspace and demonstrations for kids. It is a good indoor option on cold or rainy days. Allow two hours; check opening days and special event schedules.
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