Bismarck

Bismarck (population 61,389) is in Burleigh County in the Coteaus and Plains region of the state. Mandan is located adjacent across the "Big Muddy" Missouri River. Bismarck was founded in 1872, and became the state capital in 1889.

By plane

• Bismarck Municipal Airport

It is served by:

• Allegiant Air. Non-stop to Las Vegas, Nevada and Phoenix/Mesa; no one-stops or connections
• Delta. Non-stop to Minneapolis/Saint Paul, Minnesota
• Frontier. Non-stop to Denver.
• United Express. Non-stop to Denver.

By train

Bismarck does offer freight stops however no public train transportation exists. The nearest Amtrak station is located in Minot, North Dakota, which is around 100 miles north of Bismarck on US-83.

By car

You can get to Bismarck from the east or west via I-94, or from the north or south via US-83. Taxi 9000 does offer cab service for the area. They are usually at the airport upon arrivals. The city is spread out, so a vehicle of some sort is recommended.

By bus

Greyhound provides bus service along major interstate routes in North Dakota.

The airport offers car rental services or you may use taxi services as well. The CAT (Capital Area Transit) now provides limited public transit service between the airport and Kirkwood Mall.
The city services public transportation by running several bus routes throughout the area. It is called the Capital Area Transit (CAT). Route maps and information should be available at all major bus stops and the airport.

• North Dakota State Capitol Building

  phone: +1 701 328-2471 or +1 701 328-2480
  address: 600 East Blvd
  The state's tallest building, and the location of all three branches of state government. Tours available M - F 9AM-11AM and 1PM-3PM year round, M - F 8AM-11AM and 1PM-4PM, Sa 9AM-11AM and 1PM-3PM, Su 1PM-4PM from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

• Bismarck Art and Galleries Association

  phone: +1 701 223-5986
  address: 422 East Front Ave
  Art, photography and sculptures exhibits by local, regional and national artists. Open year round, Tuesday-Friday 10AM-5PM; Saturday 1-3PM Free admission.

• Buckstop Junction Missouri Valley Fairgrounds

  phone: +1 701 226-1217 or +1 701 223-4838
  Reconstructed village with buildings from the late 1800s to the early 1930s. Turn-of-the-century atmosphere. By appointment. Admission fee is $2.

• Camp Hancock

  phone: +1 701 328-2666
  address: 101 West Main
  State historic site. Open May 16 to September 15, W-Su 1:00-5PM. It was established in 1872 as a military post, Camp Creeley, then renamed Camp Hancock in 1973. Its mission was to provide protection for work gangs building the Northern Pacific Railroad. The camp headquarters, a log building, is still standing on the site.

• Chief Looking's Village

  phone: +1 701 328-2666
  address: Burnt Boat Drive NW
  Native American village site with self-guided tour of the grounds, contains earthlodge depressions and a fortification ditch.

• Dakota Zoo

  phone: +1 701 223-7543
  Variety of animal exhibits, including endangered monkeys, moose, and brown bears, some in natural habitats. Open late April to end of September from 10AM-8PM daily. In the winter (October to late April), open Friday to Sunday, 1:00 to 5PM. Admission for children under age two is free, $4.25 for children 2-12, $7.25 for ages 13-60, and $6.25 for 60+.

• Double Ditch Indian Village

  phone: +1 701 328-2666
  address: Highway 1804
  Remains of a large Mandan Indian earthlodge village that is believed to have been inhabited for almost 300 years until 1781. Eight interactive signs provide information on the site

• Old Governor's Mansion

  phone: +1 701 328-2666
  address: 320 East Ave B
  State historic site. Restored Victorian mansion and carriage house. It was built in 1884, and housed 21 ND governors from 1893 to 1960. Exhibits explain the restoration process, architectural style changes, and furniture used by several governors. Open May 16 to September 15, Wednesday thru Sunday, from 1-5PM.

• North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum

  phone: +1 701 328-2666
  address: 612 East Boulevard Ave
  This is North Dakota's largest museum. It displays a collection of Plains Indian artifacts, andas exhibits of North Dakota's military, agricultural, and natural history. Includes a special children's historical area. Sakakawea was the guide for the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804-1806. Her statue is displayed near the center's entrance.

• Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Hall of Fame

  phone: +1 701 328-2480
  address: 600 East Boulevard Ave
  In the State Capitol. Displays portraits of recipients of the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award, the state's highest, given to North Dakotans who have brought honor to the state. Open Year-round, Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM and during Memorial Day to Labor day, also open on Saturday 9AM-4PM and on Sunday 1-4PM.

Missouri River

The Missouri River is a favorite with locals for fishing, swimming, and other water sports. Please keep in mind that rivers can be dangerous. It is important that young children wear life jackets and all people are conscious of those around them.

• Lewis and Clark Riverboat

  phone: +1 701 255-4233
  A 150-passenger paddle wheel riverboat based at the Port of Bismarck, River Road, Bismarck. Afternoon and evening round-trip cruises on the Missouri River from the historic Port of Bismarck to Fort Lincoln and the On-A-Slant Mandan Village. Dinner and beverage service available for regular cruises and charters. Narrations and reenactments provided during cruises. Call for regular scheduled cruises from April through October.
• The Desert is a local hangout in the summer. The Desert is on the east bank of the Missouri south of the University of Mary. It takes about 15–20 minutes to reach by car. There is a boat ramp (Kimball Bottoms) in the area, and continuing past the boat ramp while following the shoreline for about another mile will bring you to a large sandbar beach where you may park your car and camp. This area is often extremely crowded during the summer, especially on holidays and weekends. During the week, it can be much more relaxing. A large area is located adjacent to the beach that is used by off-road vehicles, including dirt bikes and 4-wheelers. While generally North Dakotans are very respectful and generous people, when large numbers of people are at The Desert, it can be a hard place for families to enjoy time together. There is often plenty of partying and alcohol consumption. If you have small children, this is an area best avoided on weekends and major holidays (mainly the 4th of July), especially when the weather is good.
• Boating is a great way to spend a long weekend or a lazy summer evening. A map showing boat ramps can be found here. There are generally many sandbars available in the Bismarck area to dock on. Much like the desert, sandbars near the bridges in the middle of Bismarck-Mandan often become crowded and rowdy on hot summer days. Head away from the middle of town, to the north or south, for some seclusion and relaxation.

Water-skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding are all popular activities, as well. Be aware that it is often dangerous to do these things within the vicinity of the four bridges spanning the river, as there is often too much boat traffic. Heading one mile up or down river will help you to have a safer (and more fun!) time. Be aware that state law requires two people on the boat/jet-ski in cases of pulling someone on a tube, wakeboard, etc. One person is required to sit at the back of the boat and 'spot' for the people being pulled. There are state Game & Fish boats enforcing these rules.

• Play Cro-Shoes. This is a great river tradition. The game was invented by Vern Peterson, a local, in 1987. The game combines elements of horse shoes and other games to provide a unique sandbar game. Game sets are available at Scheel's Sports, located at Kirkwood Mall, or through the Cro-Shoes website contact page.

Ski & snowboard

• Huff Hills Ski Area

  phone: +1 701 663-6421
  Located in the buttes on the western banks of the Missouri River, is the largest downhill ski area in North Dakota, with a vertical drop of 450 feet. Huff Hills is located 18 miles south of Mandan on ND State Highway 1806. The scenic drive takes around 45 minutes from Bismarck, and around 30 minutes from Mandan.
• Cross-country skiing is often possible in Bismarck. Bismarck Parks & Recreation Department grooms trails at Riverwood Golf Course if snow conditions allow. It is often possible to ski in the countryside around Bismarck, but remember that trespassing on private property is a crime!

Bismarck offers two movie theaters:

• CarmikeHas a theater in Gateway Mall in North Bismarck.

• Grand TheatersLocally-owned. The favorite among local movie enthusiasts. It offers stadium seating in most of its theaters. The theater features curved screens, two giant screens, rocking seats, a theater with many loveseats, and lavish decor.

• HockeyThe Bismarck Bobcats are a local NAHL hockey team that plays most weekends between October and April in the VFW All-Seasons Arena (1200 North Washington Street).

• Bismarck Event CenterOffers the occasional concert, featuring performers such as Clay Aiken.

• Superslide Amusement Park

  phone: +1 701 255-1107
  address: Riverside Park Rd
  Superslide, ferris wheel, carousel, batting cages, tubs, swings, bumper cars, critter track, whisper carts, mini-golf, bankshot basketball. Open from May through mid-September, weather permitting, daily from noon to 10PM.

• Dakota OutRightA non-profit organization that serves as a regional community resource and provides gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) diversity education and promotes unity within the GLBT community and allies in western and central North Dakota.

• Gateway to Science, located in the former Masonic Temple. Interactive exhibits for all ages for learning about science. Open Tuesday through Saturday, from noon to 5PM. Tel: +1 701 258-1975.
• Ft. Abraham Lincoln State Park is made historically important because within its boundaries are the ruins of On-A-Slant Mandan Indian Village and the Fort Abraham Lincoln cavalry and infantry post. It was from this fort that Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer and the Seventh Cavalry rode out on their ill-fated expedition against the Sioux at the Little Big Horn. It has 95 camping sites. There are special events year-round. Guided horse-back trail riding is available in the summer and offers a wide view of the Missouri basin in this area. Tel: +1-800-807-4723

The average annual wage in Bismarck is about $31,000.

Bismarck offers two major shopping malls, newly remodeled Gateway Fashion Mall in north Bismarck, and Kirkwood Mall in south Bismarck. Kirkwood Mall is the city's largest mall. It is anchored by Target, JCPenney, Herberger's, Scheel's Sports, and I. Keating Furniture World.
Besides the mall Bismarck has Wal-Mart, Kmart, Staples, Office Depot, and Menards. Bismarck had two Super Walmarts, Sams Club, Lowes, Kohls, and many other shops. The majority of the newer retail centers are in the northern part of the city.

Most national chain restaurants are off of I-94 Exit 159 (Hwy. 83/State St.), near Kirkwood Mall on the south side, and in the Pinehurst area (Exit 157, Tyler Parkway and Divide Ave.) on the west side. For a more unique dining experience, explore restaurants in the historic Downtown area. This district's Fiesta Villa, in the former train station, or Peacock Alley, in the former Patterson Hotel are local favorites.
Many North Dakotans are meat-eaters and these restaurants do not disappoint in this area. Pasta entrees and seafood are quite popular as well, rounding out most menus. Due to ND's landlocked location, seafood must be flown in regularly, so a seared ahi tuna steak is likely to be at least 'good'. However northern pike, walleye, buffalo, and pheasant are likely to be local and fresh. These items are worth a try to capture a more authentic taste of North Dakota.

Budget

• Kroll's DinerAmerican and German cuisine. Famous for their Knoephla soup, which you can purchase by the bucket.
  I-94 & Highway 83, +1 701 223-1907
  1915 East Main Avenue, +1 701 255-3850

• Lucky Ducks Deli

  phone: +1 701 751-3989
  Salads, sandwiches, and soup. Outdoor seating available during the summer.

• Scotty's Drive-In

  phone: +1 701 255-4588
  address: 210 North 21st St
  A locally owned, retro-style drive-in from 1965. One of the oldest restaurants in the city. Burgers, hot dogs, fries – all the things you'd expect, plus the possibility of a dill pickle milkshake at the end.

Mid-range

• The Walrus

  phone: +1 701 250-0020
  address: 1136 N. 3rd St.
  A local favorite, The Walrus has been open since 1996. Try any one of their signature pasta dishes, unique pizzas, house-made soups, or select from 41 beers on tap, in addition to their reasonably sized wine menu. Live music on Tuesdays.

• Fiesta Villa

  phone: +1 701 222-8075
  address: 411 East Main Ave.
  In the historic train station in the heart of downtown Bismarck enjoy the quiet and calm restaurant that is a local hit. Famous for its salsa, margaritas, wings, tacos, and other Mexican dishes that are sure to satisfy.

• Fireflour Pizza

  phone: +1 701 323-9000
  address: 111 N 5th St.
  Hand made pizzas fire roasted in a stone oven.

• Space Aliens Grill & Bar

  phone: +1 701 223-6220
  address: 1304 E Century Ave.
  BBQ and pizza, in an alien themed atmosphere. Contains an arcade for the young, and young at heart.

Splurge

• Peacock Alley American Grill and Bar

  phone: +1 701 255-7917
  address: 422 E. Main Ave.
  In the historic Patterson Hotel Building, within walking distance of the Bismarck Civic Center and Bismarck's downtown events. A healthy fresh lunch menu is available daily. Voted the best martini year after year and featuring 23 different tap beers.

• Bistro

  phone: +1 701 224-8800
  address: 1100 East Front Ave.
  Consistently rated best restaurant in Bismarck by readers of the Bismarck Tribune. It features a variety dishes including regional Italian specialties. Thursday night is sushi night with live music.

• East 40 Chophouse & Tavern

  phone: +1 701 258-7222
  address: 1401 Interchange Ave
  Another well-known fine-dining establishment in Bismarck. Monday night is sushi night with live music.

• Pirogue Grille

  phone: +1 701 223-3770
  address: 121 N. 4th St.
  The restaurant concept features Midwest regional cuisine that changes with the seasons. Featured menu items include walleye, bison, duck, and house-made venison sausage. Great selection of desserts and breads, all made in house; extensive wine list featuring many different varietals.

• Kobe's Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar

  phone: +1 701 751-3088
  address: 915 W. Interstate Ave.
  Come for the sushi, stay for the Teppanyaki grill show. A variety of sake, beer, wine, and spirits are also available.

• The Toasted Frog

  phone: +1 701 751-2229
  address: 124 North Fourth St
  Wide variety of fine dining.

Bismarck has several local adult establishments. Popularity shifts as frequently as the weather. If you're into the nightlife, you'd be better asking the locals where most people in your age group hang out. Borrowed Bucks Roadhouse, simply called Bucks, is consistently popular with 20- and 30-somethings. The Elbow Room can be a veritable local high school reunion on some weekend nights.
If you like a variety of beers, try O'Briens, Sport's Page, or Peacock Alley.
The hangout for politicians when the state legislature is in session is the Peacock Alley Bar, in the historic Patterson Hotel building in downtown Bismarck. Government-types have been calling the "Peacock" their after-hours home for more than half a century. The regular crowd includes a variety ranging from 20-somethings to middle-aged downtown business folk, generally people that appreciate the atmosphere, good conversation, and variety of libations the location has provided since first opening in 1911.

Steep MeA tea shop that is a daily stop for locals. Once a dream by a local tea-maker is now a bustling business.

See also Mandan listings.

• AmericInn

  phone: +1 701 250-1000
  I-94 and Exit 159, north on Highway 83.

• Best Western Doublewood Inn

  phone: +1 701 258-7000
  address: 1400 East Interchange Ave

• Best Western Ramkota Hotel

  phone: +1 701 258-7700
  address: 800 South 3rd St
  Formerly Radisson Ramkota. 306 rooms, 8 suites, indoor water park with 150 foot waterslide, sauna, whirlpool, fitness club

• Bismarck Motor Hotel

  phone: +1 701 223-2474

• Budget Inn Express

  phone: +1 701 255-1450

• Comfort Inn

  phone: +1 701 223-1911
  address: 300 East Interstate Ave

• Comfort Suites

  phone: +1 701 223-4009
  address: 929 Gateway Ave

• Days Inn

  phone: +1 701 223-9151
  address: 1300 E. Capital Ave

• Everspring Inn and Suites

  phone: +1 701 222-2900
  address: 200 E Bismarck Expy

• Fairfield Inn North

  phone: +1 701 223-9077

• Fairfield Inn South

  phone: +1 701 223-9293

• Hillside Motel

  phone: +1 701 223-7986
  address: 1601 N 12 St

• Kelly Inn

  phone: +1 701 223-8001
  address: 1800 North 12th St

• Motel 6

  phone: +1 701 255-6878
  address: 2433 State St

• Radisson Hotel

  phone: +1 701 255-6000
  address: 605 East Broadway Ave

• Ramada Limited Suites

  phone: +1 701 221-3030
  address: 3808 E Divide Ave

• Select Inn

  phone: +1 701 223-8060
  address: 1505 Interchange Ave

• Super 8 Motel

  phone: +1 701 255-1314
  address: I-94, Exit 159 N

• White Lace Bed and Breakfast

  phone: +1 701 258-6877
  address: 807 N 6th St
  1918 historic Victorian style home with 2 guest rooms, antiques.

• General Sibley Park Camping

  phone: +1 701 222-1844
  address: 501 South Washington St
  150 tent sites, 115 RV sites with electric.

Bismarck is a relatively safe town. Your biggest danger is the winter weather.
In the winter don't forget proper clothing for harsh weathers. For 20 days in Jan-Feb 2004, the temp did not get above 0 °F. The coldest temp was in Minot, ND, at -45 °F (-75 ° windchill) while Bismarck was at a "balmy" -43 °F.
If your car has a block heater, remember to plug it into a wall outlet. Local rental cars will have block heaters installed. If you don't know what to look for, ask the rental place; they will know. Block heaters will keep the car from freezing up during sub-zero temps.
From April–October, most of the state will conduct its road construction projects. During this season, plan for occasional delays in the city of Bismarck and on the roads to get to the city.

• Badlands
• Medora
• Minot
• Canada