Things to Do in Bismarck North Dakota

The state capital city of Bismarck is known for its tall art deco State Capitol set on landscaped grounds. Nearby, the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum traces the state’s natural and cultural history.

The restored Former Governors’ Mansion dates back to the late 19th century. By the Missouri River, the Dakota Zoo houses grizzly bears and endangered Bengal tigers.

1. SuperSlide Amusement Park

One of the best family-friendly tourist attractions in Bismarck North Dakota, SuperSlide Amusement Park offers a wide variety of activities and attractions that will keep kids entertained. It features go-karts, bumper cars, Ferris wheel, super slide, batting cages, water wars, swings, climbing wall and mini-golf among others.

Since 1967, this amusement park has been a fun destination for families and kids of all ages. It boasts a runaway trail roller coaster that is considered to be one of its kind in the state.

It also houses a carousel that was purchased from a shopping mall in New Jersey and a Ferris wheel that used to be on the boardwalk in Atlantic City. The Fleckenstein family owns the park, which gets between 200-225,000 visitors each summer.

2. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

The oldest state park in North Dakota, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is an excellent blend of military and early Native American history. It is home to the On-A-Slant Indian Village, a historic cemetery and reconstructed military buildings including the Custer House.

This park offers a variety of activities and attractions, including hiking trails, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, camping and more. Located 7 miles south of Mandan, it also offers access to the Missouri River.

There are several reconstructed military structures at the park, including the Custer House and a barracks. A living history tour of the Custer House takes place daily and involves costumed guides who bring you back in time to 1875. There are also interpretive tours of On-A-Slant Indian Village, which features six reconstructed earth lodges depicting the life and culture of the Mandan people who once lived here.

3. State Capitol

Bismarck, the capital of North Dakota, has a rich history and offers many things to do and see. One of the highlights is visiting the state capitol and its grounds.

The Capitol Building was built during the Great Depression to replace an earlier building that burned down. It departs dramatically from traditional dome-topped classical statehouses, and is instead a practical office tower.

It features a wide variety of art and ornamental design that depicts the people of North Dakota and its heritage. This makes it a popular tourist destination.

Tours of the Capitol are available on Saturdays. However, it is important to make online reservations in advance.

4. Historic Downtown

Known for its vintage aesthetic, Downtown Bismarck is the perfect place to stroll and snap photos of this budget-friendly Midwest city. It is home to many art galleries and specialty shops, as well as a few popular restaurants.

Listed under National Register Criterion C, Historic Downtown is comprised of the largest collection of commercial buildings in South Central North Dakota. The district reflects a broad range of economic, social and political activities that developed throughout Bismarck’s long history.

Among the most notable are the Former Governor’s Mansion State Historic Site and McDowell Dam Recreation Area, both of which don’t require an admission fee. The former is an impressive mid-Victorian mansion that has been preserved as a historical and architectural exhibit. The latter is home to a 1909 Northern Pacific Locomotive Engine that kids love to see up close.

5. Raging Rivers Waterpark

When the summer heat begins to get to you, it’s time to head out to a water park. That’s where Raging Rivers Waterpark comes in.

This outdoor water park features tube slides, speed slides, a kiddie pool play area, a bathhouse, concessions, and more. It also has a lazy river that is perfect for relaxing with the family.

Thrill seekers can test their courage on the Black Hole, where they’ll drop down into an enclosed tube and splash around. Or they can go on the Mississippi Monster, which takes riders down a series of hidden chambers before an exhilarating final splash.

For the littlest kids, there’s Itty Bitty Surf City with a wave pool and splash pools just their size, and Swirlpool where they can ride down a tunnel flume and a giant vortex into the pool below.

Best Places to Live in North Dakota

The “Peace Garden State” of North Dakota offers a stress-free, welcoming environment and a great quality of life. Its low crime & poverty rates, high household income, and rich natural beauty make it a wonderful place to live!

Bismarck is the capital of North Dakota and offers a wide range of fun activities. It is also the most centrally located city in the state.

1. Bismarck

Bismarck is the state capital of North Dakota and one of the best places to live in the state. Located along the Missouri River near where Lewis and Clark made their famous winter camp, this city is an agricultural, transportation, and energy centre for the region.

Residents describe themselves as a mixed group of Whites, Native Americans, and other ethnic groups. It’s also a good place to raise a family.

Its economic base is diverse, ranging from energy production and distribution to government, business services, insurance, agriculture, and health care. The city’s economy has grown in recent years as a result of expanded retail and commercial activity.

For a taste of the local culture, check out a cocktail bar like the 510.2 Speakeasy or Luft Rooftop Bar. These unique bars are a great place to impress a date or enjoy an intimate evening with friends.

2. Mandan

If you’re looking for a great place to live in North Dakota, then Mandan is the perfect place for you. Not only is it home to a variety of museums and cultural attractions, but it’s also a very family-friendly city.

The earliest people to settle in this area were Native American tribes who built peaceful, agricultural settlements along the Missouri River. They left behind archeological evidence of stone tools, simple weapons and burial sites.

During the early 1800s, European explorers began to explore the area, searching for a water route to the Pacific Ocean. They came into contact with the peaceful Indians of the region and developed friendships.

3. Lincoln

Located an hour northwest of Bismarck, this town has all the benefits of a small town while still offering all the amenities you need for a comfortable lifestyle. From museums and community events to outdoor recreation like you can find at Lake Sakakawea, it’s a great place for a family vacation.

Lincoln is a city that combines a low crime & poverty rate with a vibrant nightlife. It has a wide range of industries that include healthcare, retail, and public administration.

The city is also home to the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum, a fascinating museum that chronicles the history of the state. It has four galleries that cover prehistoric history through the 21st century.

4. Little Beulah

Located in Mercer County, Little Beulah is ranked as one of the safest places to live in North Dakota. It is popular with Millennials and has the right combination of good schools and affordable homes.

The city is also home to an intriguing museum, a plethora of community events and Lake Sakakawea. This North Dakota neighbourhood is perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy the outdoors and a low crime rate.

When choosing a city to call home, you should take into account the cost of living, safety, community, job opportunities and overall quality of life. Using this information, you can make an informed decision on where to move to in North Dakota.

5. Wahpeton

Located along the Red River less than 50 miles south of Fargo, Wahpeton is one of North Dakota’s best places to live. The city’s low crime rate and excellent water quality help it rank high in our livability index.

The city’s low poverty rate and its affordable housing make it an excellent choice for people looking to move to a small town with a good quality of life. It’s also a popular place to retire thanks to its excellent public schools and low cost of living.

You can find a variety of restaurants in Wahpeton that offer delivery with Uber Eats. Browse by cuisine and dish to get some delicious food delivered right to your door!

Roads Transit and Major Highways

Bismarck North Dakota is a dynamic city with a lot to offer. It is home to a number of great parks and trails, as well as a lively arts and culture scene.

Whether you are visiting for business or pleasure, there is something to do for everyone in Bismarck. You can enjoy a day of fishing, swimming or kayaking at the Missouri River; head out for a hike on the Maah Daah Hey Trail in just 2 hours from the city; or visit the North Dakota Heritage Center to learn about the state’s rich history.

Transportation and Traffic

A major portion of the North Dakota economy is dependent on the state’s surface transportation network, including its highways. In fact, the health and future growth of the state’s economic development depends on the ability of its road system to accommodate an increasing demand for goods and services.

The state’s highways and interstates are crucial to the transport of goods from production sites to markets throughout North Dakota and the nation. As the economy grows, manufacturers must ship more products to market, which increases truck traffic on roadways and interstates.

This increased truck traffic can impede the efficiency of personal and commercial travel, resulting in delays and congestion that impose costs on businesses, shippers and consumers. This congestion also robs commuters of valuable time and money that could be spent on other important activities.

Drivers should follow all road rules, particularly the traffic laws of the State of North Dakota. In particular, drivers should yield right of way at intersections. They should also avoid excessive speeds, especially on residential streets and parking lots where red light running and other violations can occur.

Streets and Roadways

Many of the roads in Bismarck are standard grid-style, meaning that they typically have northbound and eastbound lanes. These streets are numbered as “streets” such as 9th Street and “avenues” such as Divide Avenue.

Some streets in the downtown area of Bismarck are one-ways. The most notable are 7th & 9th Streets between Boulevard Avenue and Bismarck Expressway, as well as Broadway/Thayer Avenues and 4th/5th streets in downtown.

Other streets in the city operate as one-ways for two blocks or so. The City’s busing system and the local Bis-Man Transit service offer a convenient, affordable means of transportation for residents.

If you are planning to visit Bismarck, be sure to plan ahead and check out all of the transportation options available!

The city’s public buses are operated by Capital Area Transit (CAT) and the local Bis-Man Transit service. CAT provides door-to-door service to residents, while Bis-Man Transit offers bus transportation to the nearby senior community.

Other forms of transportation are available for those seeking to get around the city, such as the passenger locomotive and trolley system. In addition to these, there are several bicycle paths throughout the city as well as a number of pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. If you’re looking to explore Bismarck further, the city has a variety of hotels and rental apartments for visitors to choose from.