Things To Do
in Bismarck
Bismarck, the capital of North Dakota, sits along the Missouri River and blends frontier history with modern governance and culture. The city offers a compact, walkable downtown, engaging museums, and a growing selection of breweries and eateries. It serves as a gateway to state parks, riverfront scenery, and prairie landscapes just beyond the city limits.
Visitors can expect friendly Midwestern hospitality, seasonal events, and a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a freshly brewed latte at a cozy café on Fourth Street and watch the city awaken. Wander between restored brick storefronts, pausing to admire street art and historic plaques that tell Bismarck’s story. Pop into a local bakery for a warm pastry before heading to your next stop.
Explore the Belle Mehus Auditorium and check out rotating art exhibits at the Bismarck Art and Galleries Association. Browse boutique shops for handmade jewelry, specialty foods, and North Dakota souvenirs. Grab a gourmet sandwich at a riverside bistro and relax on a bench overlooking the Missouri River.
Dine at a farm-to-table restaurant featuring seasonal local ingredients and craft cocktails. Take a leisurely stroll along the illuminated boardwalk in Riverfront Park as the sunset casts golden hues on the water. Cap the night with live music at a neighborhood pub or sample a regional brew at a downtown microbrewery.
Arrive early at the Lewis and Clark Riverboat Interpretive Center to watch the opening film that brings the Corps of Discovery’s journey to life. Explore interactive exhibits showcasing Native American culture and riverboat history. Walk out onto the observation deck for sweeping views of the Missouri River.
Join a guided interpretive hike along the riverbank trail to trace the explorers’ footsteps through prairie grasses and cottonwood groves. Stop for a picnic lunch beneath a shady tree, listening to birdsong and the gentle lapping of river waves. Photograph interpretive markers that reveal hidden ecological treasures along the trail.
Return to the center for an evening talk by a park ranger on river ecology and regional wildlife. Sip herbal tea and sample locally made snacks in the cozy lobby area. End the night with a quiet riverside walk under a canopy of stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🍕Pizza slice or small pie | $6-10 |
| 🏡1-bedroom apartment (city center) | $1,000-1,500 per month |
| ⛽Gas (per gallon) | $3-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable downtown with short distance to key sights
- Strong access to outdoor recreation along the Missouri River
- Friendly locals and a growing craft beverage scene
- Museums and cultural sites offering diverse insights into the region
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
- Very cold winters with challenging driving conditions
- Fewer big-city amenities and international cuisine options
- Public transit is more limited than in major urban areas
Places to Visit in Bismarck
Visit one of these nice places.
Architecturally striking building with formal grounds; excellent for architectural shots and golden-hour exterior photos.
Scenic river views and wide horizons ideal for sunset and landscape photography.
Historic fort grounds with open prairie, wooded trails, and interpretive sites—great for nature and history photography.
Food in Bismarck
Bismarck Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Midwestern casserole featuring meat, vegetables, and a cream-based sauce, typically served as a comforting staple at gatherings and local diners.
Must-Try!
Freshwater fish prepared fried or baked, often served with seasonal sides and a nod to the region’s river heritage.
Lean, flavorful burger made with locally sourced bison, commonly found on menus at casual eateries and pubs.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market featuring local produce, baked goods, and handmade items; great for sampling fresh ingredients and supporting local growers.
A rotating lineup of food trucks and pop-up vendors around the downtown area offering diverse quick bites, often tied to seasonal events.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly hello and maintain a courteous, straightforward conversation. Queuing and personal space are respected in public spaces.
Treat local Indigenous history and sites with respect; follow posted guidelines when visiting reserves or cultural centers.
Be prepared for variable weather; offer help if someone is bundled for cold, and avoid rushing others in windy or icy conditions.
Safety
Tipping in Bismarck
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard tipping is 15-20% at restaurants if service is not included. For bars, rounding up or leaving a small tip is common. Acceptable to tip hotel staff and taxi/rideshare drivers as appropriate.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; cash is handy for small purchases and markets. Mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days with long daylight hours; keep hydrated, use sun protection, and expect outdoor events and festivals in the downtown and riverfront areas.
Cold, dry conditions with potential for heavy snowfall and icy roads; dress in layers, plan for winter driving, and explore indoor attractions like museums and cafes.
Mild to cool with variable weather; comfortable for outdoor trails and shorter hikes, but be prepared for rain and wind.
Crisp air and colorful foliage; ideal for scenic drives along the river and quiet hikes in state parks.
Bismarck at Night
Hiking in Bismarck
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible trails through prairie and woodland with historical views; suitable for varied fitness levels.
Riverside path offering scenic views and easy-to-moderate hiking or walking with opportunities for wildlife watching.
Airports
How to reach Bismarck by plane.
Primary airport serving the region with domestic flights and convenient access to downtown Bismarck via taxi, rideshare, or rental car.
Larger regional airport offering more flight options; about a 3-hour drive southeast of Bismarck, suitable for longer trips or connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant demographic group in the area, with longstanding communities and a strong local culture.
Present in the region with historic ties to Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation heritage; respectful engagement with local sites is encouraged.
A growing community contributing to the area's cultural and culinary diversity.
Smaller immigrant communities contribute to a diverse local culture and cuisine.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A staple winter sport across the region, with youth and adult leagues and local ice rinks.
Popular at high school, college, and community levels; fall weekends are built around football season.
Rodeo events and Western heritage activities are part of the broader Dakotan sporting culture.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bismarck.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many spots offer vegetarian-friendly options such as veggie sandwiches, salads, grain bowls, and pastas. For dairy-free or vegan choices, opt for salads, grain bowls, and sides, and ask about substitutions.