Top Things to Do Around Bismarck, North Dakota

Do

Alley 5.5 Check out the photo ops in this gallery of 20 murals off 5th Street halfway between Broadway and Main avenues. Artists with North Dakota roots painted the colorful creations, such as Stocked Pantry by Nicole Gagner. artscapital.org

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Interpreters in frontier U.S. Cavalry uniforms explain life at this post from which Lt. Col. George Custer rode out to Little Bighorn. See his re-created house at this park 12 miles southwest of town. At the On-A-Slant Indian Village, explore a replica of the earthen mound village where the Mandan tribe lived from about 1575 to 1781. parkrec.nd.gov

Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center Lewis and Clark spent more of their epic journey in North Dakota than any other state. Inside a timber-frame building in Washburn, 40 miles north of Bismarck, slick touchscreens and displays detail the duo's expedition. Also on-site is a replica of the explorers' winter home, Fort Mandan, made from cottonwood logs. fortmandan.com

Lewis and Clark Riverboat Narrated cruises on a 40-foot flat-bottom riverboat focus on the Missouri River from Lewis and Clark's perspective. lewisandclarkriverboat.com

North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum The Horse in North Dakota (open through early 2020) highlights art and artifacts from the State Historical Society's collection, including a horse-drawn fire engine, horse toys and saddles. history.nd.gov

State Capitol As the tallest structure in the region-242 feet, completed in 1934-the Capitol earned its unofficial nickname of The Skyscraper on the Prairie. An arboretum trail, statues and memorials dot the grounds. nd.gov

Eat

The Blarney Stone Irish Pub Stop for a pint or a meal; you'll feel an old-world welcome among the hardwood paneling, small rooms and glowing fireplace of this downtown restaurant. blarneyirishpub.com

Butterhorn The Bismarck newcomer uses local ingredients in French- and Italian-inspired dishes such as cavatelli with sausage. Sides include the lovely little crescent bread rolls known as butterhorns. butterhorn210.com

Kroll's Diner We like local chain Kroll's for all-day breakfasts, kuchen and knoephla. Check out the retro one in Mandan. sitdownandeat.com

Laughing Sun Brewery In the state's first brewhouse-pub, taste a Lewis and Clark Riverboat strawberry wheat or smoked vanilla porter while looking into the brewhouse. Live music and works from an artist-in-residence continue the creative atmosphere. laughingsunbrewing.com

Little Cottage Cafe Fluffy French toast. Crispy bacon. Superb knoephla. Add cheap prices and friendly service, and it's easy to see why locals pack this tiny diner. (701) 223-4949

Noodlezip Central North Dakota finally gets pho-and it's excellent. Plus, try other Asian specialties, such as pork buns and vegetable dumplings, in a casual downtown space. noodlezip.com

Peacock Alley Black-and-white photos at this eatery in the former Patterson Hotel celebrate famous politicians who have stopped in through the decades. The two-for-$15 lunchtime option is a deal, and dinners of hanger steak, grilled salmon or smoked ribs are excellent for special occasions. peacock-alley.com

Pirogue Grille Walleye, bison and house-made venison sausage are staples at this chef-owned downtown spot. Locally inspired entrees change with the seasons. piroguegrille.com

Terra Nomad Minimalist surroundings, gourmet coffee, and a vegan-friendly breakfast and lunch menu provide a fresh alternative to the area's meaty joints. terranomadcompany.com

Stay

Radisson Hotel Bismarck Perks at this downtown chain hotel include plush bedding and free Wi-Fi. radisson.com

Rolling Plains Adventures For hunting and fishing adventures, check out this family-owned, 17,000-acre ranch 25 miles southeast of town. Also available: ATV excursions, cattle drives, horseback rides, camping, cattle branding and hayrides. blacklegranch.com

For more information: Bismarck-Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau noboundariesnd.com