Top Things to Do Around Bismarck, North Dakota
Innovation keeps history fresh here along the Missouri River. A mural alley, new horse exhibit and the state’s first brewhouse-pub represent the novel things to check out in this south-central city. Check out our trip guide for ideas on what to do, where to eat and where to stay.
Do
Alley 5.5 Bismarck’s most photographed alley, off 5th Street halfway between Broadway and Main avenues, features colorful murals by local artists. artscapital.org
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park 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 touch screens and displays detail the duo’s expedition. Also on-site is a replica of the explorers’ winter home, Fort Mandan. fortmandan.com
Heritage River Landing The new Lewis and Clark Riverboat ticket office is expected to open here in 2020. Also slated for the complex: a restaurant, bar, gift shop and information about historic sites on the Missouri River. noboundariesnd.com
North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum A new interactive exhibit on Dakota, a rare mummified hadrosaur, lets visitors touch a replica of its exceptionally well-preserved scales. 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
United Tribes Technical College International Powwow More than 20,000 spectators gather the second weekend in September to watch dancers and drummers representing 70-plus tribes. unitedtribespowwow.com
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 Local ingredients shine in French- and Italian-inspired dishes such as cavatelli with sausage. Sides include the lovely little crescent bread rolls known as butterhorns. butterhorn210.com
The Craftcade The retro joint buzzes with 25 vintage arcade games, a pour-your-own craft beer wall, New York-style pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs. Enjoy free games on Sundays. thecraftcade.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 Bismarck’s first craft beer taproom recently expanded to a second location in Mandan. Both offer a menu with hearty portions of ribs, pork and brisket, plus live music. 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. Little Cottage Cafe's Facebook page
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. peacock-alley.com
Pirogue Grille Walleye, bison and house-made venison sausage are staples at this chef-owned spot. 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 and horseback rides. rollingplainsadventures.com
For more information: Bismarck-Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau noboundariesnd.com