Sightseeing
Who doesn’t love art?!? Lots of great photo ops here. Good way to support local artists too.
Bismarck Art Alley
117 N 5th StWho doesn’t love art?!? Lots of great photo ops here. Good way to support local artists too.
When in Bismarck, you must stop by the Capitol. Great walking paths, beautiful landscaping, and historic buildings. Tours available, upon request.
12 locals recommend
North Dakota State Capitol
600 E Boulevard AveWhen in Bismarck, you must stop by the Capitol. Great walking paths, beautiful landscaping, and historic buildings. Tours available, upon request.
Bismarck’s most-loved park! Located near & along the Missouri River. Play horseshoes, sand volleyball or tennis, have a picnic, play on several new playgrounds, and walk along the trail that winds through or behind the park. Also home of the Super Slide Amusement Park & the Dakota Zoo.
8 locals recommend
Sertoma Park
Riverside Park RoadBismarck’s most-loved park! Located near & along the Missouri River. Play horseshoes, sand volleyball or tennis, have a picnic, play on several new playgrounds, and walk along the trail that winds through or behind the park. Also home of the Super Slide Amusement Park & the Dakota Zoo.
Offers an adventure on the mighty Missouri from May thru September. Try a regular excursion or a dinner cruise.
13 locals recommend
Lewis and Clark Riverboat
1700 River RdOffers an adventure on the mighty Missouri from May thru September. Try a regular excursion or a dinner cruise.
A 271-acre park located five miles east of Bismarck that offers swimming, boating, fishing and paddle boating. There is a public beach, picnic shelters, horseshoe pits, a small concessions area, a playground and modern restrooms. There is a paved trail on the grounds and wooded area for nature walks or runs. There is also a nature trail encircling the banks of McDowell Dam.
McDowell Dam Recreation Area
1951 93rd St NEA 271-acre park located five miles east of Bismarck that offers swimming, boating, fishing and paddle boating. There is a public beach, picnic shelters, horseshoe pits, a small concessions area, a playground and modern restrooms. There is a paved trail on the grounds and wooded area for nature walks or runs. There is also a nature trail encircling the banks of McDowell Dam.
Educational
Learn about North Dakota & its history. A plethora of exhibits fill up this state-of-the-art facility. Fun for the entire family!
26 locals recommend
North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum
612 E Boulevard AveLearn about North Dakota & its history. A plethora of exhibits fill up this state-of-the-art facility. Fun for the entire family!
Great opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors in North Dakota, and cute animals to boot.
21 locals recommend
Dakota Zoo
602 Riverside Park RdGreat opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors in North Dakota, and cute animals to boot.
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, established in 1907, is the oldest state park in North Dakota and provides a variety of unique adventures to travelers of all ages. Travel through time and explore rich culture and history of the area by investigating artifacts at the Visitor Center Museum. Visitors will gain insight into the lives of the Mandan Native Americans who once lived at On-a-Slant Village by venturing through our reconstructed earthlodges. Discover old Fort Abraham Lincoln, Fort McKeen and what life what like as a frontier soldier as you journey through the blockhouses and furnished barracks and participate in a living history tour of the commanding officer’s quarters.
Hikers, bikers and horseback riders will gaze upon the breathtaking views of the Heart and Missouri river bottoms as they traverse the scenic trail system through the surrounding hills.
18 locals recommend
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
4480 Fort Lincoln RdFort Abraham Lincoln State Park, established in 1907, is the oldest state park in North Dakota and provides a variety of unique adventures to travelers of all ages. Travel through time and explore rich culture and history of the area by investigating artifacts at the Visitor Center Museum. Visitors will gain insight into the lives of the Mandan Native Americans who once lived at On-a-Slant Village by venturing through our reconstructed earthlodges. Discover old Fort Abraham Lincoln, Fort McKeen and what life what like as a frontier soldier as you journey through the blockhouses and furnished barracks and participate in a living history tour of the commanding officer’s quarters.
Hikers, bikers and horseback riders will gaze upon the breathtaking views of the Heart and Missouri river bottoms as they traverse the scenic trail system through the surrounding hills.
Shopping
One of the best thrift stores in Bismarck. Great selection! A two-story building full of treasures, all at a reasonable price. Proceeds benefit the Abused Adult Resource Center.
Seeds of Hope Thrift Store
520 E Main AveOne of the best thrift stores in Bismarck. Great selection! A two-story building full of treasures, all at a reasonable price. Proceeds benefit the Abused Adult Resource Center.
Home to Target, Scheels, Victoria's Secret, The Buckle, H&M, Bath & Body Works, JCPenney & More!
10 locals recommend
Kirkwood Mall
706 Kirkwood MallHome to Target, Scheels, Victoria's Secret, The Buckle, H&M, Bath & Body Works, JCPenney & More!
Outdoor “power mall” located in northwest Bismarck anchored by several national big box stores that also contains many restaurants and smaller retailers. Shops include: Best Buy, Kohl’s, Old Navy, Petsmart, T.J. Maxx, & Shoe Carnival. Restaurants include: Jimmy John’s, Five Guys, Kobe's Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar, & Nardello’s Pizza.
Pinehurst Square East
1207 W Interstate AveOutdoor “power mall” located in northwest Bismarck anchored by several national big box stores that also contains many restaurants and smaller retailers. Shops include: Best Buy, Kohl’s, Old Navy, Petsmart, T.J. Maxx, & Shoe Carnival. Restaurants include: Jimmy John’s, Five Guys, Kobe's Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar, & Nardello’s Pizza.
We love this place! Wide selection of antiques (20 dealers) at great prices. Located in the Gateway Mall.
Antiques On Main
2700 State StWe love this place! Wide selection of antiques (20 dealers) at great prices. Located in the Gateway Mall.
Downtown Bismarck offers shopping (Lulu B. Boutique, Stella’s, Boutique 23, & more!) and food (Peacock Alley, Blarney Stone Pub, Butterhorn, Fireflour Pizza, & more!).
Downtown Bismarck
103 S 3rd StDowntown Bismarck offers shopping (Lulu B. Boutique, Stella’s, Boutique 23, & more!) and food (Peacock Alley, Blarney Stone Pub, Butterhorn, Fireflour Pizza, & more!).
One of the best thrift stores in Bismarck. Clean, well organized, and the best prices in town. All adult clothing is $1 and they have some really nice stuff, including name brands.
Arc Park Avenue Thrift Shop
1211 Park AveOne of the best thrift stores in Bismarck. Clean, well organized, and the best prices in town. All adult clothing is $1 and they have some really nice stuff, including name brands.
Food scene
Our favorite local restaurant. The food is AMAZING! My go-to is a medium-rare steak with creamy garlic potatoes. Delicious! They have one-of-a-kind pizzas too.
10 locals recommend
Walrus Restaurant
1136 N 3rd StOur favorite local restaurant. The food is AMAZING! My go-to is a medium-rare steak with creamy garlic potatoes. Delicious! They have one-of-a-kind pizzas too.
Opened in September 1964, Scotty’s is reportedly the 2nd oldest independent restaurant still serving Bismarck. Famous for such items as the Rebel Burger and Tartar Burger, Scotty’s holds true to its drive-in roots with its retro theme and classic car nights. Plus, it’s located within walking distance of Lamppost 15.
Scotty's Drive-In
210 N 21st StOpened in September 1964, Scotty’s is reportedly the 2nd oldest independent restaurant still serving Bismarck. Famous for such items as the Rebel Burger and Tartar Burger, Scotty’s holds true to its drive-in roots with its retro theme and classic car nights. Plus, it’s located within walking distance of Lamppost 15.
Drive up coffee & food truck meals on the go. Don’t let the size of this place fool you! Great customer service & tasty food.
BittyBean
1019 E Main AveDrive up coffee & food truck meals on the go. Don’t let the size of this place fool you! Great customer service & tasty food.
Mo's Snow Shack
625 S Washington StAuthentic Hawaiian shave ice. A local favorite on a hot summer day!
A local favorite! All ages welcome until 9 p.m. Great food & drinks, live music on the weekends. Laughing Sun produces quality hand crafted American Ales and specialty beers. Laughing Sun's mission with their pub is to have a place where the local community can feel welcome and involved. Their walls feature the work of local artists. Their stage is open to local musicians, poets, writers, and thinkers with original compositions and ideas.
20 locals recommend
Laughing Sun Brewing Co.
1023 E Front AveA local favorite! All ages welcome until 9 p.m. Great food & drinks, live music on the weekends. Laughing Sun produces quality hand crafted American Ales and specialty beers. Laughing Sun's mission with their pub is to have a place where the local community can feel welcome and involved. Their walls feature the work of local artists. Their stage is open to local musicians, poets, writers, and thinkers with original compositions and ideas.
Local favorite! Located in Mandan. River-front restaurant featuring brunch, lunch, dinner, and kids menus all served up with a stunning view.
The Paddle Trap
2500 Pirates Loop SoutheastLocal favorite! Located in Mandan. River-front restaurant featuring brunch, lunch, dinner, and kids menus all served up with a stunning view.
Fresh from the brick oven everyday, they offer a rotating selection of real sourdough loaves, an assortment of croissants, danishes and “cruffins”, as well as a full coffee bar.
Brick Oven Bakery
112 N 4th StFresh from the brick oven everyday, they offer a rotating selection of real sourdough loaves, an assortment of croissants, danishes and “cruffins”, as well as a full coffee bar.
Downtown Bismarck offers food (Peacock Alley, Blarney Stone Pub, Butterhorn, Fireflour Pizza, & more!) and shopping (Lulu B. Boutique, Stella’s, Boutique 23, & more!).
Downtown Bismarck
103 S 3rd StDowntown Bismarck offers food (Peacock Alley, Blarney Stone Pub, Butterhorn, Fireflour Pizza, & more!) and shopping (Lulu B. Boutique, Stella’s, Boutique 23, & more!).
A & B Pizza
1017 East Interstate AvenueThe BEST taco pizza in town!
Rooftop bar with spectacular views! Features a retractable glass ceiling, and walls with fire tables and multiple heat lamps to make your experience cozy and fun year round!
10 locals recommend
Luft Rooftop Beer Garden
510 E Main AveRooftop bar with spectacular views! Features a retractable glass ceiling, and walls with fire tables and multiple heat lamps to make your experience cozy and fun year round!
Hidden cocktail bar in the heart of downtown Bismarck, known for unique craft cocktails, rare whiskeys and bourbons, and a cozy prohibition-era atmosphere.
510.2 Speakeasy
510 E Main AveHidden cocktail bar in the heart of downtown Bismarck, known for unique craft cocktails, rare whiskeys and bourbons, and a cozy prohibition-era atmosphere.
The Donut Hole
931 S 9th StDonut shop in south Bismarck serving pastries & coffee.
From Tango Mango (mango filled topped with Tang) to the Elvis (banana filled, peanut butter iced, bacon added and chocolate drizzle), Bearscat has donuts you will not find anywhere else.
Bearscat Bakehouse - Bismarck
1914 N 12th StFrom Tango Mango (mango filled topped with Tang) to the Elvis (banana filled, peanut butter iced, bacon added and chocolate drizzle), Bearscat has donuts you will not find anywhere else.
Copper Dog Cafe
218 W Main StWaffles, waffles, & more waffles! Located in Mandan.
Huckleberry House
1700 River RoadNew riverside restaurant serving Nordic dishes.
A local favorite. One of the best mom & pop restaurants in Bis-Man & located near Lamppost 15.
Little Cottage Café
2513 E Main AveA local favorite. One of the best mom & pop restaurants in Bis-Man & located near Lamppost 15.
Fun fun fun!
One of Bismarck’s best-kept secrets! Kid-oriented attraction with a giant slide, a Ferris wheel, mini-golf, go karts & concessions. Fun for the entire family (adults welcome on most of the rides) & very reasonably priced. Our favorite rides are the roller coaster, Ferris wheel, &, of course, the super slide!
Super Slide Amusement Park
500 Riverside Park RdOne of Bismarck’s best-kept secrets! Kid-oriented attraction with a giant slide, a Ferris wheel, mini-golf, go karts & concessions. Fun for the entire family (adults welcome on most of the rides) & very reasonably priced. Our favorite rides are the roller coaster, Ferris wheel, &, of course, the super slide!
Located just a few blocks from Lamppost 15 & easy on the wallet. We go here often & always have a good time!
Hillside Aquatic Complex
1719 E Boulevard AveLocated just a few blocks from Lamppost 15 & easy on the wallet. We go here often & always have a good time!
BisMan’s largest outdoor water park, including four giant slides, a lazy river, & infant/toddler area. A ton of fun!
9 locals recommend
Raging Rivers Waterpark
2600 46th Ave SEBisMan’s largest outdoor water park, including four giant slides, a lazy river, & infant/toddler area. A ton of fun!
Beyond Bismarck-Mandan
Heading west of Bismarck toward Medora & the Badlands? You MUST stop at Salem Sue, the world’s largest Holstein cow. Located in New Salem.
Salem Sue
Heading west of Bismarck toward Medora & the Badlands? You MUST stop at Salem Sue, the world’s largest Holstein cow. Located in New Salem.
Heading west of Bismarck toward Medora & the Badlands? Be sure to make a detour at the Enchanted Highway! The Enchanted Highway begins at Exit 72 on I-94 near Gladstone and terminates 32 miles down the road in the small town of Regent. Beginning with "Geese in Flight" at Exit 72, large metal sculptures are placed along the county highway, each with parking a area and kiosk except "Geese in Flight," which is viewable from adjacent interstate. Sculptures include "World's Largest Tin Family," "Teddy Rides Again," "Pheasants on the Prairie," "Grasshoppers in the Field," "Deer Crossing," and "Fisherman's Dream."
The Enchanted Highway
607 Main StHeading west of Bismarck toward Medora & the Badlands? Be sure to make a detour at the Enchanted Highway! The Enchanted Highway begins at Exit 72 on I-94 near Gladstone and terminates 32 miles down the road in the small town of Regent. Beginning with "Geese in Flight" at Exit 72, large metal sculptures are placed along the county highway, each with parking a area and kiosk except "Geese in Flight," which is viewable from adjacent interstate. Sculptures include "World's Largest Tin Family," "Teddy Rides Again," "Pheasants on the Prairie," "Grasshoppers in the Field," "Deer Crossing," and "Fisherman's Dream."
Heading east of Bismarck towards Fargo & Minneapolis? Be sure to stop at the Frontier Village in Jamestown, home of the world’s largest buffalo. Original buildings from the frontier villages of North Dakota were brought to this site and filled with antiques and artifacts, creating informative historical displays.
Frontier Village
Heading east of Bismarck towards Fargo & Minneapolis? Be sure to stop at the Frontier Village in Jamestown, home of the world’s largest buffalo. Original buildings from the frontier villages of North Dakota were brought to this site and filled with antiques and artifacts, creating informative historical displays.
Heading east of Bismarck towards Fargo & Minneapolis? Be sure to make a pit stop in Jamestown to admire the world’s largest buffalo, Dakota Thunder. Located adjacent to the Frontier Village.
World's Largest Buffalo Monument
404 Louis Lamour LnHeading east of Bismarck towards Fargo & Minneapolis? Be sure to make a pit stop in Jamestown to admire the world’s largest buffalo, Dakota Thunder. Located adjacent to the Frontier Village.