One of my most surprising travels ever was to Bismarck, North Dakota. Surprising in a good way, that is. I had anticipated eye-popping scenic beauty, knowing that the state capital sits along the winding Missouri River. But I discovered a rich cultural heritage, waypoints to American history and a vibrant arts and architecture scene.
Bismarck sits in the center of the state, on the east side of the Missouri River. Sister city Mandan, named after the indigenous Native American tribe, is on the west side. Here are ten of the best things to do when visiting.
Editor’s Note: The writer was partially hosted.
1. Find Fun in Scientific Discoveries
Perched on a hill overlooking the Missouri River, North Dakota’s Gateway to Science delivers high-tech, hands-on science fun for kids of all ages. Interactive galleries on two levels are themed to showcase the state’s major resources and industries such as health care, agriculture, energy and engineering.
In the “Examining You” gallery, for example, visitors view how blood flows throughout the body, perform simulated surgeries and build virtual vaccines to blast virus infections.
The “Forces in Motion” gallery challenges you to solve engineering problems by using blowers, pneumatic tubes and diverters to transport colorful balls or launch them at intended targets.
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SheBuysTravel Tip: Step out onto the second-floor balcony for fabulous scenes of the Missouri River and the Liberty Memorial Bridge and Grant Marsh Bridge.
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2. Cruise the Missouri River at Sunset
Book a cruise of the Missouri River on the Lewis & Clark, a 150-passenger riverboat for a relaxing excursion on the water. The paddle-wheeler is a replica of the 1800s steamboats that were a major means of transport until the railways took over. It’s named for explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, who camped at Fort Mandan over the 1804-1805 winter.
The riverboat docks at the Port of Bismarck and cruises up and down the river for about a mile. While onboard, look above the eastern banks for a dramatic view of North Dakota’s Gateway to Science building cantilevered over the hillside.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Take the sunset cruise – the colors are drop-dead gorgeous!
3. Gain Insight to Centuries of Prairie Life
North Dakota’s oldest state park, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, founded in 1907, is notable for its military and Native American restorations.
On-A-Slant Indian Village was an earth-lodge community that was home to the Mandan Nation between 1650 and 1750. Of the original 75 or so buildings, six have been restored.
Another site is the partially reconstructed military fort established in 1872 to protect the incoming railroad. You can tour the fashionable Victorian-style home of General George and Libbie Custer. He commanded the fort from 1873 until his death at the Battle of the Little Bighorn three years later.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Stop at the Visitors Center to view a large collection of Mandan artifacts and a 3-D relief map of the original village when it was thriving.
4. Stroll a Unique Outdoor Art Gallery
Tucked into a block-long passageway in downtown Bismarck is a colorful outdoor gallery known as Alley 5.5. About two dozen side-by-side murals, painted by local and regional artists, present their visions of North Dakota’s culture and heritage. The murals depict cows, bison, birds, butterflies, sunflowers, rodeo riders, a Native American tribal leader and a quilt.
Students from Bismarck High School incorporated adjacent utility pipes into their mural to include bubbles and water spray – a tribute to alumnus Harold Schafer, who created Mr. Bubble bath products. They also painted toy bath duckies to represent themselves – one sports a feathered headdress and another wears a sombrero.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Shop the Bismarck Downtown Artist Cooperative gallery and take home a piece of local artwork.
5. Immerse Yourself in the Art and Architecture of the State Capitol
The 21-story North Dakota State Capitol, built in the early 1930s, is the tallest building in the state. And, as a skyscraper, it is a rarity among state capitol buildings. Most are low-rises capped with a dome.
You’re invited to wander the halls and admire the architecture, which merges Art Deco styling with prairie references. From the observation deck atop the building, you have 360-degree views and up to 35-mile vistas from large windows (visitors not permitted on the outdoor balconies). Two galleries display historical photos and rotating displays by state artists.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Don’t skip the serene landscape gardens. The Arboretum Trail loops around the campus, winding through trees, shrubs, flower beds, statues and memorials.
6. Dive Into North Dakota Heritage and History
Often referred to as the “Smithsonian of the Prairie,” the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum traces the state’s history from early geologic formations through innovations of modern day.
A quartet of galleries dotted with high-tech interactive kiosks starts with replicas and actual fossils of ancient sea creatures and dinosaurs. Moving on, you’ll learn about the lives and lifestyles of the indigenous tribes via an extensive collection of rare artifacts. Other exhibits highlight the state’s agricultural innovation, military participation and energy production.
I couldn’t help but notice sharp contrasts: A buzzy 1950s soda shop and a Cold War nuclear fallout shelter.
SheBuysTravel Tip: The Heritage Center and State Capitol building are literally adjacent, so you can easily combine the two venues in one visit.
7. Follow Explorers Lewis and Clark on their North Dakota Journey
The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center in Washburn tells the story of famed explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on their discovery expedition across the continent. You’ll be greeted at the entrance by 12-foot steel statues of Lewis, Clark and Chief Sheheke, a Mandan chief who befriended the exhibition. Inside are permanent and rotating exhibits, hundreds of period artifacts and art collections that depict the history and culture of the Great Northern Plains and other notable travelers. Nearby is the reconstructed and furnished Fort Mandan, home of the Lewis and Clark expedition team during the fierce winter of 1804 and 1805.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Check out the replica wooden keelboat in Bismarck’s Pioneer Park that Lewis and Clark paddled on the Missouri River during their long exploration.
8. Step into the Victorian Past
The Former Governors’ Mansion State Historic Site commands a large corner lot on a leafy avenue near downtown Bismarck. The elegant Victorian-style mansion, built in 1884, was home to 20 state governors and their families between 1893 and 1960. The stick-built architecture features a wide front porch and ornamental features like balconies and gables.
Wander through the interior, and you’ll see many of the original furnishings and fixtures decorating three floors of living space. Interpretive signs explain evolving aesthetic tastes and political upheavals over the decades. The adjacent carriage house – first a stable and later a garage – presents transportation-themed exhibits.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Don’t miss the selection of historic toys in the third-floor children’s playroom.
9. Combine Three Historic Sites into One Downtown Visit
During the late 1870s, Camp Hancock State Historic Site was a military installation providing protection to railroad workers. Located in a park-like setting in downtown Bismarck, the site now hosts a trio of attractions that celebrate early state history: Built as a log cabin, the former military supply depot and officers’ quarters supported the incoming transcontinental railroad. It later became a weather station and today is a museum. A sheltered 1909 Northern Pacific Railway steam locomotive, No. 2164, stands next to active trail tracks. The 1881 Church of the Bread of Life, relocated to this spot, is said to be the oldest church in North Dakota.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Downtown Bismarck is easily walkable to many fascinating sites, especially if you anchor yourself at the Radisson Hotel Bismarck, like I did.
10. Make New Friends at the Visitors Center
Is North Dakota your last state to visit? As it happens, for many road-trippers, it is. The congenial travel counselors at the Bismarck-Mandan Visitor Information Center will celebrate you! Stop by and share your achievement. You’ll be gifted with a “My 50th State” certificate, a swag bag of keepsakes and social media love.
Even if you have more states left on your USA itinerary, check out the visitor center for educational displays and unique souvenir shopping. The Genuine Dakota Gift Shop offers a wide assortment of locally themed and crafted shirts, books, ornaments, gourmet foods and more. Bismarck-Mandan wants to welcome you soon!
SheBuysTravel Tip: The Visitors Center is a great stop for all travelers and tourists looking for advice, recommendations and quality souvenirs.
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