Bismarck on the Missouri River

Bismarck is the capital of the U.S. state of North Dakota. This beautiful city has impressive buildings that were designed in the Art Deco style during The Great Depression. There are many interesting things to do and see including taking riverboat cruises on the Missouri River.

The North Dakota Heritage Center has a permanent collection of the State Historical Society of North Dakota. You can learn about the state from prehistoric times to the 20th century. One of the highlights here is the Northern Lights Atrium. The Capitol Arboretum Trail stretches through the property. The center also offers educational programs. You can relax at the James River Cafe.

The Dakota Zoo is among the best-known tourist attractions in Bismarck. There are over 500 animals. The zoo focuses on education and offers close encounters with animals and different scheduled events. Among the animals you can see are Bengal tigers, American alligators, arctic foxes, African tortoises, and Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs.

Next to the Dakota Zoo, you'll find Sertoma, a riverfront park. It has lots of walking trails and play areas. You can enjoy games of horseshoes or volleyball. People come to the park to walk, run, and bike. There are large picnic shelters that can be rented.

Inside the park is the Super Slide Amusement Park with free admission. There are many fun things to do including miniature golf, bumper cars, a Ferris wheel, and other attractions. Children enjoy the teacup ride and antique carousel. The park is noted to be home to North Dakota's only "runaway train" roller coaster.

The North Dakota State Capitol is an impressive Art Deco building. It was built during the Great Depression in the 1930s. At one end of the capitol is a landmark skyscraper tower with an observation deck on the 18th floor. On the ground floor is the Rough Rider Hall of Fame which honors people who have contributed to the state.

Lewis and Clark Riverboat Cruises are a great way to see Bismarck from the Upper Missouri River. The 150-passenger paddle-wheeler also has lunch, afternoon, and evening cruises. They also offer their services to people for large group events. Cruises are available between May and September. Public cruises on the river take between an hour or two depending on the route taken.

The Former Governors' Mansion offers a look into the life of a governor in the 19th century. The mansion is decorated with period pieces. It was built in 1884 and has been home to 20 governors until 1960. The grounds are open for walking with a large flower garden. The mansion can be toured from May through September.

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is located in the neighboring city of Mandan, a 20-minute drive from Bismarck. Within the park, you'll find many historic structures among them the On-A-Slant Indian Village, General Custer's Victorian-style home, and various military barracks, blockhouses, and granaries. All through the park are hiking trails that connect with the different structures and attractions. On the shores of the Missouri River is a modern campground. Cabins can be rented for the night.

Camp Hancock dates from 1872 and was a place to live for those who worked on the Northern Pacific Railroad, You can see the original building that was the headquarters and now is an interpretive museum with artifacts on display. The supply depot is Bismarck's oldest surviving building.

The Bread of Life Church is the oldest church in the city. You can enjoy a picnic in the great outdoors.

The Gateway to Science Center is located in the Frances Leach High Prairie Arts & Science Complex. It features hands-on exhibits on various themes like electricity. The center also hosts traveling exhibitions. Many different programs and events are offered.

Keelboat Park overlooks the banks of the Missouri River. It is a great place to take a walk along the riverfront.

You'll find the Thunderbird eagle sculpture, a Lewis and Clark statue, and a replica of a keelboat that is similar to the one used by Lewis and Clark. It is a great place to view sunsets. Along the paved path is interpretive information and a public boat ramp so you can go out on the river. There are walking and hiking trails and outdoor self-guided tours.

McDowell Recreation Area is a park surrounding a man-made lake, It is located about five miles from Bismarck, It is a great place for rest and relaxation in the summertime. There is a sandy beach for sunbathing and swimming. You can take paddleboats or rowboats onto the lake. The lake is stocked with trout and is a favorite among fishermen. You can have picnics at the picnic shelters which can also be rented for parties and celebrations. The kids can enjoy the playground. A paved trail for walking or running leads around the lake. Another trail leads through the wooded area.

Hawktree Golf Club is an eco-friendly 18-hole golf course, It is bordered by the hills of Burnt Creek Vallery just five miles north of Bismarck, There are three lakes on the property. Among the amenities, are a pro shop and a snack shop. You can take golf lessons from a PGA pro.

The Bismarck Downtown Artist Cooperative or BDAC is a working art studio space and art gallery. It is run by local artists and has found its home in the historic Tribune Building downtown. There are collective exhibitions all throughout the year. Art-themed exhibitions are held and "art swaps" with other galleries in the area.

The Kirkwood Mall was built in 1970 by the Wachter Family. This enclosed shopping center is right in the heart of Bismarck. This mall is the second largest in North Dakota and has over 90 shops. There are many featured restaurants and eateries.

Peacock Alley is located in the marble lobby of the former historic Patterson Hotel. It is decorated with lovely antiques, stained glass, and a wall of old photos. This restaurant and bar opened its doors in 1933 and is the oldest in North Dakota. It has become the venue for the most important meetings and celebrations. The bar is known for having 18 kinds of classic and special cocktails and has a wonderful selection of wine and beer.