Bismarck Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Photo courtesy of the Bismarck-Mandan Convention & Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Photo courtesy of the Bismarck-Mandan Convention & Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Photo courtesy of the Bismarck-Mandan Convention & Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Photo courtesy of the Bismarck-Mandan Convention & Visitors Bureau
Bismarck

This North Dakota city, set on the banks of the Missouri River, holds miles of walking trails, a 50-year-old zoo and the tallest building in the state.

The capital of North Dakota, Bismarck was founded on the spot where explorers Lewis and Clark crossed the Missouri River. Swim in the river, hike along wooded trails, and climb to the top of the Capitol Building in the state’s second-largest city.

A good way to get a bird’s-eye view of Bismarck is with a visit to the Capitol Building. This 18-floor cement building is the tallest in North Dakota. Climb up to the observation deck on the top floor to look out over the grassy mall and the Missouri River to the east. Notice the red and white petunias planted in front of the Capitol to spell “North Dakota.”

Explore the area around the Missouri River to see the beautiful countryside along the longest river in North America. Rent a bike to ride along the Riverfront Trail, which extends from Pioneer Park several miles north of town all the way to the Riverwood Golf Course in the south. If the water is low enough, wade out to the sand bars up by Pioneer Park.

Reserve a seat on the Lewis and Clark Riverboat for an hour-long ride along the river in an old steamboat. Take a history cruise to learn more about the area’s heritage, or book a sunset cruise to watch the day fade over the river.

Don’t forget to save time for a visit to the Dakota Zoo. With over 600 animals, this 50-year-old zoo is the largest in North Dakota. Walk through the exhibits among the trees on the bank of the Missouri River. Highlights include snow leopards, tigers, and river otters.

You can reach Bismarck by plane through the Bismarck Municipal Airport, which is about a 15-minute drive to the south of town.  The nearest major city is Minneapolis, Minnesota, and there are several bus lines which make the trip. Within Bismarck, you can get around by bus, but it is best to have a car to reach the parks on the outer edges of the city.

Bismarck Hotel and Conference Center
Bismarck Hotel and Conference Center
3 out of 5
800 S 3rd St, Bismarck, ND
The price is ₹9,009 per night from 18 Jul to 19 Jul
₹9,009
₹10,000 total
18 Jul - 19 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Bismarck. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,007 reviews)
No laundry machines.
"It was good. Pool was good. Friendly staff. The only thing that was a con was the place is huge. But doesn’t have a washer and dryer to do your own laundry. I would recommend the owners to at least put two of them in some where so people don’t have to travel to do laundry."

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

Bismarck Hotel and Conference Center
EverSpring Inn
EverSpring Inn
2.5 out of 5
200 E.Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND
Stay at this golf hotel in Bismarck. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,017 reviews)
"Friendly staff and price was right."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

EverSpring Inn
Americas Best Value Inn & Suites Bismarck
Americas Best Value Inn & Suites Bismarck
2 out of 5
1505 Interchange Avenue, Bismarck, ND
The price is ₹7,636 per night from 16 Jul to 17 Jul
₹7,636
₹8,476 total
16 Jul - 17 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bismarck. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,014 reviews)
"No Elevator, not good for seniors"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Americas Best Value Inn & Suites Bismarck
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Bismarck Apartment < 5 Mi to Top Attractions!
Bismarck Apartment < 5 Mi to Top Attractions!
3 out of 5
1318 N 4th St, Bismarck, ND
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Bismarck. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Former Governor's Mansion and Belle Mehus Auditorium ...
Bismarck Apartment < 5 Mi to Top Attractions!
Welcoming Bismarck Apartment in Heart of Town
Welcoming Bismarck Apartment in Heart of Town
3 out of 5
1318 N 4th St, Bismarck, ND
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Bismarck. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Former Governor's Mansion and Belle Mehus Auditorium ...
Welcoming Bismarck Apartment in Heart of Town
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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