Top reasons to visit Bismarck
- Outdoor Adventures: Bismarck is perfect for families seeking outdoor fun, with parks for picnics and golf.
- Rich Cultural Experiences: Explore history museums and historic villages that showcase the area's heritage.
- Vibrant Downtown: Enjoy the lively atmosphere, local shops, and friendly locals in the city centre.
- Varied Accommodation: Choose from a range of pet-friendly hotels and motels that cater to all travellers.
- Convenient Location: Bismarck serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions and regions.
Find great hotels in Bismarck
Bismarck offers a diverse selection of lodging options, from comfortable hotels to inviting motels, catering to both leisure and business travellers alike. Many establishments are pet-friendly and LGBTQIA welcoming, ensuring a warm and inclusive atmosphere for all guests. Whether you’re seeking a well-known chain like Holiday Inn or Quality Inn, you’ll find a range of hotels in Bismarck that provide essential amenities and services for a pleasant stay.
- Americas Best Value Inn & Suites Bismarck: This budget-friendly hotel is ideal for those seeking a comfortable stay without breaking the bank. With a commendable guest rating of 8.8 out of 10, it caters to both leisure and business travellers. The hotel embraces a pet-friendly policy, welcoming dogs and cats with specific requirements for service animals. Amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, a business centre, and a fitness room, ensuring that guests have access to essential services during their stay. Its convenient location provides easy access to local attractions, making it a practical choice for travellers.
- Bismarck Hotel and Conference Center: A well-rated 3-star accommodation, this hotel is tailored for both business and leisure visitors. The Bismarck Hotel and Conference Center is equipped with extensive meeting facilities, perfect for corporate events. It also allows pets, ensuring that furry companions can join the adventure. Guests appreciate the on-site dining options and leisure amenities such as an indoor pool and fitness area. Its location is advantageous for exploring nearby attractions, providing a blend of comfort and functionality for a memorable stay.
- Ramada by Wyndham Bismarck: This budget-friendly hotel offers a welcoming atmosphere for those travelling with pets. It features a range of amenities including complimentary breakfast, a fitness centre, and a business centre to accommodate various guest needs. The Ramada is located conveniently within Bismarck, allowing easy access to local sights. Its pet policy permits dogs, with specific fees and restrictions in place. With comfortable rooms and a friendly staff, it is an excellent choice for those wanting a relaxed and enjoyable stay.
Where to stay in and around Bismarck
Bismarck, North Dakota, offers a delightful blend of family-friendly activities and historical charm, making it an ideal destination for all types of travellers. Explore the vibrant downtown area, enjoy the fresh air in the surrounding parks, and experience the warm atmosphere created by friendly locals. With its convenient location, Bismarck serves as a perfect base for discovering nearby regions, ensuring a memorable holiday filled with outdoor adventures and cultural experiences.
- Mandan: Located a mere 8km from Bismarck, Mandan is a city that offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventure and scenic beauty. With peak visitor numbers in March, July, and September, the city is perfect for travellers keen on exploring its recreational areas and engaging in various activities. Highlights include the picturesque national state park and nearby lakes, as well as an education and entertainment arena that hosts an array of events. Mandan's charm lies in its welcoming atmosphere and the abundance of natural landscapes, making it an ideal spot for those seeking adventure and relaxation.
- Lincoln: Nestled within the Bismarck area, Lincoln is a quaint village that attracts visitors with its outdoor experiences and cultural themes. The village sees a moderate influx of travellers, peaking in April, July, and September. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local history at the nearby museum or enjoy the serene recreational areas. With a modern college university close by, Lincoln also offers educational opportunities and a glimpse into the vibrant community life, making it a charming stop for those interested in culture and history.
- Wilton: Situated 39km from Bismarck, Wilton is a city that draws outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers alike. With peak visitation during May, July, and December, Wilton is known for its recreational areas and ski fields, making it a great destination for those seeking both relaxation and action. Visitors can enjoy events at the fairground or explore the natural beauty of nearby national parks and lakes. Wilton's inviting atmosphere and array of activities ensure a memorable experience for all who venture here.
Things to do in Bismarck
Shopping
In Bismarck, visit the Kirkwood Mall, featuring a variety of shops and eateries for your gift shopping. If you're up for a drive, check out the Dakota Square Mall in Minot, located 113km away, offering a broader selection of stores and unique finds.
Recreation
Experience tranquility at the Bismarck Wellness Centre, offering yoga classes and holistic treatments in a calming environment. For outdoor activities, visit the Missouri River, where you can enjoy kayaking, fishing, and scenic walking trails along the riverbanks, surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
Adventure
Explore the Missouri River with a kayaking adventure, offering stunning views and wildlife sightings along the banks. For thrill-seekers, the Bismarck-Mandan area boasts excellent mountain biking trails, weaving through scenic landscapes and providing a challenging ride.
Nightlife
Visit the Pirogue Grille for a relaxed dining experience paired with local wines. For a vibrant atmosphere, head to the Laughing Sun Brewing Co. to enjoy craft beers and live entertainment. If you fancy dancing, check out the Bismarck Event Center for occasional lively performances.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Bismarck
Bismarck provides numerous opportunities for budget-conscious travellers, including free entry to many attractions like Buckstop Junction. For transport, consider using the public bus system, which is cost-effective compared to taxis or car rentals. To save on accommodation, visit between November and January for lower rates, with Sundays being the cheapest days to stay. Use Expedia to find the best hotel deals by filtering prices from lowest to highest, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Bismarck are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Bismarck is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay in Bismarck is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can reduce your expenses by combining your hotel booking in Bismarck with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in Bismarck
Bismarck is an ideal destination for families seeking outdoor adventures and entertainment. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including history museums, science museums, and historic villages, offering a rich cultural experience. These points of interest cater to travellers looking for family-friendly activities and a glimpse into the area's heritage, making it a delightful spot for a memorable vacation.
- North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum: Discover the rich history and culture of North Dakota through engaging exhibits that showcase the state's heritage. The museum features a variety of artefacts and interactive displays, making it a fascinating stop for history enthusiasts.
- Former Governor's Mansion: Step back in time at this beautifully preserved historic building, once the residence of North Dakota's governors. The mansion's architecture and artefacts provide insight into the state's political history and the lives of its leaders.
- Gateway to Science: An interactive science museum, ideal for families, offering hands-on exhibits that spark curiosity about the natural world. Enjoy engaging programmes that cater to all ages, making it a delightful educational experience.
Best time to go to Bismarck
The best time to visit Bismarck can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Bismarck falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Bismarck falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Bismarck
Flying into BISmarck, North Dakota is convenient via Bismarck Municipal Airport (BIS), located merely 5km from the city centre. Excellent accommodation options nearby include the Bismarck Hotel and Conference Center and the Radisson Hotel Bismarck, both situated 3km away. The Ramada Limited Bismarck Northeast is another option, located 6km from the airport. For alternative airports, Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional (DIK) is 153km away, with hotels like Hawthorn Extended Stay and Holiday Inn Express nearby, while Jamestown Regional Airport (JMS) lies 161km from Bismarck, offering options such as Gladstone Inn & Suites and Baymont by Wyndham.