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.

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! (1,002 reviews)
"nice place and great location"

Reviewed on 14 Aug 2025

EverSpring Inn
Days Inn by Wyndham Bismarck

Days Inn by Wyndham Bismarck

2 out of 5
1300 E Capitol Ave, Bismarck, ND
The price is Rp1.151.678 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
Rp1.151.678
Rp1.278.346 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Bismarck. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
6.6/10 (1,007 reviews)
"Clean , microwave didn’t work to pop a bag of popcorn. Had to go to front desk to get a remote for TV."

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Bismarck
Bismarck Hotel and Conference Center

Bismarck Hotel and Conference Center

3 out of 5
800 S 3rd St, Bismarck, ND
The price is Rp1.654.470 per night from 21 Aug to 22 Aug
Rp1.654.470
Rp1.836.461 total
21 Aug - 22 Aug
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! (1,002 reviews)
Great
"Everything was great-from the cleanliness to the helpful staff, we will be back."

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Bismarck Hotel and Conference Center
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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