Bismarck, ND

Travel 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
$105 nightly
The price is $117 total per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
$117 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Bismarck. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"The Bar in the hotel was stupid expensive. $14 for a 12oz busch light and a vodka soda. The only other thing that was bad. Is anyone who used the bathroom in the middle of the night. Woke everybody up because the toilet was super loud. And the lights for the bathroom were also the lights for the ..."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Bismarck Hotel and Conference Center
EverSpring Inn
EverSpring Inn
2.5 out of 5
200 E.Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND
$83 nightly
The price is $93 total per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
$93 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Bismarck. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Great location to lots of shopping and pool was great !"

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

EverSpring Inn
Americas Best Value Inn & Suites Bismarck
Americas Best Value Inn & Suites Bismarck
2 out of 5
1505 Interchange Avenue, Bismarck, ND
$89 nightly
The price is $99 total per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
$99 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bismarck. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
Great place to stay
"Excellent free breakfast, clean rooms, pool was out, but we didn’t have time to use it.Beds were very comfortable. Hotel was in good shape and cheaper than a lot of them. Good value."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 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.
Charming 3-bedroom house in Bismarck
Charming 3-bedroom house in Bismarck
Bismarck
Stay at this vacation home in Bismarck. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Belle Mehus Auditorium and Former Governor's ...
10/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
"Excellent! The home filled all our needs. Great accommodations."

Reviewed on Jun 8, 2025

Charming 3-bedroom house in Bismarck
Spacious 5BR River Retreat - Pool, Sauna, Golf & Stunning Views
Spacious 5BR River Retreat - Pool, Sauna, Golf & Stunning Views
Bismarck
Stay at this vacation home in Bismarck. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a sauna. Popular attractions Missouri River State Natural Area and Keelboat Park ...
Spacious 5BR River Retreat - Pool, Sauna, Golf & Stunning Views
House in central Bismarck location. Stay at a spacious 4-bedroom house
House in central Bismarck location. Stay at a spacious 4-bedroom house
Bismarck
Stay at this vacation home in Bismarck. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Former Governor's Mansion and Belle Mehus Auditorium ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Nice place. Note the shower and tub situation though.
"This was a really cute space! We even saw young bunnies in the backyard and they were fun to watch! The only thing I would caution visitors is that the upstairs has a tub that is not a shower and the downstairs shower is small. The location was really close to downtown, but in a quiet ..."

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

House in central Bismarck location. Stay at a spacious 4-bedroom house
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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