Discover Bismarck - Gateway to Great Plains History & Adventure

Day 1: Capital Chronicles & Historic Halls

• Morning (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM) Begin your Bismarck adventure at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum (612 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck). This expansive museum offers a deep dive into North Dakota’s natural and cultural history, from prehistoric times to the present. With interactive exhibits, impressive dioramas, and a vast collection of artifacts, you’ll need at least 3 hours to fully appreciate it. Admission is free.
  • Practical Tips: Located just north of the State Capitol, ample free parking is available. Wear comfortable shoes as there’s a lot of walking.
  • Distance: If staying downtown, ~5-10 minute drive.
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 5:00 PM) After a museum visit, grab a casual lunch at the museum’s James E. Sperry Gallery Cafe for convenience (estimated cost: $25-35 for 2). Following lunch, walk or drive a short distance to the North Dakota State Capitol Building (600 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck). Take a self-guided tour of the Art Deco “Skyscraper on the Prairie” and ride the elevator to the 18th-floor observation deck for panoramic views of Bismarck and the Missouri River (free admission, typically open until 5 PM). Afterwards, take a quick 5-minute drive (1.5 miles) to Camp Hancock State Historic Site (101 E Main Ave, Bismarck), one of Bismarck’s oldest surviving buildings, serving as a church and an early military post (free admission, typically open until 5 PM, 30-45 minutes needed).
• Evening (6:00 PM onwards) For dinner, enjoy a historic dining experience at Peacock Alley Bar & Grill (422 E Main Ave, Bismarck), located in the beautifully restored lobby of the historic Patterson Hotel. They offer a diverse menu of American classics in an elegant setting.
  • Estimated Cost: Dinner for 2 with drinks ~$70-100. Afterwards, consider a leisurely stroll along the scenic Bismarck Riverfront Park, just a few blocks away, watching the sunset over the Missouri River.

Day 2: Frontier Forts & River Rambles

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Embark on a journey south to Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park (4480 Fort Lincoln Rd, Mandan), approximately a 20-25 minute drive (10-12 miles) from Bismarck. This incredible park offers a blend of Native American history at the On-A-Slant Indian Village (a recreated Mandan earthlodge village) and military history at the reconstructed Fort Abraham Lincoln, home to General George A. Custer. Allow 3-4 hours to explore both the village and the fort, including a guided tour of the Custer House.
  • Practical Tips: Park entrance fee is $7 per vehicle. Custer House tour is an additional $8 per person. Wear comfortable shoes for walking trails and exploring the sites.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of Fort Abraham Lincoln’s scenic spots (budget-friendly option) or head back towards Mandan for a casual bite at a local spot like Kroll’s Diner (1501 E Main St, Mandan) for classic American fare (estimated cost: $25-35 for 2). In the afternoon, experience the Missouri River firsthand with a scenic cruise on the Lewis & Clark Riverboat (1700 River Rd, Bismarck – check seasonal availability, typically May-October). The 1.5-hour narrated sightseeing cruise offers beautiful views of the river and its banks.
  • Estimated Cost: ~$20-25 per person ($40-50 for 2).
  • Alternative (if riverboat unavailable or preferred): Explore Sertoma Park (300 4th St SE, Bismarck), home to the Dakota Zoo, numerous walking paths, and beautiful river views. The Dakota Zoo admission is $12 per person ($24 for 2).
• Evening (6:30 PM onwards) For dinner, try Lucci’s Place (604 E Broadway Ave, Bismarck) for delicious Italian-American cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Estimated Cost: Dinner for 2 with drinks ~$60-90. After dinner, perhaps catch a movie or enjoy a quiet evening relaxing back at your accommodation.

Day 3: Prairie Panoramas & Wild Wonders

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Today, venture further afield to embrace North Dakota’s untamed nature at Cross Ranch State Park (1403 River Rd, Center), located about a 45-60 minute scenic drive (30-40 miles) northwest of Bismarck. This park preserves one of the last remaining stretches of unchannelized Missouri River and features extensive nature trails through bottomland forests and prairie. Enjoy a hike on trails like the Riverwood Trail (2 miles) or the Prairie Nature Trail (1 mile) for breathtaking views and wildlife spotting (bison herd often visible).
  • Practical Tips: Park entrance fee is $7 per vehicle. Bring water, snacks, and binoculars. Cell service can be spotty.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:30 PM) Head back towards Bismarck, and for lunch, consider a unique and fun experience at Space Aliens Grill & Bar (1301 E Century Ave, Bismarck). This themed restaurant offers a casual menu of burgers, ribs, and pizza in a family-friendly, quirky atmosphere (estimated cost: $35-50 for 2). Afterwards, depending on your flight schedule or departure plans, you might have time for a final stop at a local gift shop for souvenirs or a relaxing coffee at a downtown cafe like Broadway Cafe & Bluestem Gallery (111 E Broadway Ave, Bismarck).
• Evening (5:00 PM onwards) For your farewell dinner, enjoy a final taste of Bismarck’s culinary scene. If you’re looking for something more upscale to mark the end of your trip, consider Pirogue Grille (111 N 3rd St, Bismarck) for its locally sourced, refined American cuisine (estimated cost: $100-150 for 2, a slight splurge but within budget if other meals were more modest). Alternatively, for a more relaxed yet delicious option, Blarney Stone Irish Pub (601 E Broadway Ave, Bismarck) offers hearty pub fare and a lively atmosphere (estimated cost: $50-70 for 2). Reflect on your Bismarck adventures before heading home.

Day 1: North Dakota’s Past & Prairie Trails

• Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) Immerse yourselves in North Dakota’s rich history and natural heritage at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum (612 E Boulevard Ave). This state-of-the-art museum offers engaging exhibits on dinosaurs, Native American culture, pioneer life, and modern North Dakota, perfect for all ages. It’s an excellent way to kick off the educational fun without spending a dime on admission. Allow at least 2.5-3 hours to explore thoroughly. Free parking is available on-site. Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a fair amount of walking. The museum also has a small cafe for snacks or coffee if needed.
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 5:00 PM) For lunch (12:30 PM - 1:30 PM), enjoy a casual meal at Bismarck Burrito (1102 S Washington St, a short 5-minute drive from the museum). Known for fresh, customizable burritos and tacos, it’s a quick and tasty option that appeals to families. Estimated cost: $25-35 for two. After lunch (1:30 PM - 5:00 PM), head south to Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park (4480 Fort Lincoln Rd, Mandan - approximately a 20-minute drive from Bismarck Burrito). This historic park is a must-see, offering a glimpse into both Native American life at On-A-Slant Indian Village and military history at the Custer House and Infantry Post. Explore the reconstructed earthlodges, climb the blockhouses, and walk through General Custer’s meticulously restored home. The park offers beautiful views of the Missouri River. Park entrance fee is $10 per vehicle (non-resident). Custer House tours are available seasonally (typically May-Sept) and cost an additional $8 per adult. Check their website for tour times.
• Evening Drive back towards Bismarck and enjoy dinner (6:00 PM - 7:30 PM) at MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub (315 S 3rd St). This popular spot offers a relaxed atmosphere with gourmet pizzas, burgers, salads, and more, appealing to a wide range of tastes. Estimated cost: $50-70 for dinner for two, including drinks. Head back to your accommodation to relax after a day of historical exploration and outdoor adventure.

Day 2: Wild Encounters & River Views

• Morning (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM) Get ready for some wild encounters at the Dakota Zoo (602 Riverside Park Rd). Home to over 600 animals from around the world, including bears, tigers, bison, and various primates, the Dakota Zoo provides an enjoyable and educational experience for all ages. It’s situated along the Missouri River, offering pleasant views as you explore the animal exhibits. Allow 2.5-3 hours for a comfortable visit. Admission is approximately $13 per adult. Parking is free on-site. The zoo is located just south of downtown Bismarck, about a 10-minute drive from most city hotels.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:30 PM) For a quintessential Bismarck dining experience, head to Kroll’s Diner (1640 Burnt Boat Dr, about a 10-minute drive from the zoo) for lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM). Famous for its “knephla” soup and classic American diner fare, it’s a family-friendly spot that offers hearty meals. Estimated cost: $30-40 for two. After lunch (2:30 PM - 4:30 PM), embark on a scenic journey on the Missouri River aboard the Lewis & Clark Riverboat (located at Port of Bismarck, 1700 River Rd - a 5-minute drive from Kroll’s Diner). Enjoy a relaxing 1.5 to 2-hour narrated cruise, offering unique perspectives of the Bismarck-Mandan area, local wildlife, and the beautiful river landscape. Check their website for cruise schedules and availability (seasonal, typically late May through September). Tickets are approximately $22 per adult. Bring a light jacket, as it can be breezy on the river.
• Evening If time and energy allow (4:30 PM - 6:00 PM), take a short stroll through Sertoma Park, which is adjacent to the Riverboat landing. The park features playgrounds, walking paths, and great views of the Missouri River, perfect for unwinding. Conclude your Bismarck adventure with a delicious farewell dinner (6:30 PM - 8:00 PM) at Pancake House & Family Restaurant (1100 E Bismarck Expy). Don’t let the name fool you – while they have great breakfast, they also serve excellent dinner options in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great spot for a relaxed final meal. Estimated cost: $40-60 for dinner for two.