Bismarck

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.

EverSpring Inn

EverSpring Inn

2.5 out of 5
200 E.Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND
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! (1,010 reviews)
"Comfortable enough to stay at one night. It was older but kept up. Room was a little musty, but again only one night it was fine."

Reviewed on 19 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 €68 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€68
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Bismarck. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
6.6/10 (1,002 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 €97 per night from 21 Aug to 22 Aug
€97
21 Aug - 22 Aug
includes taxes & 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)
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.
Spacious Home Away From Home!

Spacious Home Away From Home!

Bismarck
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Bismarck. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Former Governor's Mansion ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (33 reviews)
"Easy check in and easy check out. Property was clean and tidy amd Tyanna was excellent to work with. Definitely picking this home again for our next trip to the Bismarck area."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Spacious Home Away From Home!
7th Heaven Condo in Downtown Bismarck

7th Heaven Condo in Downtown Bismarck

Bismarck
Stay at this condo in Bismarck. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Former Governor's Mansion and Belle Mehus Auditorium ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (47 reviews)
"Property was just as advertised! And I must say, the service from the property manager, Leah, was off the charts positive! She bent over backwards for us!"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

7th Heaven Condo in Downtown Bismarck
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"Unfortunately we were in town for a funeral- but the location of the house was perfect for us. Central location to all the places we needed to be(all within 5 miles). House is in a nice older neighborhood- it was nice we were all able to stay together. Would recommend to others."

Reviewed on 25 Jul 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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