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.

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bismarck

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bismarck

3 out of 5
2240 N 12th St, Bismarck, ND
The price is AU$170 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$170
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Bismarck. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,025 reviews)
"TV streaming and direct TV not working"

Reviewed on 3 Oct 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bismarck
Ramada by Wyndham Bismarck

Ramada by Wyndham Bismarck

2.5 out of 5
1400 Interchange Ave, Bismarck, ND
The price is AU$129 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$129
2 Nov - 3 Nov
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 (1,074 reviews)
"Room was very nice!"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Bismarck
Americas Best Value Inn & Suites Bismarck

Americas Best Value Inn & Suites Bismarck

2 out of 5
1505 Interchange Avenue, Bismarck, ND
The price is AU$135 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$135
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & 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! (1,050 reviews)
"A clean, comfortable hotel and helpful staff. Breakfast was good"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 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.
Superhome Riverbottoms Home in Bismarck

Superhome Riverbottoms Home in Bismarck

2 out of 5
Bismarck
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Bismarck. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions On-A-Slant Village and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
"It was the perfect house and location for our family."

Reviewed on 4 Sept 2025

Superhome Riverbottoms Home in Bismarck
Voted the Top short-term rental in BISMARCK!!

Voted the Top short-term rental in BISMARCK!!

Bismarck
Stay at this vacation home in Bismarck. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Former Governor's Mansion and Camp Hancock ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (33 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay in this century old house"

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Voted the Top short-term rental in BISMARCK!!
Cozy 2-bedroom apartment in Central Bismarck

Cozy 2-bedroom apartment in Central Bismarck

Bismarck
Stay at this apartment in Bismarck. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Belle Mehus Auditorium and Former Governor's Mansion ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"The home is beautifully clean, bed is comfortable and it is in a lovely quiet neighborhood. We had a good night’s sleep."

Reviewed on 18 Sept 2025

Cozy 2-bedroom apartment in Central 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.

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