Bismarck, ND Road Trips

The city was first named Edwinton, but the name was changed only a year later after Otto von Bismarck, a German statesman and politician. It was believed that the name change would attract foreign investment from Germany and encourage German immigration to the city. Very little is known about Bismarck's history prior to the 1800s (during which time Europeans started immigrating to the United States in large numbers). It is believed that the first settlers in the area were the Mandan (a Native American tribe) and they are believed to have resided in the city for thousands of years. During the Lewis and Clark expedition, the Corps of Discovery, a specially-established unit of the US Army, came into the area and stayed for a few years. The Corps of Discovery aimed to establish diplomatic relations and peace with the Native American tribes who resided in the area. In 1872, Camp Greeley (later Camp Hancock) was established in the city to protect those working on the Northern Pacific Railway. During this time, the area continued to be flooded with immigrants and the city was officially born. The discovery of large gold reserves in the Black Hills attracted numerous people to Bismarck, but this caused tensions with the Lakota tribe, who believed that the European immigrants had no business encroaching on territory sacred to them. In the late 1880s, Bismarck became the capital of North Dakota. As the capital of North Dakota, many of Bismarck's residents work for the North Dakotan government.

1 North Dakota State Capitol Building, 600 East Blvd, ☏ +1 701 328-2471, +1 701 328-2480, [email protected]. The state's tallest building, and the location of all three branches of state government. Tours available M - F 9AM-11AM and 1-3PM year round, M - F 8AM-11AM and 1-4PM, Sa 9AM-11AM and 1-3PM, Su 1-4PM from Memorial Day to Labor Day. 2 Bismarck Art and Galleries Association, 422 East Front Ave, ☏ +1 701 223-5986, fax: +1 701 223-8960, [email protected]. Art, photography and sculptures exhibits by local, regional and national artists. Open year round, Tuesday-Friday 10AM-5PM; Saturday 1-3PM Free admission. 3 Buckstop Junction Missouri Valley Fairgrounds, 3805 E Bismarck Expy, ☏ +1 701 390-6868, [email protected]. Reconstructed village with buildings from the late 1800s to the early 1930s. Turn-of-the-century atmosphere. By appointment. Admission fee is $2. 4 Camp Hancock, 101 West Main, ☏ +1 701 328-2666, fax: +1 701 328-3710, [email protected]. State historic site. Open May 16 to September 15, W-Su 1-5PM. It was established in 1872 as a military post, Camp Creeley, then renamed Camp Hancock in 1973. Its mission was to provide protection for work gangs building the Northern Pacific Railroad. The camp headquarters, a log building, is still standing on the site. Free, donations welcome. 5 Chief Looking's Village, Burnt Boat Drive NW, ☏ +1 701 328-2666. Native American village site with self-guided tour of the grounds, contains earthlodge depressions and a fortification ditch.

The Missouri River is a favorite with locals for fishing, swimming, and other water sports. Rivers can be dangerous: young children must wear life jackets and everyone must be conscious of those around them. 1 Lewis and Clark Riverboat, ☏ +1 701 255-4233, [email protected]. A 150-passenger paddle wheel riverboat based at the Port of Bismarck, River Road, Bismarck. Afternoon and evening round-trip cruises on the Missouri River from the historic Port of Bismarck to Fort Lincoln and the On-A-Slant Mandan Village. Dinner and beverage service available for regular cruises and charters. Narrations and reenactments provided during cruises. Call for regular scheduled cruises from April through October. 2 The Desert is a local hangout in the summer. The Desert is on the east bank of the Missouri south of the University of Mary. It takes about 15–20 minutes to reach by car. There is a boat ramp (Kimball Bottoms) in the area, and continuing past the boat ramp while following the shoreline for about another mile will bring you to a large sandbar beach where you may park your car and camp. This area is often extremely crowded during the summer, especially on holidays and weekends. During the week, it can be much more relaxing. A large area is located adjacent to the beach that is used by off-road vehicles, including dirt bikes and 4-wheelers. While generally North Dakotans are very respectful and generous people, when large numbers of people are at the Desert, it can be a hard place for families to enjoy time together.

Most national chain restaurants are off of I-94 Exit 159 (Hwy. 83/State St.), near Kirkwood Mall on the south side, and in the Pinehurst area (Exit 157, Tyler Parkway and Divide Ave.) on the west side. For a more unique dining experience, explore restaurants in the historic Downtown area. This district's Peacock Alley, in the former Patterson Hotel is a local favorite. Many North Dakotans are meat-eaters and these restaurants do not disappoint in this area. Pasta entrees and seafood are quite popular as well, rounding out most menus. Due to ND's landlocked location, seafood must be flown in regularly, so a seared ahi tuna steak is likely to be at least 'good'. However northern pike, walleye, buffalo, and pheasant are likely to be local and fresh. These items are worth a try to capture a more authentic taste of North Dakota. Kroll's Diner (Two locations). American and German cuisine. Famous for their Knoephla soup, which you can purchase by the bucket. $5-12. 1 , 2505 State St, ☏ +1 701 223-1907. (updated Mar 2026) 2 , 1915 E Main Ave, ☏ +1 701 255-3850. (updated Mar 2026) 3 Scotty's Drive-In, 210 North 21st St, ☏ +1 701 255-4588, [email protected]. M–Sa 10:30AM–9PM. A locally owned, retro-style drive-in from 1965. One of the oldest restaurants in the city. Burgers, hot dogs, fries – all the things you'd expect, plus the possibility of a dill pickle milkshake at the end. $10. (updated Sep 2018) 4 The Walrus, 1136 N. 3rd St (Arrowhead Plaza), ☏ +1 701 250-0020. M-Th 10:30AM-9PM, F-Sa 10:30AM-10PM, Su 10:30AM-8PM.

Bismarck has several local adult establishments. Popularity shifts as frequently as the weather. If you're into the nightlife, you'd be better asking the locals where most people in your age group hang out. The Elbow Room can be a veritable local high school reunion on some weekend nights. If you like a variety of beers, try O'Briens, Sport's Page, or Peacock Alley. The hangout for politicians when the state legislature is in session is the Peacock Alley Bar, in the historic Patterson Hotel building in downtown Bismarck. Government-types have been calling the "Peacock" their after-hours home for more than half a century. The regular crowd includes a variety ranging from 20-somethings to middle-aged downtown business folk, generally people that appreciate the atmosphere, good conversation, and variety of libations the location has provided since first opening in 1911. 1 Steep Me, 311 South 3rd St, ☏ +1 701-751-8327. A tea shop that is a daily stop for locals. Once a dream by a local tea-maker is now a bustling business.

See also Mandan listings. 1 Americas Best Value Inn & Suites Bismarck, 1505 Interchange Ave (I-94, Exit 159 S), ☏ +1 701 223-8060. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. (updated Mar 2026) 2 AmericInn, 3235 State St, ☏ +1 701 353-0436. (updated Mar 2026) 3 Bismarck Hotel & Conference Center, 800 South 3rd St (across from Kirkwood Mall), ☏ +1 701 258-7700, fax: +1 701 224-8212. Formerly Radisson and Best Western Ramkota. 306 rooms, 8 suites, indoor water park with 150 foot waterslide, sauna, whirlpool, fitness club 4 Comfort Inn, 929 Gateway Ave (I-94, Exit 159 north), ☏ +1 701 354-3746, fax: +1 701 223-9119. Indoor heated pool with a 100-foot waterslide. (updated Mar 2026) 5 Days Inn by Wyndham Bismarck, 1300 E. Capital Ave (I-94, Exit 159 north), ☏ +1 701 223-9151, fax: +1 701 223-9423. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. (updated Mar 2026) 6 Everspring Inn, 200 E Bismarck Expy (Across from Kirkwood Mall), ☏ +1 701 222-2900, toll-free: +1-800-456-6388, fax: +1 701 222-3311, [email protected]. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. (updated Mar 2026) 7 Fairfield Inn North, 1120 E Century Ave (I-94, Exit 159 north on Highway 83), ☏ +1 701 223-9077, fax: +1 701 223-9077. 8 Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Bismarck-Mandan, 135 Ivy Ave (Near Kirkwood Mall off Bismarck Expressway), ☏ +1 701-751-8080, fax: +1 701 223-9293. 9 Kays Bed & Breakfast, 807 N 6th St, ☏ +1 701 258-6877. 1918 historic Victorian style home with 2 guest rooms, antiques.

1 Bismarck Municipal Airport (BIS IATA), 2301 University Dr (5 miles south of the state capitol via 7th (SB) & 9th (NB) which curves southeasterly and become University Dr.). is served by: American Eagle (Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport) Allegiant (Las Vegas, Orlando Sanford Airport, Phoenix-Mesa Airport, St Petersburg/Clearwater, Florida) Delta/Delta Connection (Minneapolis-St Paul) United Express (Denver) There are taxis, rideshare (Lyft & Uber), and hotel shuttles to bring you into town locally. There are also car rentals available from the airport which is the preferred method for greater flexibility in getting around to the surrounding areas. See this Link for a list of what is available. Bis-Man Transit's Green 3 Route bus connects the airport into downtown and Inglewood Mall. The nearest Amtrak station is located in Minot, North Dakota, which is around 100 miles (160 km) north of Bismarck on US-83. There are no Amtrak Thruway bus/shuttle connections, see below under 'By bus' as to what's available. You can get to Bismarck from the east or west via I-94, or from the north or south via US-83. Taxi 9000 does offer cab service for the area. They are usually at the airport upon arrivals. The city is spread out, so a vehicle is recommended. 2 Jefferson Lines, (bus stop) Bis-Man Transit Center @ 3750 E Rosser Ave (E Rosser Ave, off of Bismarck Expressway), ☏ +1 701 450-8651, toll-free: +1-800-451-5333. Travels primarily on Interstate 94 between Fargo and Billings (via Valley City, Jamestown, Bismark, Dickenson, Glen Dives, Miles City).

The airport offers car rental services or you may use taxi services as well. The CAT (Capital Area Transit) now provides limited public transit service between the airport and Kirkwood Mall. The city services public transportation by running several bus routes throughout the area. It is called the Capital Area Transit (CAT). Route maps and information should be available at all major bus stops and the airport.

Bismarck is a relatively safe town. Your biggest danger is the winter weather. In the winter don't forget proper clothing for harsh weathers. For 20 days in Jan-Feb 2004, the temp did not get above 0 °F (−18 °C). The coldest temp was in Minot, ND, at -45 °F (−43 °C) (-75 °F (−59 °C) windchill) while Bismarck was at a "balmy" -43 °F (−42 °C). If your car has a block heater, remember to plug it into a wall outlet. Local rental cars will have block heaters installed. If you don't know what to look for, ask the rental place; they will know. Block heaters will keep the car from freezing up during sub-zero temps. From April–October, most of the state will conduct its road construction projects. During this season, plan for occasional delays in Bismark and on the roads connecting the city to neighbouring areas.