Bismarck, North Dakota

Get in

By plane

A new Bismarck Municipal Airport was completed in late 2005 and is now fully operational..
Bismarck Municipal Airport code is 'BIS' Bismarck has the following carriers & Flights:
Northwest Airlines Non-Stop to Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN
United Express Non-Stop to Denver, CO
Allegiant Air Non-Stop to Las Vegas, NV

By train

Bismarck does offer freight stops however no public train transportation exists

By car

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.

By bus

Greyhound discontinued service through all ND cities except Fargo, ND as of Fall 2004. Alternative local companies are trying to get alternatives for the area to get bus travel to Fargo.

Get around

The airport offers car rental services or you may use taxi services as well. The CAT (Capital Area Transit) now provides 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.

See

Bismarck has the state's tallest bulding, the capitol. Depending on the time of year they do offer a carnival in the summer time.

• Bismarck Art and Galleries Association, 422 East Front Ave., Bismarck, ND. Art, photography and sculptures exhibits by local, regional and national artists. Open year round, Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 1-3 p.m. Free admission. Tel: (701) 223-5986. Fax: 701-223-8960. Email: baga@btinet.net
• Buckstop Junction Missouri Valley Fairgrounds. Reconstructed village with buildings from the late 1800s to the early 1930s. Turn-of-the-century atmosphere. By appointment. Tel: (701) 226-1217 or (701) 223-4838. Admission fee is $2.
• Camp Hancock state historic site, 101 West Main, Bismarck, ND. Open May 16 to September 15, Wednesday-Sunday 1:00-5:00 PM. Originally 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. Tel: (701) 328-2666. Fax: (701) 328-3710. Email: histsoc@state.nd.us
• Chief Looking's Village, Burnt Boat Drive NW, Bismarck, ND. Native American village site with self-guided tour of the grounds, contains earthlodge depressions and a fortification ditch. Tel: (701) 328-2666.
• Dakota Zoo, in Sertoma Park, Bismarck. Variety of animal exhibits, including endangered monkeys, moose, and brown bears, some in natural habitats. Open late April to end of September from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily. In the winter (October to late April), open Friday to Sunday, 1:00 to 5:00 PM. Admission fee is $5.50 for adults and $2.50 for children. Tel: (701) 223-7543. Fax: (701) 258-8350. Email: director@dakotazoo.org.
• 'Double Ditch Indian Village, 7 miles north of Bismarck on Highway 1804. Remains of a large Mandan Indian earthlodge village that is believed to have been inhabited for almost 300 years until 1781. Eight interactive signs provide information on the site. Tel: (701) 328-2666. Fax: (701) 328-3710.
• Old Governor's Mansion state historic site, 320 East Avenue B, Bismarck. Restored Victorian mansion and carriage house. Originally constructed in 1884, it housed 21 ND governors from 1893 to 1960. Exhibits explain the restoration process, architectural style changes, and furniture used by several governors. Open May 16 to September 15, Wednesday thru Sunday, from 1:00 to 5:00PM. Tel: (701) 328-2666. Fax: (701) 328-3710.
• North Dakota Heritage Center and Sakakawea Statue, 612 East Boulevard Ave., Bismarck. This is North Dakota's largest museum. It displays a collection of Plains Indian artifacts. Exhibits of military and agricultural history. Includes a special children's historical area. Sakakawea was the guide for the Lewsis and Clark expedition. Her statue is displayed near the center's entrance. Open May 16 to September 15, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Tel: (701) 328-2666
• North Dakota State Capitol, this art deco 19-story building is located at 600 East Boulevard Ave., Bismarck. It was built in 1933, using unique woods and materials from many states and countries. Open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with hourly tours, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Tel: (701) 328-2471 or (701) 328-2480. Email: tourcal@state.nd.us
• Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Hall of Fame in the State Capitol, 600 East Boulevard Ave., Bismarck. Displays portraits of recipients of the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award, the stat's highest, given to North Dakotans who have brought honor to the state. Open Year-round, Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and during Memorial Day to Labor day, also open on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and on Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Tel: 701-328-2480

Do

Bismarck offers two movie theaters (see movie showtimes):

• Carmike has a theater in North Bismarck.
• Locally-owned Grand Theaters is the favorite among local movie enthusiasts. It offers stadium seating in most of its theaters. The theater features curved screens, two giant screens, rocking seats, a theater with many loveseats, and lavish decor. If you find yourself in Theater 15, look up, there are twinkling stars in the ceiling. Grand Theaters is well worth the $7.75 to see a film.

The Bismarck Civic Center is home to the Bismarck Bobcats(hockey), Dakota Wizards (Basketball) and the Roughriders (Arena Football.) The civic center also offers the occasional concert, featuring performers such as Clay Aiken.

• Lewis and Clark Riverboat is 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. Tel: (701)255-4233. Email: lewisandclark@uswest.net
• Superslide Amusement Park, Riverside Park Road, Sertoma Park, Bismarck. Superslide, ferris wheel, carousel, batting cages, tubs, swings, bumper cars, critter track, whisper carts, mini-golf, bankshot basketball. Open from May through mid-September, weather permitting, daily from noon to 10:00 PM. Tel: (701) 255-1107 or 400-4273.
• Camping General Sibley Park, 501 South Washington St., Bismarck, ND. 150 tent sites, 115 RV sites with electric. 4 miles south on Washington Street. Tel: (701) 222-1844. Fax: (701) 222-0774. Email: gensibley@bisparks.org.
• Midway Lanes just across the Missouri river in Mandan, is the only area bowling lanes. 3327 Memorial Highway, Mandan. Tel: (701) 663-0277
• Dakota OutRight, a non-profit organization that serves as a regional community resource and provides gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) diversity education and promotes unity within the GLBT community and allies in western and central North Dakota.

Learn

• Gateway to Science, located in the former Masonic Temple. Interactive exhibits for all ages for learning about science. Open Tuesday through Saturday, from noon to 5:00 PM. Tel: (701) 258-1975.

• Ft. Abraham Lincoln State Park is made historically important because within its boundaries are the ruins of On-A-Slant Mandan Indian Village and the Fort Abraham Lincoln cavalry and infantry post. It was from this fort that Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer and the Seventh Cavalry rode out on their ill-fated expedition against the Sioux at the Little Big Horn. It has 95 camping sites. There are special events year-round. Guided horse-back trail riding is available in the summer and offers a wide view of the Missouri basin in this area. Tel: (800) 807-4723

Work

The average wage in Bismarck is about $31,000

Buy

Bismarck offers two malls, newly remodeled Gateway Mall in north Bismarck, and Kirkwood Mall in south Bismarck. Kirkwood Mall is the city's largest mall. It is anchored by Target, JCPenney, Herberger's, and I. Keating Furniture World.

Besides the mall Bismarck has Wal-Mart, Kmart, Staples, Office Depot, and Menards. Bismarck added about 1.5 million square feet of retail during the past 12 months including two Super Walmarts, Sams Club, Lowes, Home Depot, Kohls, and many other shops. The majority of the newer retail centers are in the northern part of the city.

Eat

Keep in mind with Bismarck most of its restaurants are off of I-94 Exit 159 (Hwy. 83/State St.) Or in the southern part of the city by Kirkwood Mall.

For an authentic Italian meal, try the Walrus. The Walrus has been a locally owned restaurant for over 10 years and is a favorite of not only Bismarck residents. Try either one of their signature pasta dishes or one of their unique pizzas, or several of the 20+ beers that they have to offer. Good mid-price ($20 to $30 per person) restaurants are available: Casper's East 40; Peacock Alley; Bistro; Merriweather's; and at the end of a 25 mile drive, Castillo's in Huff. North Dakotans are meat or game and potato eaters and these restaurants do not disappoint in those areas plus they all generally offer side dishes or pasta entrees that round out the menu. Seafood is flown in if not daily, regularly, so a seared tuna steak is likely to be of at least a good to very good quality but northern pike walleye, buffalo, ostrich, and pheasant are likely to be local and fresh so you might want to ask into those.

The chef at The Walrus has opened a different restaurant called DiDonna's.

Budget

Bismarck offers multiple fast food restaurants.

Mid-range

All American Steakhouse Buffet. Similar to Royal Fork, Only exception is they offer steak or chicken as their primary meat of choice. Also The Golden Corral open in 2007. Excellent buffet!

Splurge

Drink

Bismarck has multiple 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. Borrowed Bucks Roadhouse, simply called Bucks, is consistently popular with 20- and 30-somethings. 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.

The hangout for politicians, especially when the state legislature is in session, is the Peacock Alley Bar, located 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.

Sleep

A listing of hotels can be obtained at the following link. Average Hotel Price in Bismarck is about $60, although you can spend as little as $25 or you can go well over $100. Bismarck Hotels. See also Mandan listings. Here are some listings if you wish to print this page to take along:

• AmericInn, I-94 and Exit 159, north on Highway 83, Bismarck, ND. Tel: (701) 250-1000. Toll Free: (800) 634-3444. Fax: 701-250-1103
• Best Western Doublewood Inn, 1400 East Interchange Ave. Bismarck, ND. Located at I-94 and Exit 159. Tel: (701) 258-7000. Toll Free: (800) 554-7077. Fax: (701) 258-2001. [http://www.bestwestern.com/prop_35029
• Best Western Ramkota Hotel, formerly Radisson Ramkota, 800 South 3rd St,, Bismarck, ND. Located across from Kirkwood Mall. 306 rooms, 8 suites, indoor water park with 150 foot waterslide, sauna, whirlpool, fitness club. Tel: (701) 258-7700. Toll Free: (800) 528-1234. Fax: (701) 224-8212.
• Bismarck Motor Hotel, Bismarck. Tel: (701) 223-2474. Fax: (701) 223-3190
• Budget Inn Express, Bismarck. Tel: (701) 255-1450
• Comfort Inn, 300 East Interstate Ave., Bismarck, ND. I-94, Exit 159 north. Tel: (701) 223-1911. Fax: (701) 223-6977
• Comfort Suites, 929 Gateway Ave., Bismarck, ND. I-94, Exit 159 north. Tel: (701) 223-4009. Fax: (701) 223-9119.
• Days Inn, 1300 E. Capital Avenue, Bismarck, ND.I-94, Exit 159 north. Tel: (701) 223-9151. Fax: (701) 223-9423.
• Expressway Inn and Suites, Across from Kirkwood Mall. Tel: (701) 222-2900. Toll Free: (800) 456-6388. Fax: (701) 222-3311. [7]
• Fairfield Inn North, I-94, Exit 159 north on Highway 83, Bismarck, ND. Tel: (701) 223-9077. Fax: (701) 223-9077. Email: bismarcknorthff@tharaldson.com
• Fairfield Inn South, near Kirkwood Mall off Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND. Tel: (701) 223-9293. Toll Free: (800) 228-2800. Fax: (701) 223-9293.
• Hillside Motel, 1601 N 12 St., Bismarck, ND. Tel: (701) 223-7986
• Kelly Inn, 1800 North 12th St., Bismarck, ND. I-94, Exit 159 S on State Street. Tel: (701) 223-8001. Toll Free: (800) 635-3559. Fax: (701) 221-2685. Email: bismarck@kellyinns.com.
• Motel 6, 2433 State St., Bismarck, ND. I-94, Exit 159 north on Highway 83. Tel: (701) 255-6878. Fax: (701) 223-7534
• Radisson Hotel, 605 East Broadway Ave., Bismarck, ND. Tel: (701) 255-6000. Toll Free: (800) 333-3333. Fax: (701) 233-0400. Email: lschneider@btinet.net
• Ramada Limited Suites, 3808 E Divide Ave., Bismarck, ND. I-94, Exit 161. Tel: (701) 221-3030. Fax: (701) 221-3030. Email: dee.ramada@midconetwork.com
• Select Inn, 1505 Interchange Ave., Bismarck, ND. I-94, Exit 159 S. Tel: (701) 223-8060. Toll Free: (800) 641-1000. Fax: (701) 223-8293. [11]
• Super 8 Motel, I-94, Exit 159 N. Tel: (701) 255-1314. Toll Free: (800) 800-8000
• White Lace Bed and Breakfast, 807 N 6th St., Bismarck, ND. 1918 historic Victorian style home with 2 guest rooms, antiques. Tel: (701) 258-6877

Stay safe

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 04-Feb 04, the temp did not get above 0 deg F. The coldest temp was in Minot, ND, at -45F (-75 windchill) while Bismarck was at a "balmy" -43F.
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 the city of Bismarck and on the roads to get to the city.

Get out

• Badlands
• Medora
• Minot
• Canada