Let’s face it – if you’re in Bismarck, North Dakota, you’re either someone from Minot, ND very desperate for a holiday, or you’re passing through on a cross-country trip.

There is admittedly not much to do here, and what is here is of questionable interest, at least to me. If you’ve actually come here on a holiday as a destination, then here are some tips to make your stay more bearable.

Located in the center of the northern prairie state of North Dakota, this is the second largest city in the state, sitting firmly on the banks of the Missouri River, around two hours south of Canada.

What the city does not have in major attractions is makes up for its abundance of natural beauty. With river coulees endlessly tracing the river, some good parks for walking and biking, and some neat forts and historical sights nearby, it’s not entirely boring. I personally couldn’t spend more than a night here, but it’s definitely a place you could spend a few days and find enough to do to keep you busy.

If you’re into history, check out the North Dakota Heritage Center, for some good exhibits. There is another small museum at the State Capitol, worth checking out if you’d like more info about the state as a whole.

Also check out the significantly depressing State Capitol. If nothing else, it will give you an appreciation for every other State Capitol in the nation.${QuickSuggestions} Aside from the obvious – leave town and go to nearby Theodore Roosevelt National Park for the week – here are some tips about Bismarck. First, there are tons of cheap motels located right off of Interstate 94, just north of the State Capitol on exit 159. Here you’ll be able to find a room in the $40 per night range for a double, and within a good evening’s walking distance to the Capitol complex, which is nice for its park and greenspace.

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, just across the Missouri River, south of Mandan, is a good little campground where you can experience the nature of the upper Missouri River while still being very close to civilization.

If you want to shop, there is ample shopping here, most notably the Kirkwood Plaza shopping center in downtown Bismarck. But, remember, tax-free shopping is just west of Bismarck in the state of Montana – so if you’re headed that way, refrain from doing your shopping until then.${BestWay} Bismarck has a decent city bus service, called The CAT (Capital Area Transit). Other than that, you may find walking to be enjoyable here, especially down State Street around the capital, and in downtown Bismarck. It’s pretty compact, and the buses are always available on the main roads in case your aching feet beg for a rest.

The small Bismarck Municipal Airport is located south of town, with frequent direct flights to Minneapolis, Denver, and Las Vegas (the only destinations from here). There is NO Amtrak service to Bismarck, with the nearest station being around two hours north in Minot.

The bus is connected to the Greyhound North America network via its codeshare partner, Rimrock Stages, which connects with Greyhound in Fargo, ND for its eastern run to Minneapolis and beyond. Rimrock runs west to Billings and Butte, MT, and as far as Salt Lake City, UT. There is no direct bus between Bismarck and South Dakota – passengers must travel to Fargo or Billings and transfer. The same goes for Canada.

There is a daily bus to Minot, run by a private company, not part of the Greyhound codeshare partner family, so expect to pay a bit more than usual.
From journal As Sweet as a Bismarck