Bismarck City Early History and Travel Guide: North Dakota USA

Bismarck City Early History and Travel Guide. North Dakota USA. Whilst the city of Bismarck may not be especially large for a state capital, it is actually the second-biggest city in North Dakota, after the city of Fargo. Much of the appeal for potential holiday makers is that the city is ideal for a stopover and is conveniently placed for day trips. For avid tourists, Bismarck does provide a surprisingly decent choice of tourism offerings, including established zoological gardens and some interesting Native American Indian remains. However, it should always be noted that the warm summer months are followed by harsh, long winters, when a number of the main attractions either reduce their opening hours significantly or close up shop altogether. If you do choose to visit during the winter season, then the cross-country skiing opportunities at the nearby Huff Hills Ski Area and also at the undulating Riverwood Golf Course may well beckon. When the weather is altogether more pleasant, locals and tourists alike tend to be drawn to the Missouri River, which actually separates the neighboring railway town of Mandan. Boating, fishing, swimming, tubing and water skiing are just some of the activities on offer on the river in the summer, while others simply prefer to stroll along the banks. Tourist information is best obtained from the Bismarck-Mandan Visitors Center on Burnt Boat Drive, which is roughly a five-minute walk south of Igoe Park and just under ten minutes east of the Chief Looking's Village archaeological site. Tourists are certainly well catered for in Bismarck, despite its size, with summer being the busiest time in the city when it comes to tourism. This is when you can partake of guided tours of the historic buildings that make up the Buckstop Junction Missouri Valley Fairgrounds, or take a cruise along the Missouri River onboard the Lewis and Clark Riverboat. Families often head straight for Dakota Zoo, where annual visitor numbers top 100,000 people, or spend time playing at the Superslide Amusement Park. For something altogether more historical, Native American heritage abounds at both the Chief Looking's Village on Burnt Boat Drive and at the nearby Double Ditch Indian Village, the latter of which is located just a short distance to the north. Also worth making a note of is the Bismarck Civic Center, which boasts an overall capacity of more than 10,000 people and stages many of the largest local events, fairs and concerts. Read more