Attractions Nearby Bismarck, Day Trips and Excursions
(Bismarck, North Dakota - ND, USA)
Well-placed to explore the southern region of North Dakota, Bismarck is the perfect location for a day trip or two. Both the General Sibley Park and the Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park are just a matter of minutes away and two must-see attractions, with much recreational space to soak in.
There are many tempting places of interest around the state capital in all directions, while to the far south you can cross the border into
South Dakota and see what this neighboring state has to offer. However, do bear in mind that the winters in both states are reliably harsh, with temperatures constantly below freezing.
Many visitors planning excursions from Bismarck will choose to make use of Interstate I-94. This busy interstate heads east to west and connects various attractions in between the
Minnesota (east) and
Montana (west) state borders.
General Information
Located roughly 100 miles / 160 km to the east of Bismarck is the very appealing and rather small city of Jamestown. Day trips here are possible with an early start, thanks to the speedy interstate connection. The Frontier Village is one of the principal attractions in Jamestown and is best known for its giant buffalo sculpture named the 'Dakota Thunder'. A number of scenic camping sites are also based within this part of North Dakota, along with two disc golf courses and nearby wildlife preserves (the Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge and the Bone Hill Creek National Wildlife Refuge).
Considerably closer and ideal for a family themed excursion, the city of Mandan is just 15 minutes from downtown Bismarck and often considered to be more of a suburb than a separate destination. The Raging Rivers Water Park is a huge attraction in Mandan during the summer months, with its exciting high-speed water slides and lazy river.
You may also like to consider day trips to the North Dakota Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Washburn, approximately an hour to the north. Alternatively, you can take your camera to New Salem, around 45 minutes to the west of Bismarck, and take an arty picture of the enormous black and white cow sculpture affectionately known as 'Salem Sue'.
Further to the west is Dickinson, where the Dakota Dinosaur Museum is amongst the most popular attractions. Excursions to Medora (far west) and Minot (north) may appeal if you have the time, while in the winter months, it is the Huff Hills Ski Area that draws day trippers, since it is reachable in roughly 50 minutes from Bismarck and boasts the most sizeable downhill ski area in the whole of North Dakota.