Bismarck Museums

(Bismarck, North Dakota - ND, USA)

A couple of very popular and important museums grace the list of attractions in Bismarck, concentrating on subject matters such as state history, as well as agriculture, battleships, early Plains Indian civilizations, geology and minerals, innovation, native wildlife and migrating birds, paleontology, photography and the world of science.

Recently expanded and reorganized at considerable cost, the North Dakota Heritage Center serves as the state's official history museum and resides on East Boulevard Avenue, within the North Dakota State Capitol Grounds. This is the state's biggest cultural attraction of its kind and first opened its doors to the paying public in 1967. Visitors should be sure to look out for the statue of Sacagawea, which stands close to the main entrance and depicts the famous guide who played an integral part in the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Situated on the northwestern side of the city and close to the campus of the Bismarck State College, the Gateway to Science attraction is to be found within the Masonic Temple, where it is the perfect draw for those with children in tow.

North Dakota Heritage Center

Address: 612 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, North Dakota (ND), 58505, USA
Tel: +1 701 328 2666
The main exhibits at the North Dakota Heritage Center are spread throughout three separate galleries, namely Adaptation (Geologic Time), Innovation (Early Peoples) and Inspiration (Yesterday and Today). There are also various changing exhibits on display within the Governor's Gallery.

Highlights include the Great Plains Theater, the Northern Lights Lobby, the Missouri River Events Center, the Pembina River Plaza and the spacious Russell Reid Auditorium. Children will particularly enjoy the dinosaur skeletons and the interactive 'touch tables' detailing a timeline in history. Those in need of sustenance will find the James River Café on hand, while for souvenirs of your visit, the revamped Museum Store is the place to head as you prepare to leave.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Gateway to Science

Address: 1810 Schafer Street, Bismarck, North Dakota (ND), 58501, USA
Tel: +1 701 258 1975
Lots of hands-on fun awaits visitors of this science center, including robotics, science-themed workshops, educational games and all kinds of electricity, motion and water-related experiments. During the course of the year, many popular events take place at the Gateway to Science, such as the Barnes and Noble Book Fair, the Chemistry Demo Night, the Environmental Festival, the Family Rocket Day, Spooktacular Science and Winter Wonderland. It is worth noting that the Gateway to Science is fairly limited in size and depending on your imagination, a visit can last anywhere from an hour to a good half a day.
Open hours: Monday to Thursday - 12:00 to 19:00, Friday and Saturday - 12:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children, children three years old and under are free