Experience Bismarck

Have Your Best Summer Vacation Yet

You’ll find it in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Summer doesn’t last long, so you have to make the most of every moment. With a vacation in Bismarck, you can do just that. North Dakota’s capital city is home to the state’s best activities (and the world’s best hamburgers, as you’ll soon find out). We have a list of all the family fun you need to have your best summer vacation yet, and believe us: you won’t want to miss a thing!

Culture & History

Our Ramkota Hotel is just minutes away from the capitol building and grounds. It’s the tallest building in the state, and you can ride an elevator all the way to the top and watch as the entire city spans out below you. And, after you’ve come down, you can tour the rest of the building and check out the rest of our arts and culture activities.

Also on the capitol grounds is the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum. Loved by visitors and locals alike, the center walks you through our state’s history and offers something to learn for everyone. During the summer, you’ll also find great outdoor activities—local music, theater, and more—so be sure to check their schedule!

Recreation & Relaxation

Arguably one of Bismarck’s best features, the Missouri River offers a beautiful setting for outdoor recreation and relaxation. There are great places for walleye fishing, so be sure to bring your gear, and we’re happy to give you recommendations on where to go! If boating is more your thing, you won’t be disappointed: there’s room for everyone from casual boaters to the Lewis and Clark Riverboat. This steamboat experience offers cocktail hours, sunset and dinner cruises, and more! (Pro tip: check their schedule for themed cruises.)

Prefer to stay on land? Try Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park for great hiking trails and outdoor activities. You can follow the trails to historic sites like Custer’s house and military post, On-A-Slant Indian Village, and the bluffs that overlook the Missouri River.

Food & Brews

When you need to regain your energy, rest assured that Bismarck is full of legendary restaurants, and you’ll find something for any craving. One of our local legends is The Woodhouse, where you’ll find what residents claim are “the world’s best hamburgers.” But don’t stop there—top off your meal with onion rings, homemade pies, and the best chocolate malt you’ve ever tried.

Other favorites include Pirogue Grill, a “hidden gem” that serves local cuisine (think buffalo, rabbit, walleye, etc.) as well as an elegant experience. Kroll’s Diner is known and loved by residents for their Knoephla soup, which will give you a taste of our German heritage while satisfying your appetite.

And, if you’re looking for a local brew, try any of Bismarck’s breweries: Ale Works, Buffalo Commons, and Laughing Sun, to name a few. Each one offers unique flavors, and you really can’t go wrong.

Ready for your best vacation yet?

Bismarck, North Dakota, has everything you need—including our hotel, where you can rest up between adventures. Book your stay today!