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10 Best Things to do in Bismarck, ND
Bismarck offers more opportunities for fun and adventure than most people realize! There are beautiful local parks, informative museums, and engaging attractions that can entertain people of all ages and interests! There are also many incredibly local restaurants. The ten popular local destinations below are great places to spend an afternoon or a weekend day.
Top 5 Restaurants in Bismarck
While you may love making dinner in your own kitchen, sometimes going out to eat is the best way to wind down after a long day. There are many fun and flavorful options across Bismarck, regardless of what you’re craving. The five eateries below are sure to offer something you’d enjoy!
The CraftCade
Whether people want a retro-style arcade or New York-style pizza, the CraftCade is the place to be! There’s a self-pour beer wall featuring 20 taps with a host of unique brews. There’s also a full bar for those craving a stronger drink. The arcade includes free-to-play retro arcade cabinets, including Frogger, Donkey Kong, Mrs. Pac Man, and Rampage. There’s also a Mario Kart arcade side-by-side, as well as electronic pull tab gambling games! The CraftCade specializes in huge 18” pies, but there are smaller crusts, as well as sandwiches, appetizers, and salads on the menu too.
Pirogue Grille
Looking for a real meal at a sit-down restaurant where the main options include steak, sea scallops, stuffed chicken breast, and roasted root vegetables? Pirogue Grille offers full service, along with aesthetically-pleasing plating for each entree they serve. Reservations are a good option, especially on Saturday nights and other busy days. Want to try something unique but upscale? Their red-wine braised bison ribs, roast corn & bison soup, and house-made venison sausage all put an upscale spin on traditional regional proteins. Pirogue Grille is a perfect setting for a special night out or celebration!
Jomo House
Want a sweet, unique coffee, boba tea, or fruity refresher, possibly with some donuts? Jomo House has quickly become a local obsession. Inspired by Asian street food, the pastry menu at Jomo House includes a bahn mi sandwich, Parmesan cheeseburger bombs brimming with meat and cheese, and a sausage and cheese milk bun that is utterly craveable. They offer a variety of types of bahn mi, including the spicy mango chicken grilled bahn mi. Their sweet options include various croffles, which are a delicious treat that is a cross between a croissant and a waffle. Enjoy a full meal, or just grab a rich tiramisu coffee to go!
Indian Clay Oven Bar and Grill
Those with big appetites and the desire to try many new dishes will love the buffet-style service at Indian Clay Oven Bar and Grill. Start off with a mango lassi, a thick and sweet yogurt drink. From there, try the savory, well-seasoned dishes, served with rice and naan (Indian flatbread). Prefer traditional dinner service over a buffet? Guests can order from an expansive menu that features all of the most popular Indian staples, like butter chicken, as well as palak paneer, served with homemade fresh cheese! Indian Clay Over Bar and Grill is vegetarian-friendly but serves up tender, well-seasoned meat dishes every day.
Habibi Bowl & Gyro
Habibi is an Arabic term of endearment, and it’s the perfect name for this quick-service eatery, where they treat visitors warmly. Their name comes from their gyro and chicken over rice offerings, which are a fresh take on the savory bowls that have become so popular. They make their signature sauce in-house every day, and many customers go back specifically for the sauce. They also serve up French fries, including loaded fries topped with their tender chicken, cheese sauce, and house sauce. Habibi Bowl & Gyro is a go-to quick option for lunch and dinner.
Top 5 Places To Explore In Bismarck
No matter how much you love your home, sometimes you need to get out for an adventure. All five of the popular destinations below offer opportunities for socialization and memory-making!
Located just under an hour by car from Bismarck, Fort Mandan is worth a day trip or afternoon excursion. The Fort Mandan State Historic Site features a fully-furnished, historically-accurate reconstruction of the fort where Lewis and Clark stayed centuries ago!
Fort Mandan is where the explorers met Sacagawea and cemented bonds with the local native peoples. Fort Mandan features exciting exhibits, a children’s play area, and even a museum store stocked with both souvenirs and snacks. Those hoping to connect with local history shouldn’t miss a chance to visit Fort Mandan.
Saunter through the Bismarck Art Alley and see why influencers flock here to capture selfies in front of unique, eye-catching works of art for free! Plan a stroll through the Bismarck Art Alley when you want to take memorable pictures.
Also known as Art Alley 5.5, this hidden treasure boasts vibrant murals, incredible mosaics, and even public art installations. From quilt patterns and murals of Native American leaders to wildlife murals, there is an explosion of different colors and styles within the alley. The central location allows visitors a chance to check out nearby shops and restaurants.
Located inside Kirkwood Mall, Tilt Studio offers pulse-pounding indoor adventures. Children and the young at heart will love their arcade, featuring more than 150 games, including crane games and skill games that provide tickets.
Race everyone else in their Thundervolt electric go-karts, or try a game of mini bowling with short lanes and lighter balls. Their 18-hole indoor golf course is home to Mori the Martian. Those feeling active can shoot it out in a black light laser tag area or test their evasion skills in the Laser Frenzy laser maze. Tilt Studio is a destination for the adventurous in Bismarck.
Want to get a little wild? The Dakota Zoo has expanded over the years to include 90 acres. Visitors can view around 400 animals from 125 unique species. There are mammals, like grizzly bears, snow leopards, American bison, armadillos, spider monkeys, and two-toed sloths.
The Dakota Zoo hosts special events throughout the years, including youth camps and opportunities for close encounters with ambassador animals. Nature lovers of all ages will appreciate a day spent exploring the Dakota Zoo.
The Capital Ice Complex boasts two separate ice skating rinks in the Schaumberg Arena and Wachter Arena. These facilities host hockey games for teams. There are also seasonal open skate hours for everyone from seasoned figure skaters to those trying to learn how to balance.
There are also indoor roller skating events. For those who want to learn to skate, refresh their skills, or watch a game, The Capital Ice Complex is a must-visit Bismarck destination!