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10 Things to Do in Bismarck, ND
As the capital of North Dakota, Bismarck has a lot to offer! Our team of local professionals can help you find the best eateries, most convenient stores, and exciting activities. With easy access to major local roads, Cottonwood Apartments is a short drive from the best that Bismarck has to offer.
Peruse our brief neighborhood guide below if you need ideas for a dinner out or an upcoming weekend adventure. There’s always something fun happening nearby!
5 Can’t-Miss Bismarck Restaurants
In addition to the large brands people know and trust, Bismarck is home to many locally-owned and regional restaurants. No matter what you’re craving, there is something nearby that will have you raving and planning a return trip. The five eateries below are just the beginning of the culinary offerings in Bismarck.
Rock’n 50’s Café
Want a meal that offers full-immersive nostalgia for days gone by? The Rock’n 50’s Café has offered a genuine 50’s-style restaurant experience in Bismarck since 1985. From classic diner fare such as hot beef sandwiches smothered in gravy and burgers to popular local dishes, there’s something for almost every palate here. Try the frybread tacos, which are a popular way to enjoy a Native American staple food. The beef fleischkuekle is a nod to the German-Russian settlers of the area. It’s a meat pie stuffed with seasoned ground beef, spices, and onions. There are even salads and chicken tenders, as well as classic floats, shakes, and malts to round out a filling meal! Enjoy a blast from the past in vintage booths, while the jukeboxes play 50s music to complete the experience.
Noodlezip
Craving carbs? You’ll find all kinds of exciting, authentic, and fusion flavors at Noodlezip. This Asian eatery has become a beloved local destination since it first opened in 2017. Enjoy rich and flavorful Vietnamese Pho, tangy Pad Thai noodles with peanuts, or even sweet and sour Dan Dan noodles. The house chef, Marty, created a “dry pho” sauce for those who want a slightly different, but equally flavorful option. Instead of a broth, the noodles are covered with a sauce made from the same spices that season pho soups. The menu constantly changes, so be sure to check seasonal offerings and the chef’s special before ordering! >
Amici Pizza Company
Amici Pizza Company offers pasta, salads, bowls mounded with quinoa, kale, and chickpeas, chicken wings, and specialty pizzas named after Roman deities. The Neptune, named for the God of the Sea, is an Alfredo-sauce pizza topped with shrimp, roasted red peppers, garlic, spinach, and fresh basil. The Mars is a pesto pizza with sausage. Can’t decide? There’s no need to commit to a full pie! Amici Pizza Company serves pizza by the slice Tuesday-Friday for a quick and convenient meal option. Their wings also have a dedicated local following.
Laughing Sun Brewing Co.
There’s a reason locals voted Laughing Sun Brewing Co. the best brewery in Bismarck-Mandan! The local brewery and taproom offers a rotating assortment of craft beers, as well as their award-winning BBQ. There’s more to do here than drink, as the Brewery hosts trivia night, Open Mic nights, art classes, yoga classes, and art installations. They also welcome dogs on their pet-friendly patio. For adults, the ax-throwing lanes are a popular attraction. There are even throwing stars and spears! Laughing Sun Brewing Co. is an ideal destination for a delicious dinner or a raucous night out with friends.
La Carreta of Bismarck
Looking for a big, strong margarita? La Carrera of Bismarck serves up great drinks that perfectly complement the traditional Mexican flavors on the menu. From slow-cooked pork carnitas to sizzling fajitas, the expansive menu touches on all the classics people crave. While soup may not be the first dish people look for at a Mexican restaurant, regulars at La Carreta know that the House Special Soup is worth ordering! Guests can enjoy one free serving of chips and salsa as they peruse the menu, making La Carreta a great option for those who can’t wait for their meals.
5 Exciting Local Attractions and Activities in Bismarck
Enjoy live music or even a ballet performance in a building originally erected in 1914. Designed by a local architect, this incredible space only cost roughly $35,000 to build. What was a major regional attraction more than a century ago remains a beloved local venue to this day. The traditional, two-story seating area retains its historic charm despite updates. Snag tickets to popular comedy shows, concerts, symphony performances, and other live events to experience the beauty and incredible acoustics of this space in person.
BMX racing can be an intense sport to join, and many people aren’t sure if it’s right for them. People craving excitement, friendly competition, and a unique way to exercise can try a 1-day membership to ride any track at Fastrax for free. If getting on the track right away is too intimidating or you don't have the equipment yet, attend a BMX event to watch as riders of all ages move through the straights and berm turns. Fastrax BMX has races and classes for riders of all ages, even those still using strider bikes!
With trails that span three miles of the riverside plain on the Missouri River, Sertoma Park is a large, sprawling space. There are 352 acres of space to explore, including four separate playgrounds, as well as a horseshoe complex and volleyball courts. Sleepy Holly Theatre & Arts Park occupies 32 acres of the park. People can enjoy live theatre and art performances. Sertoma Park is also home to two poetry boxes. People can print or type their own poetry or a personal favorite to leave for others to read and enjoy. There's also something beautiful about reading what others left for you to discover!
Want to put your spacious new kitchen to good use? Consider learning some new recipes at Karmin’s Kitchen Table. The store carries various gourmet ingredients, such as aged balsamic vinegar, seasoning rubs, and infused olive oils. More importantly, there are cooking classes that help people master seasonal cooking and learn more about different regional cuisines. Those who want to learn how to bake sourdough bread or make their own pasta from scratch can learn from skilled instructors and then impress their loved ones with their new recipes!
Located on the North Dakota Capitol Grounds, the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum offers timeless permanent exhibits that help people appreciate the past. Dinosaur lovers shouldn’t miss the Geologic Time exhibit in the Adaptation Gallery, which features a real Triceratops skull! Other exhibits explore Native cultures in North Dakota and the evolution of the state over time. The Museum’s outdoor spaces include the Capitol Grounds Arboretum Trail, where visitors can walk and learn about local plants.