We asked locals where their favorite spots were and we’ve got them put together, just for you!
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"The Locals" Itinerary

Looking for some fun ways to spend your time while you are in Bismarck-Mandan? Or maybe you just want to know the perfect dessert or souvenir location? Well we asked locals where their favorite spots were and we’ve got them put together, just for you! Please check hours before heading over.

Download the Locals Itinerary

Where will my travel partner(s) and I have the best dining experience?

Bistro – Great food & wine! If you want to kick-back in their bar be sure to order the Bistro Burger. 1103 E. Front Ave., Bismarck 701-224-8800
Butterhorn210 – TIED WINNER – You will want to return again and again because they change the menu seasonally for the freshest local ingredients. 210 E. Main Ave., Bismarck 701-751-0802
Kobe’s Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar – The Hibachi grill is always a fun place to grab an intimate or group meal at! 915 W. Interstate Ave., Bismarck 701-751-3088
Laughing Sun Brewery – They have great local beers that they brew onsite, fantastic food, live music and art by local artists. 1023 E. Front Ave., Bismarck 701-751-3881
Stonehome Brewing Company – TIED WINNER – If you love craft beer and pizzas then you need to head here! 1601 N. 12th St., Bismarck 701-751-1445
Walrus – Their creative menu with daily specials and extensive beverage listing keep you coming back. 1136 N. 3rd St., Bismarck 701-250-0020

Where can I take the best picture that says I was really there?

Bismarck Alley 5.5 – Super fun stop in downtown Bismarck with outdoor murals created by local artists. 5th St. between Broadway and Main Aves., Bismarck
Chief Looking’s Village – Overlooking the train bridge and the Missouri River, this is one of the best views you will get, from the Bismarck side. 2023 Burnt Boat Dr., Bismarck
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park – TIED WINNER – Go on a tour, hike or bike a trail, or go up into the blockhouses to overlook the Missouri River and ND State Capitol. 4480 Fort Lincoln Rd., Mandan 701-667-6340
Missouri River – Grab your travel partner and go on a walk or bike to view the beautiful trails and scenery along the Missouri River.
North Dakota State Capitol & Grounds – TIED WINNER – Snap a photo on the steps of the State Capitol or on the Capitol Mall. 600 E. Boulevard Ave., Bismarck
North Dakota State Heritage Center – Take your picture inside by the Mastodon, the T. Rex, the giant sloth, or outside in front of the Northern Lights Atrium. 612 E. Boulevard Ave., Bismarck 701-328-2666

What is the one thing we MUST do while we are here?

Bismarck Larks Baseball game – A summer staple if you want to have a really great and entertaining time! 303 E. Front Ave., Bismarck 701-557-7600
Dakota Zoo – TIED WINNER – A fun place to take your family any time of the year. They are a beautiful 90-acre zoo and the best way to see it is by taking the train ride through it! 602 Riverside Park Rd., Bismarck 701-223-7543
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park – Experience the incredible history from the 1500s through the eyes of the Mandan Indians or from 1875 when Gen. George Custer and the 7th Cavalry were stationed there. 4480 Fort Lincoln Rd., Mandan 701-667-6340
Lewis & Clark Riverboat – This is a great way to enjoy the Missouri River in a fun and relaxing way during the summer months. 1700 N. River Rd., Bismarck 701-255-4233
North Dakota State Heritage Center – TIED WINNER – All ages will become immersed in history while exploring the past, present and future of North Dakota. You will learn a ton and as a bonus, can get some creative photo-ops all over this place! 612 E. Boulevard Ave., Bismarck 701-328-2666

Where should we go for some nightlife?

Blarney Stone – Lively Irish pub in downtown Bismarck. You can always have a great time here. Awesome drinks and amazing food, too! 408 E. Main Ave., Bismarck 701-751-7512
Broadway Grill and Tavern – They have the best patio and delicious food. 100 W. Broadway Ave., Bismarck
Laughing Sun Brewery – WINNER – In addition to the great local beers and food, check their schedule for their live music line-up! 1023 E. Front Ave., Bismarck 701-751-3881
Thomas & Moriarty’s – Craft cocktail bar for the social anti-social. 200 W. Main St., Mandan 701-751-0752

Where can we get gourmet items for a picnic?

3Be Meats – WINNER – A full-service butcher shop that offers a full deli with weekly specials, custom processing and a meat counter. The cheesy pickle brats are fantastic! 1700 E. Main Ave., Bismarck 701-751-2807
Anima Cucina – Italian café and wine bar. Grab a personally tailored charcuterie board for your next outing! 101 N. 5th St., Bismarck 701-751-1738
BisMarket – High quality, locally produced foods to enjoy. Saturdays 10 am-1 pm, weather depending, June-October. Sweet Ave. along Kiwanis Park / Municipal Ballpark, Bismarck.
Bread Poets – Unique retail bakery with fresh baked breads and daily sandwich specials. 106 E. Thayer Ave., Bismarck 701-222-4445

Where can I get the best dessert? Name the place AND the dish.

Bistro – Chocolate Polenta Souffle & Flourless Chocolate Tart. 1103 E. Front Ave., Bismarck 701-224-8800
Blarney Stone – Jameson Irish Bread Pudding. 408 E. Main Ave., Bismarck 701-751-7512
Brick Oven Bakery – WINNER – Anything here! 112 N. 4th St., Bismarck 701-751-0147
By The Batch – Mexican hot chocolate cupcakes with spicy buttercream. 515 E. Broadway Ave., Bismarck 701-255-3272
Fireflour Pizzeria + Craft Coffee Bar Gelato. 111 N. 5th St., Bismarck 701-323-9000

Where can I get something locally made? A gift or great souvenir?

CVB/Visitor Information Center’s Genuine Dakota Gift Shop – A unique assortment of locally crafted items and a diverse mixture of Pride of Dakota goods. 1600 Burnt Boat Dr., Bismarck 701-222-4308
North Dakota Heritage Center Gift Shop – WINNER – A large selection of pottery, jewelry, books, toys, etc. 612 E. Boulevard Ave., Bismarck 701-328-2879
Plaza Drug – Wide variety of Pride of Dakota products. 1116 N. 3rd St., Bismarck 701-223-8872
The Happy Travel Bug in Bismarck Alley 5.5
The Happy Travel Bug in Bismarck Alley 5.5
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
Follow The Piper visiting a Missouri River sandbar
Follow The Piper visiting a Missouri River sandbar
Laughing Sun Brewery
Laughing Sun Brewery
3Be Meats
3Be Meats
Gelato at Fireflour Pizzeria
Gelato at Fireflour Pizzeria
Bismarck Mandan CVB/Visitor Center
Bismarck Mandan CVB/Visitor Center