Dakota's family atmosphere abounds in Bismarck-Mandan. Guest and youth programs can be planned to fit your group's age, interest and schedule. From local activities and tours to in-depth exploration of the coal mines or Indian villages, we can coordinate your schedule and transportation. We’ve included just a small sampling. Contact us for more ideas or to put together the details!
Cruise the Missouri River
Climb aboard the Lewis and Clark Riverboat, a 150-passenger riverboat. As you tour the Missouri River, relax and enjoy the fresh North Dakota air.
Bismarck Walking Tour
Enjoy the unique specialty shops while strolling down the tree-lined streets of Bismarck. Stops include art galleries, antique shops, and one-of-a kind specialty stores. Don’t forget to plan to eat at one of our many unique downtown restaurants.
North Dakota Heritage Center
The North Dakota Heritage Center is the largest museum in the state. It features temporary and permanent exhibits that explore the story of life on the northern plains from prehistory to the present. You will step back in time and see just what makes North Dakota the diverse state that it has become. Learn the fascinating history of North Dakota through thousands of artifacts and specimens, high-tech displays, and interactive exhibits at North Dakota’s largest museum. See a full-scale T. rex replica, rare collections of Native American artifacts, a 1950s soda shop, and much more. From the time when dinosaurs ruled through the development of today’s emerging industries, you’ll find history for everyone. The Treehouse exhibit invites young children to discover and explore North Dakota life, past and present, in a hands-on area. Enjoy a special treat from the Museum Store or the James River Café, and explore your roots at the State Archives.
Fishing and Hunting in Dakota
The Missouri River, angling through the communities of Bismarck and Mandan, embraces the imaginations and passions of anglers from far and wide. While the Missouri is home to some exceptional opportunities for channel catfish, smallmouth bass, and cutthroat trout, the entire length of the river is legendary for walleye. In fact, you cannot mention the Missouri River without admitting that the walleye steal the show.
If what you want is a wide variety of hunting options, you won't find a wider selection anywhere else than the Bismarck-Mandan area. Wake up in the morning for some duck hunting, spend the day sharp-tailed grouse or pheasant hunting, and finish off with an early evening bow hunt for white-tailed deer, and we'll have you bagged.
Turbines, Draglines & Power Plants
Tour the energy belt of North Dakota. Visit a coal mine where a dragline bucket can hold a dozen semi-trucks. Experience the only coal gasification plant in the United States at Dakota Gasification and tour the hydroelectric plant at the Garrison Dam.
Explore More North Dakota
There are so many options for pre- and post-convention activities. Teddy Roosevelt National Park & Medora, Lake Sakakawea, and Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site are all within a short drive of Bismarck-Mandan.