North Dakota Heritage Center
A strong state museum with dinosaurs.
Bismarck
North Dakota's capital, with an Art Deco skyscraper capitol and Custer's old post at Fort Abraham Lincoln.
From here you can reach Theodore Roosevelt National Park, a badlands gem, a little over two hours west.
- Best Time
- Spring and fall
- Time Needed
- Half a day
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Year-round
- Getting There
- Bismarck Municipal is 10 minutes from downtown.
What to See
1 of 3 are freeFort Abraham Lincoln State Park
Custer's house and a Mandan village site.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Bison and badlands in the west.
Know Before You Go
- Check opening hours before you go, especially on weekends and at state buildings.
Where to Stay
Stay downtown.
Where to Eat
Our picks are on the way.
Editor's picks. Nobody paid to be on this list.
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Go Next
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A city of lakes on the Mississippi, the Walker Art Center, and the Mall of America next door.
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Four presidents carved into a granite mountain in South Dakota's Black Hills, with Badlands National Park nearby.
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Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the Midwest list.