"The Locals" Itinerary

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

40 Steak + Seafood – Enjoy a succulent meal in one of their five unique dining rooms or by the fire in the cozy Rusty Nail Lounge. 1401 Interchange Ave, Bismarck 701-255-4040
Bistro 1100 – 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
Broadway Grill and Tavern – They have an awesome patio and delectable food. Some may say that the Grilled Steak Salad is amazing! 100 W Broadway Ave, Bismarck 701-751-5969
Laughing Sun Brewing – They have great local beers that they brew onsite, fantastic food, live music and art by local artists. All ages are welcome. 1023 E Front Ave, Bismarck 701-751-3881
Old 10 – Two locations to get your fill of delicious daily specials and cold cocktails. Family friendly! 4100 N Washington St, Bismarck 701-751-0737 and 417 E Main St, Mandan 701-751-1111
Pirogue Grille – Fine dining in the heart of downtown Bismarck. Their weekly specials and main menu can deliver Norwegian salmon to bison to octopus to walleye. If you're really lucky, you will visit when the Rhubarb Martinis are in season. 121 N 4th St, Bismarck 701-223-3770
The Paddle Trap – If you want to sit on the Missouri River, slow down, enjoy the views and endulge in great food, this is your spot. 2500 Pirates Loop, Mandan 701-202-3421
The Walrus – WINNER – Their creative menu with daily specials and extensive beverage listing will keep you coming back. 1136 N 3rd St, Bismarck 701-250-0020
Honorable Mention: India Clay Oven – Scrumptious north Indian cuisine. Not sure what to order or maybe you want to try it all? Their lunch buffet is waiting for you. 510 E Main Ave, Bismarck 701-751-2975

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

Art Alley 5.5 – WINNER – Super fun, cool & colorful stop in downtown Bismarck with outdoor murals created by local and regional artists. 5th St. between Broadway Ave and Main Ave, Bismarck
Chief Looking’s Village – The most epic Missouri River overlook. This is one of the best views that you will get from the Bismarck side. Sunset viewing is a stunning bonus! 2023 Burnt Boat Dr, Bismarck
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park – This locally-loved state park that overlooks the Missouri and Heart rivers is breathtaking any time of day or year. Photo opps aplenty. 4480 Fort Lincoln Rd, Mandan 701-667-6340
North Dakota State Capitol & Grounds – Snap an iconic picture on the steps of the State Capitol or on the spacious Capitol Mall. Explore the grounds for more opportunities. 600 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck 701-328-2480
Honorable Mention: Missouri River – Grab your travel partner and go on a walk or bike to view the beautiful trails and scenery along the Missouri River. Almost too many options for some great selfie shots! Beautiful all year long but especially in the fall.

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

Visit the Dakota Zoo – A fun place to take your family any time of the year. They are a beautiful 90-acre zoo and we think that the best way to see it is by taking the train ride through it! 602 Riverside Park Rd, Bismarck 701-223-7543
Cruise the Lewis & Clark Riverboat – This is a great way to enjoy the Missouri River in a fun and relaxing way during the summer months. Treat yourself to one of the meal or sunset cruises. 1700 N River Rd, Bismarck 701-255-4233
Explore the North Dakota State Heritage Center – WINNER – A gem! Everyone in your group will become immersed in history while interactively exploring the past, present and future of North Dakota, for free. You'll learn a ton and as a park can get some memorable pic all over this place, whether on the inside or out! 612 E Boulevard Ave., Bismarck 701-328-2666
Hit the Super Slide Amusement Park – All-age fun awaits. Race down the Super Slide, relax and play a round of mini golf, ride a few rides or challenge your friends at the batting cages. 500 Riverside Park Rd, Bismarck 701-255-1107
Honorable Mention: Eat German cuisine – Frieds Family Restaurant will gladly serve some up for you! Fleischkuechle or Knoephla anyone? 1010 Boundary St NW, Mandan 701-667-1127

Where can we get the best coffee or tea drink?

Balancing Goat Coffee Co – Coffee, non-coffee, smoothies and a full kitchen offering the freshest breakfasts & lunches. Chicken cobb connoisseurs concur! 2705 Sunset Dr, Mandan 701-751-0419
Brick Oven Bakery – WINNER – They have some amazing coffee, tea and other drinks, drool-worthy French pastries and daily sourdough breads. Don't make us pick our favorite treat -- they are all so delish. 112 N 4th St, Bismarck 701-751-0147
Copper Dog Cafe – Good drinks with a great vibe. Waffles like you've seriously never seen and custom, hand-crafted coffee drinks. 218 W Main St, Mandan 701-751-8048
Mighty Missouri Coffee Co – Expertly roasted coffee to prep you for your next adventure. And if you think that avocado toast has had its day, they will prove you wrong. Two Bismarck locations! Kirkwood Mall and inside the Missouri Valley Family YMCA, 1608 N Washington St 701-251-0785
Honorable Mention: BittyBean Coffee – This little drive-up hut may look unassuming but don't let it fool you. It's a hidden gem that will leave you grateful for swinging by. Try anything with the pulled pork if you're hungry! 1019 E Main Ave, Bismarck 701-258-3518

Where should we go for some nightlife?

Blarney Stone – TIED WINNER – 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
Laughing Sun Brewing – In addition to the great local beers and food, check their schedule for their live music line-up or practice your axe and spear throwing! 1023 E Front Ave., Bismarck 701-751-3881
LUFT – TIED WINNER – Rooftop bar featuring fresh cocktails & craft brews with spectacular views unlike anywhere else in North Dakota! 510 E Main Ave, Bismarck 701-751-0308
Stadium Sports Bar & The Lodge – Side-by-side bars, sort of like the fraternal twins who everyone loves. Just enough sports if you love watching sports and just enough bar if you don't. Excellent daily food and drink specials! 1247 W Divide Ave, Bismarck 701-258-4677
Honorable Mention: 510.2 Speakeasy – Hidden bar that features hand-crafted signature cocktails, delicious classics and an extensive selection of specialty spirits. Now let's see if you can find it! 510 E Main Ave, Bismarck 701-751-0308

Where can we get gourmet items for a picnic?

3Be Meats – WINNER – A packed full-service butcher shop that offers an impressive 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 (artisan jams, crisps, prosciutto, cantaloupe, smoked trout, herbed cream sauces, you get the drift) for your next outing! 101 N 5th St, Bismarck 701-751-1738
Butcher Block Meats – Full-service meat counter and deli, custom processing along with seafood, chicken and bundles. Awesomely priced daily lunch specials to grab & go a picnicking. 108 W Main St, Mandan 701-663-0558
Little Odessa – They are an international Eastern European grocery store that carries the special items you want when planning your menu. The unique cookies and treats will round it all out. 231 W Broadway Ave, Bismarck 701-270-1636
Honorable Mention: Pan Dulce Y Mas – Authentic Mexican bakery and store that offers daily pastries, fun candies, seasoned meats and so much more. Fingers crossed that you are there when they cook up some fresh chicharrones! 517 E Main St, Mandan 701-751-7260

Where can I get the best dessert and what is it?

Anima Cucina: Brownie – And it's gluten free y'all. 101 N 5th St, Bismarck 701-751-1738
Fireflour Pizzeria + Craft Coffee Bar: Gelato – Flavors rotate but you'll never be disappointed.  111 N 5th St., Bismarck 701-323-9000
FOMO 10/40 Creamery: Pakistan Pistacio ice cream, Lebanon Lemon sorbet, Ethiopian Espresso ice cream – WINNER – All are dream worthy. You might need to try a few. 1501 Mapleton Ave, Bismarck 701-681-0116
Huckleberry House: Lefse Cake – Lefse layered with whipped white chocolate and Sunbutter, topped with aquavit caramel and fresh berries. Yes, please. 1700 River Rd, Bismarck 701-751-8181
Pirogue Grille: Creme Brulee of the Day – Ridiculously good. 121 N 4th St, Bismarck 701-223-3770
Honorable Mention: Copper Dog Cafe: Strawberry Cheesecake Waffle and Cotton Candy Italian Soda – No other description needed. 218 W Main St, Mandan 701-751-8048

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

Genuine Dakota Gift Shop inside of the Visitor Information Center / Bismarck-Mandan Convention & Visitors Bureau  – WINNER – A unique assortment of locally crafted items, a diverse mixt of Pride of Dakota goods and quality Bismarck-Mandan and North Dakota-esque gifts. "ND goodies you'll actually want to keep." 1600 Burnt Boat Dr, Bismarck 701-557-7113
North Dakota Heritage Center Gift Shop – A large selection of pottery, jewelry, books and more. Great gifts for kids of all ages. 612 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck 701-328-2879
Honorable Mention: Bismarck Downtown Artist Cooperative (BDAC) – They are an art gallery and working studio space operated by and for local artists with monthly solo and group exhibits. They have stunning pieces at all price points to start or add to your personal collection. 222 N 4th St, Bismarck 701-202-3400

What is a favorite outdoor activity?

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park – More than a historic site! Go on a tour, hike or bike a trail or climb up into the blockhouses to see for miles and miles. 4480 Fort Lincoln Rd, Mandan 701-667-6340
Missouri River – WINNER – Get on the river! Play games, swim, fish, eat & drink and enjoy the day with the locals! A quick internet search can help you find current pontoon, kayak or canoe rentals that are available locally.
Parks and Trails – Explore our beautifully maintained parks and over 100 miles of recreational trails throughout Bismarck-Mandan. In the summer you can rent bikes and in the winter you can get your cross-country skiing on. Check out all the info at bisparks.org and mandanparks.com.
Honorable Mention: Huff Hills – Winter fun! Everyone's favorite ski & snowboarding spot. South of Mandan at 5455 County Rd 80 701-663-6421 

What is something unique about Bismarck-Mandan that the average visitor might not know about?

Bismarck Larks baseball & Bismarck Bobcat hockey games – Spanning nearly the whole year, chances are if you are visiting, one of these two hometown teams will be playing!
Haunted Fort and Mandan Holiday Lights on Main – WINNERS – These two events have grown every year and are at the top of locals' must-do lists. If you are here any weekend in October you must test the scare-factor at the Haunted Fort and if you visit Thanksgiving through early January, then prepare to behold a true winter wonderland.
Mo's Snow Shack – They can put together any combo of flavors on their Hawaiian shaved ice that you can dream up. Two shacks are open during the summer months in Bismarck. 625 S Washington St and 3101 N 11th St 435-592-3211
The Paddle Trap – This hot spot on the Missouri River has igloos set up on their huge patio when it gets cold, transforming them into the Polar Trap! The coolest way to experience winter. 2500 Pirates Loop, Mandan 701-202-3421
Papa's Pumpkin Patch – A fall fave that locals don't miss, especially considering that it's recognized by The Travel Channel as one of America's top 10 pumpkin destinations. Mark your calendars! 5001 Fernwood Dr, Bismarck 701-222-1521
Honorable Mention: Big Stick Cigar Lounge – This vintage tobacconist's swanky lounge is for you if your vibes are cigars, pipes and their accoutrements. We also hear that the bartenders are quite on point. 104 2nd Ave NW, Mandan 701-751-1029