Bismarck

Bismarck, the capital city of North Dakota, unfolds on the east bank of the Missouri River, a place where the vastness of the prairie converges with a dynamic urban center. Established in 1872 by European-Americans, it swiftly grew from a railroad terminus to a significant hub, particularly after gold was discovered in the nearby Black Hills in 1874. Today, Bismarck stands as the state's second-most populous city, after Fargo, and functions as the economic heart of south-central North Dakota and north-central South Dakota.

Beyond its governmental role, Bismarck offers a blend of historical depth and natural allure. The city's foundations are deeply intertwined with the Mandan Native American tribe, who inhabited the area for thousands of years, and the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which traversed the region in the early 1800s. With a metropolitan population exceeding 133,000, Bismarck continues to expand, recognized by Forbes magazine in 2014 as one of the fastest-growing small cities in the United States.

Travelers to Bismarck will discover a city that embraces its past while charting a course for the future. From the soaring Art Deco State Capitol building to the tranquil Missouri Riverfront Trail, the city provides varied experiences. It is a place where history resonates, outdoor adventures call, and a welcoming community flourishes amidst the expansive North Dakota landscape.

## From Missouri Crossing to State Capital Bismarck's story begins long before European settlement, with the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Native American tribes inhabiting the area for thousands of years. The Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through this important Missouri River crossing point in 1804 and 1806.

The modern city's origins trace back to 1872, when European-Americans established a settlement at what was then known as Missouri Crossing. Initially, it was called Edwinton, named after Edwin Ferry Johnson, the Northern Pacific Railway's chief engineer. The railway's westward expansion was a critical factor in the town's development. In 1873, the Northern Pacific Railway strategically renamed the town Bismarck, honoring German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, hoping to attract German immigrants and investment. This makes Bismarck the only U.S. state capital named after a foreign statesman.

The discovery of gold in the Black Hills in 1874 provided a significant boost to Bismarck's growth, transforming it into an outfitting center for prospectors. This period also earned Bismarck the moniker "Wickedest City in the West," due to the influx of railroad workers and gold prospectors frequenting saloons and gambling houses. In 1883, Bismarck became the capital of the Dakota Territory, and when the territory was divided and North Dakota achieved statehood in 1889, Bismarck was designated its capital.

Over the decades, Bismarck continued to evolve. The construction of the first vehicular bridge across the Missouri River in the region, the Liberty Memorial Bridge, was completed in 1922, further solidifying Bismarck's role as a transportation hub. The city's population nearly doubled between 1940 and 1960, and it has since developed into a major business, financial, and cultural center for the region. Today, government, healthcare, retail, and energy sectors are key drivers of Bismarck's economy.

## Governors' Residences and Political Shifts The official residence for North Dakota's governors has a history of its own. The first Governor's Mansion, a Stick-style Victorian house, was built as a private home in 1884 and purchased by the state in 1893 for $5,000. It served as home to twenty governors until 1960, when a new residence was constructed on the State Capitol grounds due to the old mansion's disrepair and inadequate design for official use. The original mansion was later restored and opened as a house museum in 1984. A third, modern Governor's Residence was completed in 2018, replacing the 1960s-era home.

Begin your exploration at the North Dakota State Capitol, an Art Deco skyscraper offering expansive city views from its 18th-floor observation deck. On the Capitol grounds, delve into the state's natural and cultural evolution at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, featuring exhibits from prehistoric fossils to modern innovations.

For a glimpse into the lives of early state leaders, visit the Former Governors' Mansion State Historic Site. This restored 1884 Victorian house showcases changing tastes over 67 years of first families, with original furnishings and a carriage house exhibit on transportation history.

Along the Missouri River, Keelboat Park offers scenic views and a chance to reflect on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Nearby, the Dakota Zoo, situated in Riverside Park, houses over 600 animals from around the world and offers walkable paths and educational exhibits. The Missouri Riverfront Trail provides sweeping views for walkers and bikers.

Just southwest of the city, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park offers insights into Native American history at On-a-Slant Indian Village and the military past of General Custer's infantry post.

The best time to visit Bismarck for warm-weather activities extends from late June to late August, when average daily high temperatures are above 73°F (23°C). July is the warmest month, with an average high of 84°F (29°C) and comfortable humidity. Early June offers pleasant weather before peak crowds, with festivals beginning to appear on the calendar. September also provides comfortable temperatures, averaging 73°F (23°C) during the day, with a crispness in the evenings. Winters are cold, with January being the coldest month, averaging a low of 3°F (-16°C) and a high of 22°F (-6°C), and significant snowfall from October to April.

Bismarck Municipal Airport (BIS) is located three miles southeast of the city and is served by major airlines like United, Delta, American, and Allegiant, with direct flights to cities such as Denver, Minneapolis, and Las Vegas. The airport offers short-term, long-term, and economy parking.

Within Bismarck, the Capital Area Transit (CAT) provides fixed-route bus service Monday through Saturday. Bis-Man Transit also offers paratransit services for individuals with disabilities and seniors. While taxi services are limited and rideshare options are scarce, pre-arranged limousine services are available. For regional travel, the Bismarck-Mandan Transit Center is a Jefferson Lines bus depot, connecting to destinations like Fargo, ND, and Billings, MT. If you're exploring beyond the city limits, West River Transit provides public transportation to rural areas around Bismarck and Mandan.