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Last week, I got to experience some of the hidden gems found in and around Bismarck and Mandan, ND. I will say that I am not a stranger to the state of North Dakota. I grew up about an hour from Fargo, ND, but lived in Minnesota. I went to college in Fargo at NDSU and did travel when I was a kid out to Bismarck to visit a relative a few times, but it was so long ago that I don’t remember much from those visits.
My stay last week was at the Radisson Hotel Bismarck. I love the location. You are within walking distance of the Capital and many downtown businesses. If you fly into the city, there is an airport shuttle too. Radisson Hotel Bismarck offers free Wi-Fi and free covered parking.
My room was clean and functional. It was across from the elevator so it took some time to get used to the noise it created, but overall a very good stay.
Our first stop on this trip was to explore and sample some of the yummy offerings of Dakota Nuts-N-Candy in downtown Bismarck. Mike Iken is the owner and is a veteran. He offers a variety of goodies in his store. There are nostalgic candies featured from the 1920s-1980s, chocolates, trail and cracker mixes, plus newly added freeze-dried treats. Dakota Nuts-N-Candy partners with many local vendors as well as major brands. You can relive enjoying your childhood sweet treat, find a unique gift for a special someone, or bring the family with you to pick up an assortment of treats to then enjoy time together sampling.
Dakota Nuts-N-Candy also features a space in the back of their store that is used for samplings and classes. It can also be used for other events. If you can’t make it to the store, you can also order sweet treats online with Dakota Nuts-N-Candy. Bulk orders are available too on their website.
Historic Sites of Bismarck
We were fortunate to go on a walking tour of downtown Bismarck with Mike Jensen of ND Tourism to learn more about the historic aspects of downtown. The first two images following are of the Burleigh County Courthouse in Bismarck. I didn’t get a chance to go inside, but the outside features art deco design in this three-story building. Indiana limestone and pink granite were used in its construction. It also has aluminum spandrels. This building is said to be a site to see with many original murals inside plus it has an adorning marble wainscot.
The third image is of the Bismarck Event Center or formerly the Bismarck Civic Center. Mike had shared how John F. Kennedy once stood on its steps. Many music venues and sporting events have been hosted here over the years.
Another stop on our walking tour was the Former Governor’s Mansion Historic Site. This building was used from 1893-1960 as the governor’s residence. The original owner was Asa Fisher, a wholesale liquor dealer, who sold the property to the state in 1893.
Further on our walk, we went by the Northern Pacific Railroad Depot. The original structure was destroyed by fire and rebuilt. This building features Spanish mission-style architecture. Unfortunately, our time was too short to stop in.
To the left of the building is a structure commemorating Mark Kellogg. He was a telegraph operator and the only journalist who was allowed to accompany Lieutenant Colonel Custer. Mr. Kellogg died 16 days before the Battle of Little Bighorn.
There is much more to learn about the history of Bismarck and also Mandan, which is just across the Missouri River. We were lucky to have Mike on our walk with us last week. He is a wealth of knowledge. If you don’t have someone like Mike along, there are stations to scan with your phone to then have a self-guided tour in downtown Bismarck so you can also learn about its rich history.
North Dakota’s Gateway to Science
North Dakota’s Gateway to Science has so much to see and do. It opened at its new location on February 27, 2023, with the vision to bring science learning opportunities to people of all ages. Bismarck is the home of North Dakota’s first and only hands-on science center.
When visiting, I went with a group of adults, and feel I can safely say we all had a lot of fun with what we were able to do here. I am a big believer in us learning by play and also learning by doing. There is water play and weather around you, forces in motion, an exhibit on the human body called “Examining You”, a growing science exhibit that showcases agriculture, plus much, much more at North Dakota’s Gateway to Science.
If you are planning an event, this facility also has a spacious room on the second floor available to rent. This space would be great for weddings, class reunions, etc.
North Dakota’s Gateway to Science is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. but is closed on Tuesdays.
Huckleberry House at Heritage River Landing
At the start of the evening, we got to learn about one of Bismarck’s newest restaurants, Huckleberry House. Cody, a cook, and co-owner of Huckleberry House, with the assistance of his bar manager, Dante, pulled away from their busy day to speak with us about the inspiration behind Huckleberry House. They strive to serve up one-of-a-kind cocktails and cuisine that features a Nordic flare.
This property has design elements inspired by an 1800s boathouse. There is indoor and outdoor seating available.
The drinks and food here are a work of art. I sampled the Prince Rogers Nelson, which has vodka, butterfly pea flower, lavender, and lemon. It was garnished with a candied hibiscus flower.
We got to sample Hasselhoffs, which is tots, pork, and sauerkraut with a beer and butterkase sauce. So good! And there were also Grilled Beef Skewers to try. This had been done with a caraway-coffee rub, huckleberry aigre doux (French for mixing two flavors that create a sweet and sour taste), puffed wild rice, and marinated hot pepper. Delicious!
Lewis & Clark Riverboat Cruise
Our evening wrapped up with a cruise on the Missouri River on a 105-passenger Lewis and Clark Riverboat. We got to enjoy a BBQ-themed dinner from Laughing Sun Brewing while on the cruise. There was an audio recording playing on the riverboat that I think went over some of the history in the area, but I couldn’t make out much of what was being said. Cruises run May-September on the Missouri River. It was a full boat that night, but we had beautiful weather and great company.
