In Bismarck, you can plan your trip around different interests: hands-on STEM experiences, museums, wildlife, trails, or seasonal cruises on the Missouri. These offerings vary in the age groups they appeal to, the focus they offer, and whether they are seasonal.
Science and museums for different interests
North Dakota's Gateway to Science offers hands-on STEM learning experiences for people of all ages. The Science First exhibit is specifically designed for young children and accompanying adults; its focus is on inquiry-based learning in the natural sciences. At the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, Treehouse is a museum exhibit designed especially for young children to introduce them to the world of museums.
The three offerings have different focuses: the Gateway appeals to audiences of all ages, Science First combines scientific inquiry with adult accompaniment, and Treehouse focuses on introducing children to the world of museums. If you are choosing between science and museum topics during your stay, you can use these differences as a guide rather than treating all the offerings as similar stops.
Wildlife and trails with distinct focuses
The Dakota Zoo covers 90 acres and is home to around 400 mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish representing 125 species. Its animal groups and size give it a different character from Bismarck's themed trails: here, animals and species diversity take center stage.
The Bismarck Conservation and Outdoor Skills Area has three interpretive trails focused on upland, wetland, and fish topics. In addition, the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District owns and manages more than 85 miles of trails in the City of Bismarck and Burleigh County. The trail system offers opportunities for hiking, running, and biking. When planning, you can distinguish between an interest in specific nature topics and an interest in one of these activities. The District's figures cover a trail network in the City and County; they do not describe just one trail.
Another connection is the Missouri Valley Trail: it links Bismarck and Mandan with several historic, recreational, and cultural sites along the Missouri River. Its focus is not just one of the three trail topics, but connecting different types of places. This offers a distinct perspective if you would like to explore Bismarck and Mandan in relation to sites along the river.
Seasonal cruises on the Missouri
The Lewis & Clark Riverboat offers cruises on the Missouri from Memorial Day through Labor Day, including public cruises. The season recurs, but the exact dates may vary. A river cruise therefore differs from the trails not only in activity, but also in its seasonal schedule. If you would like to plan a cruise, check the dates for your preferred travel period; the season alone does not specify a particular sailing date.
Discover more destinations: Menoken
Return to the main travel overview: Burleigh County.
