4 Best Sights in Bismarck, North Dakota

North Dakota past and present is uncovered at the state's largest museum and archive. In 2014, the museum was renovated and its floor plan enlarged to 39,000 feet. New permanent features include galleries focusing on different time periods in the history of the territory now known as North Dakota, from its ancient geological beginnings underwater to its current position as a modern agricultural producer. There’s also a large children’s wing, the Treehouse, as well as a gallery devoted entirely to traveling exhibits. Note: at this writing the museum will be closed and will not reopen until November 2, 2014.

Built in 1884 as a private home for a local businessman, the Former Governor’s Mansion was turned into an official residence in the 1890s. North Dakota’s incumbent governors lived here until 1960, when it was converted into office space. From 1975 to 1984 it was restored, with different parts of the house reflecting different eras in its history. Today this elegant building serves as a museum and contains political memorabilia, period furnishings, and a permanent exhibit that details the transition from horse-and-buggy days to the modern automobile.

History buffs and nature lovers alike won’t want to miss a trip out to Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, a 30-minute drive from Bismarck. The erstwhile fort at this park was Custer’s final base before his last stand at the Battle of Little Bighorn; portions of the fort and the commander’s house have been rebuilt and can be visited today. A popular attraction within the park is the On-A-Slant Indian Village, a reconstructed Mandan Tribe village that stood on a downward-slanting parcel of land in the park until the 18th century. For those wishing to stay overnight in the park, there are two cabins, two tipis, and a campsite.

A 60-mile drive north of Bismarck, this site makes for an excellent day trip for anyone interested in Native American culture. The monument preserves depressions formed by the Hidatsa and Mandan tribes' circular earth-and-timber lodges. The museum and interpretive center display pottery shards, other artifacts, and a full-scale furnished replica of an earth lodge. There are also a few hiking trails that originate at the monument; the 1.5-mile Village Trail passes through what remains of two different villages.