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10 Things to do Near Bismarck, ND

When you live at North Ridge Apartments, you are minutes away from the best that Bismarck has to offer! As the second-largest city in the state, Bismarck has many exciting cultural activities, pristine parks, and tasty local eateries to visit.


Top 5 Restaurants in Bismarck 



Bismarck’s culinary scene is well-developed and surprisingly diverse. Whether you’re in the mood for the best pizza around or want to try something totally new, there’s a local restaurant that will fit the bill!

Fried shrimp with a side of dipping sauce.

Moshi Taiyaki

Nestled inside Kirkwood Mall, Moshi Taiyaki serves up sweet and savory treats inspired by Japan, as well as unique drinks. In addition to their high-traffic mall location, they often set up booths at local events for people to try their unique taiyaki flavors. Taiyaki is a waffle-like Japanese pastry that looks like a fish and traditionally has sweet fillings. At Moshi Taiyaki, they offer various flavors, from strawberry custard, Oreo, and Dubai pistachio chocolate to exciting savory options, such as ham and cheese, cheese pull, and pizzayaki, full of pepperoni. They also offer shawarma wraps and bowls for those who want something a little more filling.

A plate of fried spring rolls on a wooden board with tomatoes in the background.

Baby Bull

Craving savory roasted chicken, perfectly seasoned steak, and side dishes with a tropical flair? Baby Bull combines the best protein sources with unique Caribeean, Domincan, and Cuban flavors. Enjoy fresh grilled fish served with a mango pico de gallo, black beans, and sweet plantains. Savor a juicy steak with yuca fries instead of a traditional potato side dish. They also serve up a Cuban sandwich that is utterly craveable. Want something sweet? Their cheesecake smothered in caramelized plantains will hit the spot. This fun new eatery is already making waves on the Bismarck restaurant scene!

A plate of food with a piece of meat and vegetables.

Walrus Restaurant

The Walrus is a local favorite that is often very busy in the evening and on the weekends. They don’t have standard closing hours, as they keep serving food for as long as people keep showing up most evenings. The eclectic menu here features burgers, stone-fired pizza, pasta, salads, and hearty entrees, such as the 12-ounce ribeye. For more than 30 years, the Walrus has offered a peerless assortment of craft beers, with more than 40 options on tap! Stop in when they’re busy to see why locals love the Walrus!

A close up of a hot dog with toppings.

Anima Cucina

Conveniently located downtown in Bismarck, Anima Cucina draws people in with incredible coffee and brings them back with incredible meals and one of the most unique wine lists in the area! From inspired takes on breakfast and brunch classics, like the porchetta hash and prosciutto benedict to the impressive assortment of house-made pasta and sauces (try the wild boar bolognese!), Anima Cucina has beautiful, tasty meals on offer at all times of the day. This is a great place to start a special day or a location for a memorable night out with friends!/p>

A plate of fried chicken wings and two red chili peppers.

Country House Deli

The Country House Deli has been serving up traditional homemade lunches for Bismarck residents for more than 50 years! They take simple recipes, make them with quality ingredients, and serve them up on homemade bread. Soups and salads are also made fresh in-house! The namesake sandwich features summer sausage, salami, Colby and Muenster cheeses, along with lettuce, tomato, and house sauce. They offer most deli staples, as well as hot sandwiches, including a taco grinder with four kinds of meat. Sit in the cozy dining area, or call ahead for carryout!

Top 5 Places To Go In Bismarck

Two women are walking in a gallery, one of them is holding a white object.

Many dance studios cater only to children taking group classes. Northern Plains Dance has an impressive line-up of classes, including parent and toddler courses and weekly classes for different ages and styles. They also offer intensives, where top dance teachers from around the country teach new skills.

Adult classes range from tap and ballet workshops to Broadway-themed classes and wedding day workshops. For those who want to watch, not participate, there are also public performances.

A woman is looking at clothes on a rack in a room with two potted plants.

Want to enjoy an evening on the water or the most unique brunch option in the area? Consider taking a public cruise on the Lewis and Clark, a riverboat that takes people for scenic cruises on the Missouri River. The professionals manning the ship provide information about local history and the Missouri River.

Cruises last between 60 and 90 minutes and often feature meals, such as BBQ, Mexican, pizza, and brunch. There is also a sunset cruise for those who want to see the colors of twilight on the river. This is a memorable adventure for people of all ages!

A sign in front of a church provides information about the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church.

Feeling artistic? Try painting and carving a leather-hard piece of pottery, which is then glazed and fired to make it food, microwave, and dishwasher safe. In addition to artisan-made works available for sale on site and at several gallery shops around Bismarck, Nodakian Studios offers paint-your-own activities. For those hoping to delve deeper into the world of pottery, there are classes to learn the pottery wheel. There are also classes that focus on making either hand-rolled spoons or creative, one-of-a-kind mugs. People can pick up their creations later and remember this adventure forever!

A woman is running in a park.

Fine art is more accessible in Bismarck thanks to the Bismarck Art & Galleries Association! The main facility on E. Front Avenue does not charge admission for the two new art exhibits on display each month. The Bismarck Art & Galleries Association also hosts community events and classes for those who want to socialize or hone their artistic skills!

The gallery store features unique creations ranging from handmade jewelry and pottery to paintings and walking sticks. The Bismarck Art & Galleries Association has the longest-standing gallery in the area, and there’s always something new to appreciate!

A brown and white cow with a black nose and ears is staring at the camera.

Super Slide Amusement Park is home to the only roller coaster in North Dakota, which is 18 feet tall and features 165 feet of track. The park’s namesake, however, is a 24-foot slide with six lanes.

Visitors can also compete on a Bankshot basketball course, in a biodegradable water balloon battle zone, or in Downpour Derby, where the fastest players can avoid getting soaked by buckets of water. There is also a spinning teacup ride, Ferris wheel, carousel, and bumper car track for hours of fun. Super Slide Amusement Park is a great day trip for those living in Bismarck.

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