The wide prairies, the rustic landscape and even the lives and culture of the Native Americans are all essential parts of North Dakota's vast history. Learn about it all when you plan a visit to the North Dakota Heritage Center in Bismarck. This impressive venue has the distinction of being the largest museum in the state. The wide variety of exhibits examines what life was like on the northern plains from prehistory all the way to the present day. It is a truly fascinating historical journey!
Devils Lake in Bismarck's surrounding area is a favorite of aquatic sports lovers. In addition to swimming, those willing to take the plunge enjoy snorkeling, water skiing, jet skiing and fishing during the warmer months of the year.
For a stunning view of history and of the Bismarck landscape, check out Chief Looking's Village. It is situated atop a hill that overlooks the Missouri River. The village once contained several dwellings that were surrounded by fortifications, but onl use your imagination, but the outdoor beauty of the area makes the trip quite worth it. The village is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
If you think that the concept of the cowboy was invented by John Wayne-types, Bismarck's North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame will challenge everything you think you know about cattle rustlers from the past. This attraction is an interpretive center for the history of Native Americans, and you will see the dramatic link between their culture to various “western” traditions like the rodeo, ranching, and the rustic “cowboy” lifestyle that owes much to the tribes that first inhabited the land.