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.
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.
Located just a few miles from the city, Lake Sakakawea is a popular destination for lovers of water sports. The expansive body of water stretches out over seventy miles and is the perfect place to enjoy fishing, swimming, canoeing, water skiing and jet skiing.