Mind Over Material LLC

The Japanese Garden in Bismarck is one of those startlingly unexpected treasures that you will find yourself coming back to again and again. Many people find this beautiful swath of greenery the perfect natural escape from the pressures of the everyday. When you visit, it won't be unusual to see many folks strolling leisurely on the walkways and basking in the natural allure and serenity of these meticulously landscaped gardens and the floral attractions in bloom.

The ultimate goal of most nature lovers is to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find solace in a relaxing, natural setting. In Bismarck, the McDowell Dam Recreation Area is such a place. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities that include paddle boating, swimming, fishing, and picnicking. If you want to make yourself comfortable there are shelters available for full or half-day stays.

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.

There are several opportunities for the whole family to make a big splash when you venture out to Bismarck's Super Slide Amusement Park. Race down the super slide, chase each other around in bumper cars, go for a spin around the carousel, or take a whack at a baseball in the batting cages.