About this city
Also known as: The Capital City, Skyscraper on the Prairie
Bismarck, the capital city of North Dakota and the county seat of Burleigh County, is a dynamically growing hub beautifully positioned along the eastern banks of the winding Missouri River. Founded in 1872 and named in honor of German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck to attract foreign investment, the city is crowned by a magnificent 19-story Art Deco state capitol building, affectionately known as the 'Skyscraper on the Prairie.' Bismarck seamlessly blends its rich frontier heritage, rooted in the historic Lewis and Clark expedition, with a modern, thriving economy centered on healthcare, government administration, and energy commerce. The surrounding river valley provides a beautiful backdrop for extensive urban parks, cultural institutions, and high-altitude riverboat recreation.
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Practical Tourism Metadata
Suggested stay: 1–2 days
Tour the landmark 19-story North Dakota State Capitol, explore the expansive historical galleries at the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum, cruise the Missouri River on the Lewis and Clark Riverboat, and view exotic wildlife at the Dakota Zoo.
