**June 2025: Weekday Late Morning Visit**…read more My friend and I were visiting the The North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum and saw this exhibit behind the building. It's called "The French Gratitude Train" or also known as the Merci Train - which was a gift from the people of France following World War II. This boxcar was originally filled with gifts and symbolic objects donated by regular French citizens and is a permanent exhibit commemorating the French/American friendship. As a visitor, I thought seeing and reading about this was really inspiring and l gave me hope in the goodwill between nations. It's open to the public so if you're visiting the Museum come check this out.

The Huff Indian Village is well-maintained and informative, I'm a fan!…read more Pros: -Lots of interpretive signs! It's free admission! Open year round! I wouldn't suggest coming during the winter, you may fall into one of the pits/digs. -This Indigenous site was home to early Mandan's dating around 1450 AD and was only occupied for about 20 years (not very long). -The site is pretty large...it is estimated that a thousand or more people once lived here. -One can clearly see the layout of the village (where the head lodge was vs. where the other smaller lodges were). -This site (unlike Fort Rice in a few miles south of this historic site) is not covered in prairie dog and gopher holes! Cons: -Lots of mosquitos! -There's no restrooms, so either used the restroom at Fort Rice campsite area or go while you're in Mandan. There's not a public bathroom nearby for miles.

This is a spectacular archaeological site! The Double Ditch Mandan Village is very close to…read moreBismarck (7 miles) and sits high on a terrace overlooking the mighty Missouri River! It is roughly 22 acres, so there is a lot of walking to be done; lots of "interpretive signs" to read about the Mandan people (about 2,000 people once lived here). This site was occupied continuously for nearly 300 years, that is until smallpox was introduced to the Mandan. It is called double-ditch, because of the many ditches (specifically two large ones) that surround the inside and outside of where the earth lodges were located. Amazing to walk on the grounds of so much history! This site is open to the public all year round. Please don't bring your dogs, this is just common respect, I'm Indigenous (Lakota), trust me. This site is considered sacred and memorable to Indigenous people, specifically the Mandan. Lastly, there is a kayak launch area and bike path! This is a great place to bring your children or schools to learn more about the Mandan.

This is a wonderful place to visit some history! It is totally free to view everything; donations…read moreare welcome! The mansion was constructed in 1884 and was not originally built for the governors of North Dakota, but rather as a private resident. The mansion was the North Dakota governors' residence from 1893 to 1960, which is pretty sweet! They are very open to photography, so snap away! The mansion gets decorated for different seasons and holidays, which I can't wait to come back for the holiday season! Lastly, there is a lot for children to do here, they have historic games that you can do with your children on the lawn and a scavenger hunt! It is 100% a self-guided tour, however a site supervisor is always around and is happy to answer questions! I asked her about any paranormal activity that the mansion has had and she did have a few stories for me; pretty cool, a haunting presence somewhere in the heart of Bismarck, North Dakota! I was treated so well and the site supervisor was super welcoming! There is two floors, both open to the public (every bedroom and room is open). The upstairs is not handicap accessible, because you have to climb stairs. Additionally, there is a "Carriage House" which is basically the garage that has been converted into a museum full of historical artifacts! You could spend approximately 1-2 hours here and get the feel of the whole place. The North Dakota State Historical Society clearly did a lot of research and beautiful restoration to this place. I will no doubt be back and I am so thankful that I stopped on by on a beautiful August day! I hope you enjoy the pictures I captured!

In the area that I come from, the sandhill crane is quite important, so I wanted to make a little…read moredetour to be sure to stop and see the world's largest sandhill crane. The crane is located in a field that is kind of next to an empty gravel lot. We spent less than 5 minutes here and the sculpture is fine and there is some information about it, including a selfie spot. We had our dog with us however and there is a lot of unkept long grass in the area and we found some ticks on our dog after stopping here, so be careful.

Sandy the crane is the largest indeed. Not quite as polished as the other larger than life statues…read morethat I have seen. Still cool though. On to the next one!

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park was $7 for a day pass and well worth it in my opinion…read more The park is spacious, clean, and very walkable. It's great if you want to learn about history. The views are spectacular. We went in May and it was so green and we loved the views of the Missouri River. I also love that it's pet friendly and you can have your dog on a leash here on the trails. Highly recommend to all!

The park is very beautiful and well maintained. We took the Custer House tour and it was very…read moreinformative, the guides are dresses like soldiers and very knowledgeable. The Indian village is awesome, kids (11/15) really enjoyed. Would recommend if you are in the area.

Camp Hancock is located in downtown Bismarck right by the train tracks. It is a very cute,…read morewell-kept area with some pretty interesting history. Overall, it is very centered around the Episcopal Church that still sits there. This is not the most exciting historic site in the area, however it is still a good place to check out. The inside of the main building is only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Pros: -Lots of resources: they have books, audio books,…read moreDVDs, music CDs, magazines, and newspapers. -Additionally, they have circulating collections like art prints, fishing poles, ND State Park passes, life vests, and movie binge boxes. -Library goers also have access to free wifi, computers, printers (for a cost), digital audio books, eBooks, and much more. -There's study rooms! Plus lots of tables and chairs for reading and working! -There's a coffee shop! -Children's area is pretty big! -Meeting room calendar to see what type of community events are happening at the library. -The staff is super courteous and helpful! Cons: -The stench, I can't even call it a smell because it is so strong and rank. The stench is primarily in the bathrooms and in the entry way. -There tends to be a lot of transient people that utilize the library and wait around outside of the library, which is great, however... I think (can't totally say for sure) the stench is coming from people abusing the bathroom for other things.... not just doing the natural deed (PLEASE SPRAY THE ENTRY AND BATHROOMS). Overall, this place is A-OK!

I really love this library and all it has to offer but the older librarians are kind of not…read morefriendly. They don't greet you when you get to the counter. They don't have manners. They don't say "have a nice day" at the end. Just grouchy looking. I usually use the self check out because I'm so scared of the interaction with the old ladies. Please stop working at place where there is supposed to be love and friendship if you are not going to show kindness.