Bismarck

Understand

Etymology The city was first named Edwinton, but the name was changed only a year later after Otto von Bismarck, a German statesman and politician. It was believed that the name change would attract foreign investment from Germany and encourage German immigration to the city.

History

Early history Very little is known about Bismarck's history prior to the 1800s (during which time Europeans started immigrating to the United States in large numbers). It is believed that the first settlers in the area were the Mandan (a Native American tribe) and they are believed to have resided in the city for thousands of years.

The 1800s During the Lewis and Clark expedition, the Corps of Discovery, a specially-established unit of the US Army, came into the area and stayed for a few years. The Corps of Discovery aimed to establish diplomatic relations and peace with the Native American tribes who resided in the area. In 1872, Camp Greeley (later Camp Hancock) was established in the city to protect those working on the Northern Pacific Railway. During this time, the area continued to be flooded with immigrants and the city was officially born. The discovery of large gold reserves in the Black Hills attracted numerous people to Bismarck, but this caused tensions with the Lakota tribe, who believed that the European immigrants had no business encroaching on territory sacred to them. In the late 1880s, Bismarck became the capital of North Dakota.

Present day As the capital of North Dakota, many of Bismarck's residents work for the North Dakotan government. Approximately 70,000 people live in Bismarck, making it one of the smaller cities in the United States.

Ancestry Germans are the largest ethnic group in the city, comprising half of the total population of the city. Large numbers of Germans came from Russia during the 19th century, and they were drawn by the prospect of owning large amounts of land in the United States. Almost all German-Americans in North Dakota

Getting there

By plane 1 Bismarck Municipal Airport (BIS IATA), 2301 University Dr (5 miles (8 km) south of the state capitol via 7th (SB) & 9th (NB) which curves southeasterly and become University Dr.). is served by: American Eagle (Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport) Allegiant (Las Vegas, Orlando Sanford Airport, Phoenix-Mesa Airport, St Petersburg/Clearwater, Florida) Delta/Delta Connection (Minneapolis-St Paul) United Express (Denver) There are taxis, rideshare (Lyft & Uber), and hotel shuttles to bring you into town locally. There are also car rentals available from the airport which is the preferred method for greater flexibility in getting around to the surrounding areas. See this Link for a list of what is available. Bis-Man Transit's Green 3 Route bus connects the airport into downtown and Inglewood Mall.

By train The nearest Amtrak station is located in Minot, North Dakota, which is around 100 miles (160 km) north of Bismarck on US-83. There are no Amtrak Thruway bus/shuttle connections, see below under 'By bus' as to what's available.

By car You can get to Bismarck from the east or west via I-94, or from the north or south via US-83. Taxi 9000 does offer cab service for the area. They are usually at the airport upon arrivals. The city is spread out, so a vehicle is recommended.

By bus 2 Jefferson Lines, (bus stop) Bis-Man Transit Center @ 3750 E Rosser Ave (E Rosser Ave, off of Bismarck Expressway), ☏ +1 701 450-8651, toll-free: +1-800-451-5333. Travels primarily on Interstate 94 between Fargo and Billings (via Valley City, Jamestown, Bismark, Dickenson, Glen Dives, Miles City). They also have another route going south towards Vivian, South Dakota on I-90 via Fort Yates, McLaughlin, Selby, Morbridge, Gettysburg, Adar, Onida, Pierre); Passengers transfer in Fargo, Vivian, South Dakota; and Billings to reach additional destinations.They also have a less frequent connections to Minot (Walmart Supercenter) via US 83. (updated Jul 2015) Souris Basin Tr

Getting around

The airport offers car rental services or you may use taxi services as well. The CAT (Capital Area Transit) now provides limited public transit service between the airport and Kirkwood Mall. The city services public transportation by running several bus routes throughout the area. It is called the Capital Area Transit (CAT). Route maps and information should be available at all major bus stops and the airport.

See

1 North Dakota State Capitol Building, 600 East Blvd, ☏ +1 701 328-2471, +1 701 328-2480, [email protected]. The state's tallest building, and the location of all three branches of state government. Tours available M - F 9AM-11AM and 1-3PM year round, M - F 8AM-11AM and 1-4PM, Sa 9AM-11AM and 1-3PM, Su 1-4PM from Memorial Day to Labor Day. 2 Bismarck Art and Galleries Association, 422 East Front Ave, ☏ +1 701 223-5986, fax: +1 701 223-8960, [email protected]. Art, photography and sculptures exhibits by local, regional and national artists. Open year round, Tuesday-Friday 10AM-5PM; Saturday 1-3PM Free admission. 3 Buckstop Junction Missouri Valley Fairgrounds, 3805 E Bismarck Expy, ☏ +1 701 390-6868, [email protected]. Reconstructed village with buildings from the late 1800s to the early 1930s. Turn-of-the-century atmosphere. By appointment. Admission fee is $2. 4 Camp Hancock, 101 West Main, ☏ +1 701 328-2666, fax: +1 701 328-3710, [email protected]. State historic site. Open May 16 to September 15, W-Su 1-5PM. It was established in 1872 as a military post, Camp Creeley, then renamed Camp Hancock in 1973. Its mission was to provide protection for work gangs building the Northern Pacific Railroad. The camp headquarters, a log building, is still standing on the site. Free, donations welcome. 5 Chief Looking's Village, Burnt Boat Drive NW, ☏ +1 701 328-2666. Native American village site with self-guided tour of the grounds, contains earthlodge depressions and a fortification ditch. 6 Dakota Zoo (Sertoma Park), ☏ +1 701 223-7543, fax: +1 701 258-8350, [email protected]. Variety of animal exhibits, including endangered monkeys, moose, and brown bears, some in natural habitats. Open late April to end of September from 10AM-8PM daily. In the winter (October to late April), open Friday to Sunday, 1-5PM. Admission for children under age two is free, $4.25 for children 2-12, $7.25 for ages 13-60, and $6.25 for 60+. 7 Double Ditch Indian Village, Highway 1

Do

Missouri River The Missouri River is a favorite with locals for fishing, swimming, and other water sports. Rivers can be dangerous: young children must wear life jackets and everyone must be conscious of those around them.

1 Lewis and Clark Riverboat, ☏ +1 701 255-4233, [email protected]. A 150-passenger paddle wheel riverboat based at the Port of Bismarck, River Road, Bismarck. Afternoon and evening round-trip cruises on the Missouri River from the historic Port of Bismarck to Fort Lincoln and the On-A-Slant Mandan Village. Dinner and beverage service available for regu