Bismarck

 

The Missouri River is a favorite with locals for fishing, swimming, and other water sports. Please keep in mind that rivers can be dangerous. It is important that young children wear life jackets and all people are conscious of those around them.

The Desert

Is a local hangout in the summer. the desert is located on the east bank of the missouri south of the university of mary. it takes about 15-20 minutes to reach the desert by car. a boat ramp kimball bottoms is located in the area, and continuing past the boat ramp while following the shoreline for about another mile will bring you to a large sandbar beach where you may park your car and camp. this area is often extremely crowded during the summer, especially on holidays and weekends. during the week, it can be much more relaxing. a large area is located adjacent to the beach that is used by off-road vehicles, including dirt bikes and 4-wheelers.

Boating

Is a great way to spend a long weekend or a lazy summer evening. a map showing boat ramps can be found here. there are generally many sandbars available in the bismarck area to dock on. much like the desert, sandbars near the bridges in the middle of bismarck-mandan often become crowded and rowdy on hot summer days. head away from the middle of town, to the north or south, for some seclusion and relaxation.

 

Water-skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding are all popular activities, as well. Be aware that it is often dangerous to do these things within the vicinity of the four bridges spanning the river, as there is often too much boat traffic. Heading one mile up or down river will help you to have a safer and more fun! time. Be aware that state law requires two people on the boat/jet-ski in cases of pulling someone on a tube, wakeboard, etc. One person is required to sit at the back of the boat and 'spot' for the people being pulled. There are state Game & Fish boats enforcing these rules.

Play

Cro-shoes. this is a great river tradition. the game was invented by vern peterson, a local, in 1987. the game combines elements of horse shoes and other games to provide a unique sandbar game. game sets are available at scheel's sports, located at kirkwood mall, or through the cro-shoes website contact page.

 

Huff Hills Ski Area, located in the buttes on the western banks of the Missouri River, is the largest downhill ski area in North Dakota, with a vertical drop of 450 feet. Huff Hills is located 18 miles south of Mandan on ND State Highway 1806. The scenic drive takes around 45 minutes from Bismarck, and around 30 minutes from Mandan.

Cross-country skiing is often possible in Bismarck. Bismarck Parks & Recreation Department grooms trails at Riverwood Golf Course if snow conditions allow. It is often possible to ski in the countryside around Bismarck, but remember that trespassing on private property is a crime!

Bismarck offers two movie theaters see movie showtimes:

Carmike (http://www.carmike.com) has a theater in Gateway Mall in North Bismarck.

Locally-owned Grand Theaters (http://www.grandtheaters.com) is the favorite among local movie enthusiasts. It offers stadium seating in most of its theaters. The theater features curved screens, two giant screens, rocking seats, a theater with many loveseats, and lavish decor. If you find yourself in Theater 15, look up, there are twinkling stars in the ceiling. Grand Theaters is well worth the $7.75 to see a film.

The Bismarck Civic Center (http://www.bismarckcivicc...) is home to the Bismarck Bobcatshockey, Dakota Wizards Basketball and the Roughriders Arena Football. The civic center also offers the occasional concert, featuring performers such as Clay Aiken.