Best parks in Bismarck
Updated September 2026 · 15 places · Bismarck
Welcome to Bismarck, where the parks are as inviting as a friendly neighbor with a fresh pot of coffee. Whether you're a local or just passing through, our parks are the heartbeats of the city, offering a little bit of everything for everyone. Start your adventure at Pioneer Park, where the Missouri River whispers stories of the past and invites you for a serene walk along its banks. Or maybe you're in the mood for a round of disc golf at Tom O'Leary Park, where the rolling greens and tall trees make for a perfect afternoon. Kessler's Park, with its open spaces and playgrounds, is a favorite for families looking to let the kids run wild. Each park has its unique charm, ready to be discovered. So, lace up your walking shoes, grab a friend or two, and dive into Bismarck's green treasures. Trust me; you won't want to stop exploring.
Map coming soon
Our Picks
Riverwood Park
1453 Riverwood Dr, Bismarck, ND 58504
Riverwood is a Bismarck Parks and Recreation property associated with Riverwood Golf Course. The district lists the Riverwood address as 725 Riverwood Drive and provides current Riverwood facility contact information. [web:4][web:12]
Tom O'Leary Park
211 W Century Ave, Bismarck, ND 58503
Tom O'Leary Park is the ultimate kid paradise, with a splash pad that makes summer days feel downright magical and a skate park where your mini Tony Hawk can practice ollies to their heart's content. If you're a parent, pack a picnic and prepare to relax while the little ones burn off energy in this well-maintained haven.
Kessler's Park
1400 E Divide Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501
Kessler's Park is a hidden gem for sports enthusiasts and dog lovers alike, where you can catch an impromptu baseball game or let your pup run wild in the spacious dog park. The tennis courts have a few cracks, but they're perfect for a casual match with friends, all while being a delightful backdrop for community gatherings.
Pioneer Park
2001 E Main Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501
Pioneer Park has a playground, four sand-volleyball courts, a reservable picnic shelter, permanent restrooms, a replica keelboat, interpretive signage, and access to the paved Riverfront Trail. Its overlook includes Chief Looking's Village, scenic Missouri River views, and unpaved hiking and biking trails. [web:16][web:18][web:31]
Gail Gleason Community Park
30th St & Interstate Loop, Bismarck, ND 58504
Gail Gleason Community Park is the perfect spot to unleash your inner child with its sprawling playground that even adults will be tempted to explore. Don't forget to bring your A-game for the horseshoe pits and volleyball courts—this park's got the goods for a fun-packed day.
Burnt Boat Recreation Area
800 Burnt Boat Dr, Bismarck, ND 58504
Burleigh County identifies the Burnt Boat/Kniefel Landing area as part of the county park system. It is managed among the county's boat-ramp and river-access areas rather than as a conventional neighborhood park. [web:43]
Circle 6 Park
600 S 7th St, Bismarck, ND 58504
Circle 6 Park is the perfect spot to unleash your inner child on the playground while savoring a peaceful afternoon picnic under the generous shade of the shelters. If you’re looking for a place to shoot some hoops without the typical park chaos, this hidden gem in a quiet neighborhood won’t disappoint.
Mandan Community Park
315 6th Ave NW, Mandan, ND 58554
If you're looking to beat the summer heat in Mandan, the Community Park's water slides are an exhilarating escape that will make you feel like a kid again. Plus, the sports fields are perfect for a pick-up game, but make sure to bring bug spray as the mosquitoes are MVPs out there!
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
4480 Fort Lincoln Rd, Mandan, ND 58554
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is a treasure trove for history buffs with its meticulously recreated Custer House, offering a vivid glimpse into the 19th-century military life. Don't skip the river trails; they're perfect for spotting local wildlife, and the small entrance fee feels like a bargain for such a rich experience.
Sertoma Park
3501 E Thayer Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501
Sertoma Park is the go-to spot in Bismarck for outdoor enthusiasts, where you can feel like Robin Hood at the archery range or channel your inner pilot at the model airplane field. Don't forget to pack your fishing gear—casting a line at the serene pond is the cherry on top of a perfect day out!
Bismarck Rotary Arboretum
Ward Road, south of Divide Avenue, Bismarck, ND
The Bismarck Rotary Arboretum is located within Tom O'Leary Golf Course, with its entrance off Ward Road just south of Divide Avenue. It adds a plant-focused walking stop to the Tom O'Leary area. [web:17]
Atkinson Nature Park
Atkinson Nature Park is a wooded natural area with a 1.65-mile unpaved interpretive loop for hiking and horseback riding. Dogs are not allowed on the trail, and the park has a parking lot and portable restroom; cross-country ski trails are groomed when conditions permit. [web:25]
Lions Park
Lions Park combines a nine-hole disc-golf course, two playgrounds, a skate park, tennis and pickleball courts, outdoor skating rinks, and a 1.26-mile paved shared-use loop. The park also has a warming house and a Poetry Box. [web:27]
Sleepy Hollow Park
Sleepy Hollow Park is a 60.5-acre Bismarck park that has been part of the park district system since 1977. It is a larger park option for local outdoor recreation than the city's smaller neighborhood parks. [web:28]
Chief Looking's Village
2023 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck, ND 58503
Chief Looking's Village is part of the Pioneer Park Overlook and has a scenic Missouri River overlook, a playground, Sonali's Garden, a 0.55-mile unpaved interpretive trail, and a paved connection to the Riverfront Trail. The gate is open daily from May through October when weather permits. [web:18]