Free Things to Do in Bismarck
Updated October 2026 · 10 places · Bismarck
These free year-round options in Bismarck include parks, riverfront paths, outdoor historic sites, and indoor exhibits. Park and trail addresses and features are confirmed through local park sources; museum admission and the gallery’s free public access are confirmed by their operators.
Map coming soon
Our Picks
North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum
612 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505
The North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum presents North Dakota history and includes the State Archives and other state history resources. It is known for free admission every day and exhibits covering the state’s story from geologic formation to the present.
North Dakota Capitol Grounds Arboretum Trail
600 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505
The Capitol grounds include an arboretum trail that passes trees and shrubs alongside state buildings and memorials. The trail is described as a place to experience nature, art, and architecture on the Capitol grounds.
Sertoma Park
300 Riverside Park Road, Bismarck, ND 58504
Sertoma Park is a large riverside park with paved and unpaved trails, playgrounds, sports facilities, and shore access to the Missouri River. Park features include the Gathering of Visions eagle sculpture, the Keeper eagle sculpture, and a 3.2-mile paved loop connected to the Riverfront Trail.
Keelboat Park
1605 River Road, Bismarck, ND 58503
Keelboat Park is a Missouri River park with outdoor history interpretation, public art, and recreation. Its 55-foot replica keelboat recalls the vessels used by the Corps of Discovery.
Pioneer Park
1500 River Road, Bismarck, ND 58503
Pioneer Park includes the Pioneer Park Overlook, trails, and a connection to the paved Riverfront Trail. The overlook area includes Chief Looking’s Village, with unpaved interpretive and hiking trails.
Chief Looking’s Village
2023 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck, ND 58503
Chief Looking’s Village is an outdoor interpretive area at the Pioneer Park Overlook, connected to the park and Riverfront Trail. It has a 0.55-mile interpretive trail as well as unpaved hiking and biking trails.
McDowell Dam Recreation Area
1951 93rd Street NE, Bismarck, ND 58501
McDowell Dam Recreation Area is a park with a paved loop, an unpaved biking and hiking loop, and access to the water. Its trails and wooded areas provide options for walking and nature outings.
Bismarck Rotary Arboretum
1329 Ward Road, Bismarck, ND 58501
The Bismarck Rotary Arboretum is a 10-acre interpretive area within Tom O’Leary Golf Course. It features 29 varieties of native trees, natural grasses, and an unpaved trail.
Gannon Gallery
1400 Schafer Street, Bismarck, ND 58506
The Gannon Gallery is a public gallery on the second floor of Skogen Hall at Bismarck State College. It presents rotating work by regional artists and students in a free public space.
Steamboat Park
River Road, Bismarck, ND 58503
Steamboat Park is a Missouri River site with a replica of the Yellowstone steamboat and the eagle sculpture Reflections. Local tourism coverage describes the park as a place to encounter river and Lewis and Clark-era history along the riverfront.