Bismarck · Burleigh County, ND

Where to take visiting family in Bismarck

Scout analyzed 42 Bismarck places and surfaced the ones that actually fit visiting family.

Places analyzed

Matches

Typical spend

$35

Typical visit

1.4 hr

Scout-verified spots

Food & Drink

Copper Dog Cafe

This cafe is good for a casual breakfast, lunch, or coffee break. Expect to spend 45-90 minutes and $10-25 per person for a meal and a drink.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$10–$25 typical45 min visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Classic Rock Coffee and Kitchen

This coffee shop is suitable for a quick solo stop or a casual, inexpensive meetup. Expect to spend under $15 for a beverage and a light bite over about 45 minutes.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews

Sickies Garage is a good spot for a casual meal of burgers and brews, suitable for families or a relaxed outing. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours and around $15-35 per person.

FoodCocktailsSports

$15–$35 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Nightlife

Space Aliens Grill & Bar

This bar and grill offers family-friendly comfort food in a planetary-themed setting. It's a good spot for a casual meal with kids, typically costing $15-$35 per person for about an hour and fifteen minutes.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$15–$35 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Laughing Sun Brewing Co.

Laughing Sun is a casual spot for craft beer and BBQ, often with live music. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $20-40 per person, making it a good choice for a relaxed evening out or a weekend stop.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$20–$40 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Peacock Alley

Peacock Alley is suitable for a dinner outing, particularly for special occasions or a romantic evening, with a typical visit lasting about 90 minutes. Expect to spend $50-100 per person for a full meal and drinks in an historic setting.

FoodCocktailsHistory

$50–$100 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

The Firepit

The Firepit is a casual restaurant suitable for a meal any day of the week, expecting a visit of about an hour and a cost of $15-35 per person. It can be paired with local shops or attractions for a full outing.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$15–$35 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Kiwanis Park

Kiwanis Park is suitable for a free family outing or solo walk, typically lasting about an hour. It can be paired with a picnic or a visit to a nearby cafe.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

JOMO HOUSE

JOMO HOUSE is a good spot for a casual breakfast or snack, ideal for a quick family outing or a solo coffee run. Expect to spend about 30 minutes and under $15 per person for donuts and coffee.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is a good half-day outing for history and nature enthusiasts, featuring reconstructed fort buildings and a Mandan village. Expect to spend $8-15 per person on entry and light refreshments, suitable for pairing with a picnic or a meal in nearby Mandan.

OutdoorsArtsHistory

$8–$15 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Family

Dakota Zoo

The Dakota Zoo is a good half-day outing for families with young children, typically costing $10-20 per person for entry. It pairs well with a picnic or other outdoor activities in the area.

AnimalsOutdoorsRelaxed

$10–$20 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Lions Park

Lions Park is a free outdoor space ideal for a casual family outing or solo stroll, featuring views and a petting zoo. Expect to spend about 1.5 hours enjoying the park, best visited during good weather.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Arts & Culture

North Dakota's Gateway to Science

This is a great indoor destination for families with elementary-aged kids, offering a few hours of interactive science exploration. Expect to spend about $10-20 per person for entry.

ArtsAnimalsFood

$10–$20 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

LongHorn Steakhouse

This is a reliable chain steakhouse for a casual meal, suitable for family dinners or a relaxed date night. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and around $25-50 per person for a full meal.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$25–$50 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Cottonwood Park

Cottonwood Park is a large, free outdoor space ideal for a family afternoon or solo workout. It can easily be paired with a picnic lunch and requires good weather to enjoy its trails and amenities.

OutdoorsSportsAnimals

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Cross Ranch State Park

Cross Ranch State Park is suitable for a half-day or full-day outdoor activity, offering hiking and fishing along the Missouri River. Expect to spend $8-20 per person on entry fees, and pack a picnic or bring snacks.

OutdoorsSportsAnimals

$8–$20 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

FOMO 10/40 & former Boneshaker Coffee Co.

This coffee shop is suitable for a casual stop for drinks and pastries, pairing well with errands or a quiet break. Expect to spend under $15 per person for about 45 minutes.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Sertoma Park

Sertoma Park is a free destination perfect for a family afternoon or a solo walk, offering playgrounds, trails, and river views. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here, possibly pairing it with a picnic.

OutdoorsSportsArts

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

The Paddle Trap

The Paddle Trap is a casual restaurant suitable for a meal any time of day, good for family or a relaxed date. Expect to spend $15-30 per person for an hour-long visit.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$15–$30 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Dunn Brothers Coffee

Dunn Brothers Coffee is good for a quick stop to grab coffee and a pastry, or to relax for a bit. Expect to spend $5-$15 per person for a coffee and snack.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

The Tavern Grill Bismarck

The Tavern Grill is a casual spot for American comfort food like burgers and pizza, suitable for a relaxed meal. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $15-30 per person.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$15–$30 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Fogão Gaúcho Brazilian Steakhouse Bismarck

This Brazilian steakhouse is suitable for a celebratory meal or a group dinner. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $50-$80 per person for an all-you-can-eat experience.

FoodCocktailsSocial

$50–$80 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Jack's Steakhouse & Seafood

Jack's Steakhouse & Seafood is suitable for an evening meal, offering steak and seafood options. Expect to spend 90 minutes and $30-75 per person. Reservations are recommended for peak times.

FoodCocktailsShopping

$30–$75 typical45 min visiteasy parking

Outdoors

McDowell Dam Recreation Area

McDowell Dam Recreation Area is a free outdoor park suitable for a few hours of family activity or solo relaxation. It pairs well with a picnic or can be a destination for a walk or fishing outing.

OutdoorsSportsAnimals

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking