Painted Missouri River panorama with prairie bluffs, Fort Lincoln-inspired blockhouses, walkers, cyclists and a distant Bismarck skyline.
MUSEUMS & HISTORY · BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA

North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum

Explore North Dakota history, dinosaur exhibits and the children’s Treehouse at a free state museum.

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What to expect

The state museum on the Capitol grounds brings together fossils, artifacts and interactive exhibits about North Dakota. The Treehouse gives younger visitors a place to explore, while the wider galleries offer a longer visit for families and history enthusiasts. It is an indoor option to pair with a walk around the nearby Capitol grounds.

  • Free museum admission
  • History and paleontology galleries
  • Children’s Treehouse discovery area
  • Accessible entrances and elevators

Getting to North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum

Use the museum parking areas on the Capitol grounds. The Northern Lights Atrium entrance is on the east side; a west entrance is also available.

The map pin is approximate. Use the street address and Directions button to plan your route.

Before you go

Regular museum hours differ on weekdays and weekends, and holiday closures apply. Adults must supervise children in the Treehouse. Check the visitor page before planning a holiday visit.

Fees, seasons and conditions can change. Confirm with the linked website before you head out.

Browse museums & history or explore all places around Bismarck or find local food and coffee for your day out.