Children's Museums
North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum
📍 612 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND 58505🕐 Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–5 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–5 PM |
About North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum
Geology & cultural history of the region. State history museum offering exhibits on the state's geologic prehistory, early peoples & culture. The museum features a mummified dinosaur specimen, a rare and exceptionally well-preserved fossil that provides unusual insight into ancient life. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 551 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Natural History Museum
- Size
- North Dakota's largest museum
- Main Focus
- State history from 600 million years ago to present
- Best For
- All ages
💡 Did You Know?
- The museum features a mummified dinosaur specimen, a rare and exceptionally well-preserved fossil that provides unusual insight into ancient life
- The museum offers free admission to visitors, making it an accessible educational resource for all ages despite its extensive four-gallery layout spanning 600 million years of North Dakota history
- Four museum galleries trace North Dakota's complete geologic and cultural history from the region's geologic formation 600 million years ago to the present day
- The museum is located on the grounds of the North Dakota State Capital complex, positioned near the distinctive Art Deco State Capital Building
- A new Military Gallery is under development, expanding the museum's exhibits to highlight connections among military life, civilian life, and people shaping North Dakota's story
💬 What Visitors Say
- Admission is completely free, making it an excellent value for an extensive museum covering North Dakota history from prehistoric times to present day. Consider making a donation to support the volunteer staff and museum operations.
- Don't miss the creative use of restroom walls, which are covered with historical signs detailing decades of North Dakota history—a unique way the museum maximizes educational content throughout the building.
- Plan to spend several hours to fully experience the breadth of exhibits. The museum is surprisingly extensive with four major galleries, fossils, dinosaur displays including a rare mummified dinosaur, Native American cultural exhibits, military gallery, and North Dakota artist collections.
- The museum is conveniently located on the State capital complex grounds near Bismarck's distinctive Capitol Building, making it easy to locate and combine with other local attractions in one visit.
- Young children will enjoy the popular treehouse exhibit and interactive displays that provide hands-on learning about North Dakota's geology, Native American heritage, and paleontological discoveries.
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