North Dakota State Capitol
Bismarck, ND
An Art Deco tower of 19 floors from 1934, the tallest building in the state, with an observation deck on the 18th floor. The Heritage Center museum next door is free and worth an hour.
The North Dakota State Capitol is the seat of the state legislature in Bismarck, at 600 E Boulevard Avenue. It was built in 1934 after the original capitol burned down in December 1930. Lonely Planet calls it the "skyscraper of the prairie"; the Art Deco building has 19 floors and is one of the few high-rise capitols in the USA.
The observation deck on the 18th floor looks out over the Bismarck-Mandan area. The building houses the governor's office, the Rough Rider Hall of Fame and the Legislative Hall, among others. The grounds hold monuments and statues, plus an Arboretum Trail with more than 75 tree species.
For visitors: according to the state, tours are offered year-round. Please check tour times and access to the deck (KFYR reports the balconies have been locked since the 1950s) on the state's website beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Bismarck, ND
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 46.8208, -100.7827
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Bismarck KOA JourneyMotorhome stopover3 mi from North Dakota State CapitolMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park CampgroundCampsite5 mi from North Dakota State Capitol
- General Sibley City ParkCampsite5 mi from North Dakota State Capitol · 109 pitches
- Harmon Lake CampgroundMotorhome stopover12 mi from North Dakota State CapitolMotorhomes
- Hazelton Recreation AreaCampsite24 mi from North Dakota State Capitol
All campsites in North Dakota · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is North Dakota State Capitol?
North Dakota State Capitol is in Bismarck, ND, at GPS 46.8208, -100.7827. It is about 34 mi from Washburn.
Can you camp near North Dakota State Capitol?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Bismarck KOA Journey, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 5 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass North Dakota State Capitol?
North Dakota State Capitol is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: North Dakota on I-94: from Fargo to the badlands.
What is there to see near North Dakota State Capitol?
Places worth a stop nearby: Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park (5 mi), Salem Sue, the World's Largest Holstein Cow (30 mi), Fort Mandan (37 mi) and Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site (45 mi).
When is the best time to visit North Dakota State Capitol?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)