The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail stretches across many Northern states of the US. As it reaches the Great Plains Region, the trail begins to travel up through the Dakotas. One of the bigger cities along the trail is the capital of North Dakota, Bismarck. Although it is the largest city in the state, the population is a comfortable size of a little over 74,000. For someone stuck in Bismarck during the school year it can be hard to find activities around Bismarck for university students.
Being one of the bigger cities in the state, it is home to a few respected colleges, like the University of Mary. Whether you are a freshman who is homesick or a bored senior who thinks they have seen everything, sometimes college life can quickly become dull. For those that are âMary Maraudersâ studying in Bismarck, there is plenty to see outside of your dorms. Here are some activities around Bismarck for university students that need a break from studying or find they need a change of pace from campus life.
University of Mary, Bismarck, North Dakota
Nishu Bowmen Archery Club
There is more to the activity of archery than just hunting game. For those that grew up fans of the Avenger Hawkeye or could use a new outdoor hobby, they should try out the Nishu Bowmen Archery Club. Located less than 10 miles north of the university, you donât have to travel to Hawkeye, North Dakota to become Hawkeye.
Since 1956, the Nishu Bowmen Archery Club has aimed to teach archery classes to children and adults. It offers both indoor and outdoor target practice, so those curious can visit even during the peak of winter. Archery lessons are one of the more unique activities around Bismarck for university students to pickup. It can help unearth a new passion or even lead to new friendships.
Super Slide Amusement Park
Super Slide Amusement Park, Bismarck, North Dakota
Open during every Bismarck summer since 1967, this old school family owned amusement park is a great spot to hang for the day during summer break. Whether you bring some friends or family, Super Slide amusement park offers a day’s worth of exciting rides and other activities like go-karting, minigolf, and bankshot basketball. After completing the grueling spring semester in school Super Slide Amusement Park can offer some of the most stress relieving activities around Bismarck for university students.
A trip to Super Slide Amusement Park on a warm summer day is perfect for those that enjoy the county fairs or homedays back home. The park is open until mid September, so it also serves as a cool homecoming activity at the start of the fall semester. For less than $30, students can enjoy every ride for a price even a college student can afford.
Midway Lanes Club & Trophy
Midway Lanes, Mandan, North Dakota
If you prefer activities that are open year long and in the toasty indoors on a weekend, then check out Midway Lanes in Mandan. Not only can you bowl on Thunder Alley on weekend nights, but you can also wet your whistle at the King Pin Lounge. After enjoying some of the 16 beers on tap, you can eat some pizza at their Fotza Grill & More. Between games of bowling you can also indulge in one of the 70 arcade machines they have at their Sparetime Arcade.
No matter how old or where you are, nothing beats late night bowling with good food. Weekend bowling and drinking are also easy activities around Bismarck for university students. Midway Lanes is a convenient spot for a meal or for some lowkey fun. After a hard week of classes and homework, maybe try out to unwind at the Midway Lanes.
Dakota Zoo
Dakota Zoo, Bismarck, North Dakota
The Dakota Zoo first opened in 1961. Since then, its 90 acres full of animals are visited by over 150,000 people per year. The zoo is home to 600 animals, birds, reptiles and fish representing 125 species, so there is bound to be someoneâs favorite animal at the zoo. The Dakota Zoo has many seasonal events for people of all ages. They even have an adult theme Wine Tasting for Animals event in September. Wine tasting and a walk around the zoo is a great pair of activities around Bismarck for university students. Strolling around the zoo also offers a simple way to get some steps in while seeing the cool animals. Sometimes after bombing a test, the sight of a penguin might help forget about things for a moment.Â
Those who go to college in Bismarck are not only studying in one of the largest cities in the state, they are receiving their degree along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. There are plenty of cool things to do for any type of student in the area. It is important to stimulate the mind from the monotony of schoolwork. While you are in college, it is also essential that you take the time and fully appreciate the environment youâre in. So these were just a handful of activities around Bismarck for university students.
