Bismarck, North Dakota

Bismarck is the capital of North Dakota, a US State. The city founded in 1872 was named in honor of the German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck. The city can be accessed by the U.S. Highway- U.S. 83 and an interstate highway- Interstate 94, which run through the northern part of the city. Known as the county seat of Burleigh County, Bismarck serves as the base for two major hospitals Medcenter One Health Systems and St. Alexius Medical Center.

The city has a large airport named 'Bismarck Municipal Airport', which is the main airport of western North Dakota. Bismarck is also known for its large park system. Bismarck, which became the capital in 1889, also possesses the glory of being the second largest city in North Dakota. It is also known as the city with lowest crime rate in the nation. A five-member city commission with Mayor as the president forms the government of Bismarck.

Area & Location: Located at 46º48'48? Latitude North and 100º46'44? Longitude West, Bismarck lies directly across the Missouri River from Mandan in North Dakota. The city has a total area of 71.0 sq.km. While its land area covers 69.6 sq. km, 1.3 sq.km of the city is covered by water. The city has a population of 55,532 and the population density is 797.4 per sq.km.

Economy: The arrival of railroad in Bismarck heralded the growth of the city, developing it to a center of trade and transportation. Gold discoveries in the Black Hills made Bismarck a freight-shipping center. Soon after the city became a capital, it enhanced into a major business, financial and cultural center. Its retail trade area reaches over 100 miles and serves around 200,000 people, whereas its wholesale trade service serves 350,000 in western North Dakota, South Dakota and Eastern Montana.

Tourist Attractions: Bismarck offers many memorable moments to its visitors through its variety of attractions. Dakota Zoo, which is North Dakota's largest zoo to occupy 500 mammals, reptiles and birds representing 125 species, is one such attraction. Fort Lincoln Trolley, which provides trolley rides through the scenic Heart River bottoms to historic Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, gives real pleasure to the tourists. The Railroad Museum that has a unique display of HO model 'hopper cars, a special collection of 'Timetables' from every railroad in the nation also draws maximum tourists. The city is also equipped with number of resorts like Bismarck-Days Inn, Radisson Hotel Bismarck, Comfort Suites Bismarck and Kelly Inn Bismarck that serves as host to the tourists from far and wide.