Bismarck is the second most populated city in North Dakota and also the county city of Burleigh County. In the 2020 census, the city had a population of 73,622, with its metropolitan area having a population of 133,626. In 2020, Forbes ranked Bismarck the 7th fastest-growing small city in the U.S. The thriving economy has catapulted the city’s status, with real estate in Bismarck, North Dakota, becoming a profitable venture.
The History of Bismarck, ND
The beautiful city of Bismarck was founded in 1872. Originally, the city was named Edwinton in honor of Edwin. L Johnson, the proponent, and brainchild of a transcontinental railroad. However, in 1873, the city was renamed Bismarck in honor of German chancellor Otto von Bismarck. This was done to attract German investment in the ongoing railroad construction. The gamble was successful as the railway arrived in the city in the same year. This contributed significantly to the city’s growth, with real estate in Bismarck steadily taking shape. The discovery of gold in the Black Hills, which was then within the city’s jurisdiction, made Bismarck an outfitting spot for prospectors.
In 1883, there was a capital city change of the Dakota Territory — moved from Yankton to Bismarck. However, when the territory was divided into two halves and admitted into the Union in 1889, Bismarck became the state capital of North Dakota. Since then, the city has grown tremendously and become the region’s trade, business, transportation, health care, and education center. Gas, oil, and coal production and distribution are some factors that accelerated Bismarck’s growth. The thriving economy and many business opportunities make it a good idea to invest in real estate for sale in Bismarck, North Dakota.
Bismarck, ND Geographic Location
Bismarck is located in the south-central part of North Dakota. It lies in the eastern bank of the Missouri River which flows to south-central North Dakota. It is situated on the snowy hills overlooking the Missouri River. Agriculture is a thriving sector in Bismarck because it is located within one of the top wheat-producing neighborhoods in North Dakota.
The climatic condition in Bismarck is continental and remains fairly uniform throughout the year. The Bismarck geographical area has fair temperatures with moderate rainfall. Summers are short but favourable for the agricultural activities around the area. This is because the season has long hours of sufficient sunshine. On the other hand, winters are long with somewhat severe conditions.
The city’s northern section is where recent residential and commercial growth has occurred. This is mainly due to expanding retail centers that have seen increased demand for real estate in Bismarck, North Dakota. Some of the popular shopping centers in the city’s northern section include Northbrook Mall, Gateway Fashion Mall, Pinehurst Square Mall, and Arrowhead Plaza. These shopping facilities deal in a wide range of products and services.
Demographics & Industry in Bismarck, ND
According to the 2020 census, Bismarck had a population of 73,622 with 32,043 households. The city’s racial makeup was 89.9% White, 4.3% Native American, 2.7% African American, 0.1% from Native Hawaiian, 0.9% Asian, and 1.7% from other races. People of Latino or Hispanic origin made up 2.5% of the population. The city had about 32,043 households, depicting the significant growth of real estate for sale in Bismarck, North Dakota. The average household size was 2.2. Of the population, 6.7% of the residents were under the age of 5 years, 21.8% were aged between 6 and 18 years, with 17% of the population aged above 65 years. The city’s gender makeup was 50.4% female and 49.6%, male.
Arts & Entertainment in Bismarck, ND
Bismarck is the hub of arts and entertainment in North Dakota. It has some of the best entertainment facilities in the region, with many events held here. The Belle Mehus Auditorium, named after a popular local piano teacher, is a historic site in downtown Bismarck. Having been in existence since 1914, the building is not only a tourist attraction but also a great venue for entertainment. It is the arts “capital” of the state, with all major art exhibitions and events held here.
Furthermore, performances of the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra and Northern Plains Dance are held here. Given the city’s great interest in performing arts and culture, several companies are dealing in such activities. Some of the theater companies in Bismarck include The Sleepy Hollow Summer Theatre, Capital Shakespeare Society, and Bismarck-Mandan Theatre Troops. The also has several art exhibition sites, with Elsa Ford Art Galleries found at Bismarck State College. The Missouri Valley Chamber Orchestra offers live bands and art performances on weekends if you enjoy live performances and music.
Things To Do in Bismarck, ND
Surrounded by the green banks of the Missouri River and lots of parks, Bismarck gives you a lot of fun activities to do. From exploring historic attractions to fishing and hiking, there is a lot you can do in this city. One of the best places to visit in Bismarck is the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum. This is the best place to learn more about the heritage of North Dakota. You will travel through time from one mind-blowing exhibit to another, seeing the life-size skeleton of the historic Tyrannosaurus rex. You will also explore the rare pottery and beadwork crafted by native people in the Dakota Territory.
Another exciting to do in Bismarck is exploring the McDowell Dam Recreation Area. This is a beautiful 271-acre park that surrounds an artificial lake built mainly for recreation purposes. The park is located within a short drive from the city and is a favorite spot for locals in the summer. There are plenty of fun activities you can engage in at this facility. For instance, the sandy beach offers an excellent opportunity for swimming and sunbathing, and kids adore it for playing with sandcastles.
The SuperSlide Amusement Park is one of the many reasons why real estate for sale in Bismarck, North Dakota, is thriving. This park provides a lot of fun for people of all ages. Since its establishment in 1967, the park has been a source of fun and excitement for children and adults alike. It features a variety of rides, slides, and games for both children and adults. You can enjoy Bankshot basketball, the exhilarating SuperSlide, or mini-golf within the park.
The presence of a water body within the city means you can enjoy water-based recreational activities. One good example is the Lewis & Clark Riverboat, which offers fun cruises on the Missouri River. You can have entertainment, dinner, and special event tours on the boat. The boat has a wide range of tours depending on the weather and season. Through this boat ride, you will explore the beauty of the Missouri River and its surroundings as you cruise through the calm waters. The luxurious bought is fully equipped to ensure maximum comfort, with comfortable outdoor and indoor seating for 150 passengers. There are also modern restrooms, a salon, and a restaurant that serves food and beverages on the cruise.
Bismarck is a city with lots of landmarks. The city’s main landmark is the magnificent Art Deco state capitol. The 19-story piece of art is the tallest building in Bismarck and the seat of the North Dakota government. The building dominates the city’s skyline, and you can see it from far away. The 241.67-foot structure is one of the main tourist attractions in the city. It has an observation deck on the 18-the floor, which is the highest point in the state of North Dakota.
The North Dakota Heritage Center is another major landmark in Bismarck. It is the largest museum in North Dakota. The magnificent center features temporary and permanent exhibits varying from the state’s history to prehistoric dinosaurs. The Camp Hancock State Historic Site is another excellent landmark found within the city.
Schools in Bismarck, ND
Bismarck has numerous established schools and colleges. The schools within the city are operated by the Bismarck Public Schools System. It has 16 elementary schools and three middle schools. There are three public high schools in Bismarck, namely Bismarck High School, Legacy High School, and Century High School. South Central High School is the only alternative high school within the city. The education system in Bismarck educates around 13,400 students and employs 1,500 individuals. The good schools in the city are one of the reasons many people are investing in real estate for sale in Bismarck, North Dakota.
There are three private high schools in the city; Shiloh Christian School, St. Mary’s Central High School, and Dakota Adventist Academy. The city has several institutions of higher learning — one university and three colleges. The University of Mary is the only university in the city and is operated by the Benedictine Sisters of Monastery. Students have the option of joining Bismarck State College, the latest institution you can get a degree in Bismarck.
Conclusion
Bismarck is a great city to live in or raise a family. Investing in real estate in Bismarck, North Dakota, is an excellent idea given the thriving economy and excellent living conditions. Bismarck has a great history with numerous shopping, dining, and entertainment facilities. Besides, living here gives you an opportunity to explore the many landmarks and historical sites in the city.