North Dakota

The North Dakota State Capitol is one of four tower capitols in the United States, and frankly, plain on the outside but grand inside. Built in 1934 in the Art Deco style common at that time, it has a more modern feel than other state capitols.

Located in downtown Bismarck south of I-94, I visited during my Great Midwest Loop of 2023. I always wanted to visit the Dakotas, and I finally took advantage of having time and resources to make the remote drive.

Learn more about North Dakota State Capitol history or plan your visit. There is also a convenient virtual tour.

The North Dakota State Capitol is home to the North Dakota Governor and North Dakota Legislative Branch, which consists of the Senate and House of Representatives. The North Dakota Supreme Court meets in the adjoining Judicial Wing.

I give this capitol high marks for access. I was delighted to stand at the podium in the Senate and House and had free run of both chambers in the Legislative Hall.

The ground floor has the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Hall of Fame. The Rough Rider Award is the highest honor for North Dakotans who have achieved national recognition for their contributions and talents. Winners include Lawrence Welk, Angie Dickinson, and Phil Jackson. 

Though from New York, Roosevelt fell in love with North Dakota and established a ranch there. After his wife and mother both died on 14 February 1884, he went to North Dakota to grieve and regroup.

Memorial Hall, which honors those lost in World War I, features a 40-foot ceiling with lights shaped like wheat and a massive window that is my favorite feature of the building thanks to an abundance of natural light.

Like the other tower capitols, it has an observation deck on the 18th floor where you can enjoy sweeping views of Bismarck. The observation deck includes an art gallery and information on the fire that destroyed the original capitol in 1930.

Outside of the Governor’s office are the flags of North Dakota. The United States and North Dakota flags are displayed alongside flags from the federally recognized Native American tribes in North Dakota, independent from state government:

• Standing Rock Sioux

• Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate

• Spirit Lake Tribe

• Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara

• Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa

When you are done at the capitol, make time to visit the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum, which traces North Dakota’s story from early geological origins to present. If you are interested in Native American history, this museum has an excellent collection of Native American artifacts including art, clothing, and a tipi.

Since there is no gift shop in the capitol, visit the museum’s lovely gift shop to purchase postcards and souvenirs.

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