Bismarck-Mandan Art Trail
Expiration: Nov 1st 2025
See the art. Snap the art. Share the art. Win the prizes! We invite you to use this free pass to start exploring over 100 locations on the Bismarck-Mandan Art Trail today. Check-in and share your pictures to track your progress and win prizes. Use #BisManArtTrail for more chances to win! Scroll down to see what prizes are on the line. Locations are public points of interest, attractions and merchant locations, some offering special deals for you!
Check-in and win!
• Check-in and you will immediately start to earn points. Save up the points and cash in on the prizes that you want!
• We'll also have monthly drawings for $25 gift certificates to the Bismarck-Mandan Visitor Center gift shop for those who use #BisManArtTrail when sharing.
• Locals can pick up their prizes during regular hours of the Bismarck-Mandan Visitor Center. Out of town guests can stop in or we can mail their prize(s).
• Check back as new locations and prizes options are added!
Included Venues
See locations on an interactive map.
What's Included
- Free Ring Of Pork Sausage
A tribute to her late grandmother, artist Mahalia Mees created the Angel Wings on the corner of Washington Street and Bowen Avenue.
Lacie Van Orman created "All Roads Lead To Bismarck" with memories of driving to town for various events. The red road represents the stream of taillights on the interstate.
Local artist, Angie Swiec Kambeitz, created "Anonymous Phenomenon" to display how music unites us all.
“Red Stone Grasses,” a 13-foot-tall statue by Dale Lamphere, was donated by Dr. Bradley King in 2018, honoring the importance of agriculture in the state.
"Sending Love" was created by artist Keely Perkins to serve as a reminder of Bismarck-Mandan and surrounding communities' resilience following the COVID-19 pandemic.
A pedestrian tunnel in Bismarck has been transformed into a vibrant, 1,600-square-foot mural, thanks to the creativity of local artists, the hands of 688 community members and the support of dedicated partners. The public is invited to celebrate the official unveiling of the Expressway Tunnel Mural at 4 p.m. on June 18. Parking is available at Sertoma Park’s south lot near Shelter 9, approximately half-mile walk to the mural, with accessible parking along Riverwood Drive.
Led by muralist Nicole Gagner, alongside mosaic artist Molly McLain, apprentice Melanie Moniz, and a team of community artists, the mural was created using the weather-resistant GoodSpace mural method. During 14 community paint parties in Fall 2024, people of all ages and backgrounds—from children to older adults—gathered to bring the project to life. The result is a colorful, welcoming corridor that enhances the tunnel while promoting walkability, safety and community connection.
“This project is more than just paint on a wall—it’s about collaboration,” said Katie Johnke, Nutrition and Health Promotion Coordinator at Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health. “It demonstrates how bringing people together through art can build stronger connections, foster a sense of ownership, and inspire healthier, more engaged communities.”
The project was led by Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health with funding support from the AARP Community Challenge Grant, Bismarck Parks and Recreation District’s Matching Grant, Northern Plains Heritage Foundation, North Dakota Council on the Arts and Northern Plains Dance.
Take a walk to the library's east side and discover our new active sidewalk installation along 6th Street!
There has been an Elk Statue located in front of the Bismarck-Mandan Elks in South Bismarck since 1966. This statue was erected in 2022 by Bohl Iron Works in response to continued vandalism to the previous statue. The statue itself weighs over 800 pounds, heavier than a mature male elk!
What's Included
- 30% Off Pottery
Located in Bismarck’s first park, this eagle was sculpted by Tom Neary and funded by the Fraternal Order of Eagles. The statue was dedicated in October of 1988 in observance of the bicentennial of the United States Constitution.
Clyde, along with his counterpart Bonnie, were Kodiak Bears that resided at the Dakota Zoo until their passing in 1987 & 1997, respectively. Weighing in at an excess of 2100 lbs and standing over nine feet tall at the time of his death, Clyde was at one time, the largest Kodiak Bear to be kept in captivity. Artist Dave Ely carved this replica of Clyde that adorns the Discovery Center at the Dakota Zoo.
“Wild Kingdom" is part of the Trail of Painted Ponies, one of America's most successful public art projects. Painted by Tamara McClintock, "Wild Kingdom" was donated by Scot, Janet, Cole, and Marie Decker.
This interactive sidewalk art, created by local artist Nicole Gagner, encourages visitors to get moving.
The Theodore Roosevelt Memorial was cast by the Roman Bronze Works from Alexander Phimister Proctor’s working model, which took more than two years to develop. Dr. Henry Waldo Coe presented the Memorial to the City of Mandan on July 4, 1924.
The murals at First Street Lofts were created by local artist, Paul Noot. Both have been designed to be interactive, so be sure to snap a selfie with these North Dakota-themed murals!
The murals at First Street Lofts were created by local artist, Paul Noot. Both have been designed to be interactive, so be sure to snap a selfie with these North Dakota-themed murals!
In celebration of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial, the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District, along with United Tribes Technical College (UTTC) and the Bismarck-Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau, worked together to create a series of public art pieces along the Missouri Valley Legacy Trail.
Designed by local artist Nicole Gagner, the Bismarck mural was filled in by members of the community.
This interactive mural was a brainchild of local artist Nicole Gagner. People are welcome to add their own chalk designs to the wall.
What's Included
- $1 Off Per Pint
“Liberty Trudges Through Injustice", a Tableaux Vivant, a wet plate collaboration, July 21st, 2018. This collaboration was inspired by the painting at the Louvre "Liberty Leading the People" by Eugène Delacroix.
Come check out the sixteen murals located in the alley just North of Main Street between 1st and 2nd Avenue NW in Mandan! In partnership with the Northern Plains Heritage Foundation and the Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation, the Art Alley Project is a public art initiative that transforms the alley behind Main Street into a vibrant, interactive space in downtown Mandan.
These art vending machines are peppered throughout Bismarck-Mandan. Loaded with local art, it's hard to choose just one!
These art vending machines are peppered throughout Bismarck-Mandan. Loaded with local art, it's hard to choose just one!
To celebrate four decades of serving the community, Odney wanted to give back. They commissioned a vibrant new mural in downtown Bismarck that honors the history, culture, and spirit of the region they're proud to call home. Designed by Odney graphic designer Cecil Roth and brought to life by renowned local artist Melissa Gordon, the mural pays homage to Bismarck's origin story, when and who it was named for, with regional characters added to give it a bright and colorful vibe.
The artwork prominently features the year 1872, honoring the founding of Bismarck, and includes symbolic imagery that reflects North Dakota's heritage and character. You'll spot German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, for whom the city was named; the western meadowlark, our state bird; a flickertail; and a teddy bear paying tribute to President Theodore Roosevelt. A walleye and white-tailed deer round out the design, representing the state's natural beauty and abundant wildlife.
You can see the artwork in Zimmerman's Furniture Clearance Center's West Parking lot at 201 E Main Ave.
About the Artist
Melissa Gordon has been creating art since selling her first commissioned work at just 12 years old. She has won numerous awards for her realistic renderings and has works in private collections across the country. Gordon is a founding member of Bismarck Downtown Artists Cooperative and was appointed to the North Dakota Council on the Arts in 2015 by Governor Jack Dalrymple. In 2016, she was named the Bismarck Arts and Galleries Citation Award winner.
Spearheaded by local artist Molly McLain, this community mosaic depicting a serene prairie landscape, adorns a planter at the main entrance to the Morton Mandan Public Library.
This mural was commissioned to artist Melissa Gordon by Glance Spa and Salon. The mural depicts different cultures’ goddesses of beauty and love.
Inspired by Jacob Riis’ “Bandits Roost,” taken in 1888 on New York’s infamous Mulberry Street, “Murderer’s Gulch” pays homage to a more nefarious time in Bismarck’s history.
“No Vaccine For Death,” a Tableaux Vivant, a wet plate collaboration, July 17, 2021. This collaboration was inspired by the painting at the Musee de Prado in Spain, "The Triumph of Death," by Pieter Bruegel from 1562.
Nationally acclaimed artist Rob Evans spent four months creating the large-scale cyclorama of Double Ditch Indian Village in 1550, displayed in the Innovation Gallery: Early Peoples.
One of the more famous pieces of art at the North Dakota Heritage Center, the portrait of Sitting Bull by Caroline Webb, is housed in the Inspiration Gallery. The portrait was also the inspiration for the motion picture, "Woman Walks Ahead."
Artist Bennett Brien, a Metis from Belcourt in the Turtle Mountains, crafted the buffalo statue in 1986. It was presented to the State of North Dakota by the Dayton Hudson Corporation in celebration of the state’s 1989 centennial.
Artist Melissa Gordon incorporated the design of a computer motherboard to link North Dakota's most prominent industries, energy and agriculture, for the tunnel linking the ND State Capitol Grounds and Myron Atkinson Memorial Park.
Sculpted by Bennett Brein, Horse "Cortes" was donated July 22, 1994.
Avard Fairbanks, sculptor, honors the memory of the great northwest with “Pioneer Family,” 1946.
Dedicated in 1989, “Pioneers of the Future” depicts young people responsible for ND heritage for the next 100 years.
Sakakawea is a monumental sized bronze sculpture created by Leonard Crunelle, depicting the Shoshone woman who guided Lewis and Clark with her son, Jean Baptiste. It was dedicated on October 13, 1914, and stands on the grounds of the North Dakota State Capitol in Bismarck, North Dakota.
Pioneer Park is a beautiful place for you to park and then start your walk, run, bike or skate along the beautiful trails next to the Missouri River. Want MORE of a challenge? Head to the mountain bike trails nearby. When you get back, rest at the eagle sculpture or in the picnic shelter. The sand volleyball courts here are well used during the summer. Play on the playground or go explore the nearby wooded areas.
In celebration of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial, the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District, along with United Tribes Technical College (UTTC) and the Bismarck-Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau, worked together to create a series of public art pieces along the Missouri Valley Legacy Trail.
In celebration of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial, the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District, along with United Tribes Technical College (UTTC) and the Bismarck-Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau, worked together to create a series of public art pieces along the Missouri Valley Legacy Trail.
Bringing the anime convention to you with fanart, original characters (OC) stickers, prints, keychains, plushies and so much more! With art from local artists all over North Dakota & surrounding states, you won't have to wait for the yearly convention to fill your life with the love and happiness of art. Owned and operated by a Legacy High School graduate, her friends call her Ghost but she's hard to miss especially when she is creating new digital art in the studio.
Located in the Kirkwood Mall, please use Door 4 next to Antique & Coin Exchange across from Mama Bear and Classy Nails to find us!
What's Included
- 15% Off One Regularly Priced Item
In celebration of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial, the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District, along with United Tribes Technical College (UTTC) and the Bismarck-Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau, worked together to create a series of public art pieces along the Missouri Valley Legacy Trail.
This 66-foot mural depicts dreams that man’s best friend might have. It was created as a backdrop for an outdoor space for condominiums located in Downtown Bismarck. Inspiration for this mural was driven by Nielsen’s own dog, Mo, and a friend’s dog, Tipper, who is the star of the show. Come visit this stunning dreamscape, located between the parking garage at the Radisson and the new Trestle Lofts. Access to the mural is currently off Seventh Street. *Alley between Main Ave. and Broadway Ave., off Seventh St.*
Located at Stage Stop Saloon, Grill & Liquors, the Trail of the Whispering Giants is a collection of sculptures by Hungarian-born artist Peter Wolf Toth. The sculptures range in height from 20 to 40 feet, and are between 8 and 10 feet in diameter. In 1988, Toth completed his goal of placing at least one statue in each of the 50 states, by carving one in Hawaii.
SaNoah LaRocque, Harvard graduate and enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa tribe, is the first Native American woman to be crowned Miss North Dakota, USA. Ambriotypist, Shane Balkowitsch, created this portrait of LaRocque in his Nostalgic Glass wet plate studio.