Bismarck, the capital city of North Dakota, is overflowing with places to see and things to do.

A bounty of stores and malls in town keep shoppers happy, and there are enough restaurants to feed an army. A number of pubs keep the nightlife alive and the spirits pouring. And sleeps range from full service hotels to camping.

History buffs take interest in The Custer Trail Rides at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, Buckstop Junction, and the North Dakota Heritage Center. Artists enjoy Five Nations Art Depot, which is filled with Native American craftsmanship. And geeks find the Gateway to Science Center fascinating.

Kids usually enjoy the spills and splashes of two aquatic parks in town ? the Super Slide Amusement Park and Raging Rivers Waterpark and Speedworld. Between them, there are gigantic water slides, bumper cars, go-carts, miniature golf, a batting range, and a whole lot of fun. Dakota Zoo is also a favorite.

The Bismarck Bobcats and the Dakota Wizards heat up spectator sports in the capital city. The Wizards dribble on the Civic Center courts while the Bobcats skate at the VFW Sports Center.

A relaxing game of golf is always close by with two 18-hole courses and one 9-hole course in town. Riverwood is a challenging 18-hole, par 72 course that is also home to numerous species of wildlife including white-tailed deer and wild turkeys. Tom O'Leary Golf Course is located in a sports complex that also houses an ice skating rink, tennis courts, a softball diamond, and nature trails.

Fore Seasons Center has 31 indoor driving ranges, a putting green, and two batting cages. Indoor tennis is available at the Capital Racquet & Fitness Center. And the World War Memorial Building has everything from table tennis to rifle shooting. Swimming, fishing and boating are offered at McDowell Dam. And campsites are available at General Sibley Campground and Park.

Bismarck, a capital city, is located in central North Dakota on the banks of the Missouri River.