Things to Do in Bismarck in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Bismarck
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Minimal crowds at major attractions - Bismarck sees 60-70% fewer tourists in November compared to summer months, meaning no wait times at the North Dakota Heritage Center, State Capitol, or Fort Abraham Lincoln
- Exceptional hotel value - Accommodation prices drop 30-45% from peak summer rates, with quality downtown hotels available for 65-85 USD per night versus 120-150 USD in July
- Peak pheasant hunting season runs October 12 through January 6, drawing serious hunters when South Dakota's fields are perfectly positioned after harvest, with daily limits at 3 roosters
- Authentic local experience - November is when you see how North Dakotans actually live, with high school hockey season starting, community Thanksgiving events, and locals gathering at Peacock Alley or Pirogue Grille without tourist crowds
Considerations
- Brutal cold requires serious winter gear - Temperatures average -2°C to -13°C (28°F to 9°F) but wind chill regularly pushes feels-like temperatures to -20°C (-4°F) or lower, making outdoor activities genuinely uncomfortable for those unaccustomed to prairie winters
- Daylight is severely limited - Sunrise around 7:45am, sunset by 5:00pm gives you only 9 hours of daylight, significantly restricting outdoor exploration time and making evening activities feel much later than they are
- Unpredictable winter storms can disrupt travel plans - November averages 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) of snow, but single storms can dump 25-30 cm (10-12 inches) with little warning, potentially closing I-94 and delaying flights at Bismarck Municipal Airport for 24-48 hours
Best Activities in November
Missouri River Winter Wildlife Observation
November is exceptional for viewing bald eagles, which migrate through the Missouri River corridor in significant numbers as northern waters freeze. The river remains partially open below Garrison Dam, concentrating eagles feeding on fish. Early morning hours from 8:00am-10:00am offer best viewing when temperatures are coldest but eagles are most active. Bring binoculars and dress in extreme cold gear - you will be stationary for extended periods in sub-zero wind chill. The North Dakota Birding Trail sites along the river south of Bismarck provide accessible viewing points without needing specialized tours.
State Capitol and Heritage Center Indoor Cultural Exploration
November weather makes this the ideal month for North Dakota's premier indoor attractions. The 19-story Art Deco State Capitol offers free guided tours showing the legislative chambers, observation deck at 61 m (200 ft), and Depression-era architecture. Adjacent North Dakota Heritage Center underwent a 52 million USD expansion completed in 2014, featuring four galleries covering 600 million years of state history. Plan 3-4 hours for both buildings. The Heritage Center's Adaptation Gallery showing how indigenous peoples and settlers survived prairie winters is particularly relevant when you are experiencing that cold yourself.
Pheasant and Waterfowl Hunting Experiences
November is prime hunting season in North Dakota, with pheasant season running through January and late waterfowl migration bringing massive flocks of ducks and geese. The surrounding farmland within 30-50 km (19-31 miles) of Bismarck offers exceptional public hunting access through the Private Land Open To Sportsmen (PLOTS) program with over 300,000 acres available. Non-residents need proper licensing and many choose guided hunts for land access and local expertise. Weather is cold but birds are concentrated after harvest, and you will experience an authentic North Dakota tradition that defines November for many locals.
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Winter Exploration
Located 11 km (7 miles) south of Bismarck, this historic site is dramatically different in November compared to summer. The reconstructed Mandan On-A-Slant Village and Custer House take on authentic atmosphere when snow-covered, showing how harsh prairie winters shaped both indigenous and military life. The park remains open year-round with minimal crowds - you may have entire sections to yourself. The 1.6 km (1 mile) trail to the overlook provides stunning Missouri River views but requires winter boots and layers as wind exposure is significant on the bluffs.
Downtown Bismarck Brewery and Restaurant Crawl
November is perfect for exploring Bismarck's growing craft beverage scene when outdoor activities are limited by cold and darkness. The downtown corridor within 8 blocks contains multiple breweries, distilleries, and restaurants showcasing regional ingredients. Laughing Sun Brewing, Buttonwood Brewing, and Stonehome Brewing are within walking distance, though temperatures make the 400-800 m (0.25-0.5 mile) walks between venues genuinely cold - plan for brief outdoor exposure between warm destinations. Many establishments feature hearty North Dakota fare like bison burgers, knoephla soup, and fleischkuekle that are perfect for cold weather.
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing at Sertoma Park
When snow accumulation reaches 10-15 cm (4-6 inches), typically by mid-November, Sertoma Park's 13 km (8 miles) of trails along the Missouri River become excellent for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. The riverside location provides some wind protection compared to open prairie, and the relatively flat terrain suits beginners while still offering workout value. Local outfitters rent equipment, and the park sees regular grooming by volunteers. This is how many Bismarck residents embrace winter rather than endure it, and November offers early-season conditions before the extreme cold of January-February.
November Events & Festivals
United Tribes International Powwow Recognition
While the major United Tribes International Powwow occurs in September, November features related cultural events and exhibitions at the United Tribes Technical College. The college maintains ongoing indigenous cultural programming throughout the academic year, and November often includes smaller gatherings, art exhibitions, and traditional craft demonstrations that provide authentic cultural insight without the massive crowds of the September powwow. Contact the college directly at 701-255-3285 for current November programming.
High School Hockey Season Opening
North Dakota high school hockey is a genuine cultural phenomenon, and the season begins in November. Bismarck High Demons and Century High Patriots play at VFW Sports Center and Capital Ice Complex, drawing passionate local crowds. Tickets are 5-8 USD, games run Tuesday-Saturday evenings, and the atmosphere provides authentic insight into North Dakota's hockey culture. This is not a tourist event but a community tradition that welcomes visitors. Check schedules at ndhsaa.com starting early November.