Bismarck in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Bismarck

-1°C (30°F) High Temp

-12°C (10°F) Low Temp

15 mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Missouri River partially frozen creates impressive ice formations for photography - best views from Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park with temperatures stabilizing river ice by mid-November
Hunting season peaks in November with white-tailed deer, pheasant, and waterfowl seasons overlapping - non-residents can purchase licenses for $285-385 depending on species
Northern Lights viewing season begins with 14+ hour nights and clear skies occurring 18-20 days per month - aurora activity typically peaks between 10pm-2am
Indoor cultural attractions operate extended hours for winter season - State Museum, Heritage Center, and galleries offer warming stations and hot beverages

Considerations

Extreme cold with wind chills reaching -23°C (-10°F) making outdoor activities dangerous without proper gear - frostbite risk in exposed skin after 30 minutes
Daylight limited to 8.5 hours (sunrise 7:45am, sunset 4:15pm by month's end) severely restricting outdoor sightseeing time
Sudden blizzards can shut down I-94 and I-83 with little warning - car rentals require winter tire chains and emergency kits adding $45-65/day to costs

Best Activities in November

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Winter Hiking

November transforms the historic cavalry post into a winter wonderland with frozen Missouri River views. Snow-covered earthlodge foundations and Custer House create dramatic photography opportunities. Trails are less crowded and wildlife tracking in fresh snow reveals deer, fox, and coyote patterns. Best visited 10am-2pm when temperatures peak and daylight is strongest.

Booking Tip: Park entry costs $5 per vehicle. Guided winter tours available weekends for $8-12 per person. No advance booking required but check road conditions via park website. Heated visitor center provides warm-up stations every 0.8 km (0.5 miles) along main trails.

Missouri River Ice Fishing

November marks the beginning of ice fishing season when river sections freeze to safe depths of 10-15 cm (4-6 inches). Target species include northern pike, walleye, and perch. Local guides provide heated shelters, equipment, and license processing. Ice conditions are most reliable in backwater areas and slower-moving sections near Bismarck.

Booking Tip: Guided trips range $125-175 per person including equipment and shelter rental. Book 5-7 days ahead as November weekends fill quickly with locals. Day licenses cost $16 for non-residents. Verify ice thickness reports through North Dakota Game & Fish before booking.

Prairie Pothole Waterfowl Photography Tours

November migration brings peak waterfowl numbers to prairie potholes within 32 km (20 miles) of Bismarck. Canada geese, mallards, and diving ducks concentrate in remaining open water before freeze-up. Early morning tours (6:30-9:30am) offer best lighting and bird activity. Specialized winter photography workshops focus on flight patterns and ice formations.

Booking Tip: Photography tours cost $85-120 per person with transportation and basic equipment included. Private vehicle tours range $200-300 for groups up to 4. Book through local Audubon chapters or wildlife photography groups. Weather-dependent cancellation policies standard.

Northern Plains Museum Cultural Tours

November indoor season showcases rotating exhibits on regional history, Native American artifacts, and pioneer life. Interactive displays demonstrate survival techniques used during harsh prairie winters. Special November programming includes traditional crafts workshops and historical cooking demonstrations using period techniques.

Booking Tip: Museum admission $8-12 for adults, group discounts for 6+ people. Special workshop fees $15-25 additional. No advance booking needed for general admission but workshops require 48-hour notice. Operating hours extend to 8pm on weekends during winter months.

Cross-Country Skiing at Sertoma Park

First snowfall typically occurs by mid-November, creating groomed cross-country skiing trails along the Missouri River. 8 km (5 miles) of beginner to intermediate trails wind through cottonwood forests and prairie overlooks. Equipment rental on-site and heated warming hut with hot beverages available.

Booking Tip: Trail passes cost $8 per day, equipment rental $18-25 including skis, boots, and poles. Season passes available for $65. Grooming conditions reported daily on city recreation website. Best snow conditions typically after mid-November when temperatures remain below -7°C (20°F).

Casino and Entertainment Complex Tours

November brings indoor entertainment season to tribal casinos within 48 km (30 miles) of Bismarck. Featured gaming, restaurants, and live entertainment provide warm refuge during cold snaps. Many offer shuttle services from downtown hotels and special winter visitor packages including meals and gaming credits.

Booking Tip: Shuttle services typically $15-25 round trip from major hotels. Entertainment packages range $45-85 including meal vouchers and slot play credits. Check current promotions as November traditionally offers enhanced visitor incentives. Advance reservations recommended for weekend shows and special events.

November Events & Festivals

November 11

Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony

Annual downtown parade honoring military veterans with participation from Fort Abraham Lincoln historical interpreters and local military units. Ceremony at State Capitol grounds features honor guard presentations and historical military displays. Indoor reception follows at Heritage Center with local veteran stories and artifact exhibitions.

Late November

Thanksgiving Festival of Trees

Belle Mehus Auditorium transforms into winter wonderland with decorated trees auctioned for charity. Features local craft vendors, holiday music performances, and traditional Norwegian and German holiday foods reflecting regional heritage. Popular with families seeking indoor holiday activities during cold weather.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated winter boots rated to -40°C (-40°F) with non-slip treads - sidewalks become icy and standard footwear inadequate for extended outdoor time

Layered clothing system including merino wool base layer, fleece mid-layer, and windproof outer shell - cotton kills in these temperatures due to moisture retention

Insulated gloves plus liner gloves for camera operation and phone use - touchscreen-compatible fingertips essential for photography in cold

Balaclava or face mask covering nose and mouth - exposed facial skin can get frostbite in 30 minutes when wind chills drop below -23°C (-10°F)

Emergency car kit including blanket, water, energy bars, and phone charger - sudden weather changes can strand motorists for hours

Sunglasses for snow glare - UV index may be low but snow reflection can cause painful eye strain and temporary snow blindness

Moisturizer and lip balm with SPF - indoor heating and cold winds create extremely dry conditions causing cracked skin within hours

Hand and foot warmers (chemical heat packs) - available locally but expensive, better purchased before arrival for outdoor activities

Waterproof phone case or ziplock bags - condensation forms rapidly when moving between extreme cold and heated indoor spaces

Thermal socks and sock liners - two-layer sock system prevents blisters and maintains warmth during extended cold exposure

Insider Knowledge

Locals shop for winter gear at Scheels All Sports (largest selection) but better prices found at Fleet Farm on south end - both stores offer free winter safety workshops in November

Missouri River ice fishing access points known to locals: Kimball Bottoms (best for beginners), General Sibley Park (deepest water), and Burnt Boat area (least crowded but requires 4WD access)

Downtown skywalks connect major hotels, shopping, and restaurants allowing 6 blocks of indoor walking - crucial knowledge when temperatures drop below -18°C (0°F)

State employees get lunch break 11:30am-12:30pm creating brief crowding at downtown restaurants - eat before 11:30am or after 1pm for faster service and better seating

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating cold severity - tourists from temperate climates often pack inadequate winter gear, not realizing that -12°C (10°F) with 32 km/h (20 mph) wind feels like -23°C (-10°F)

Planning too many outdoor activities - daylight ends by 4:15pm and temperatures drop 8-12°C (15-20°F) after sunset, making evening outdoor sightseeing dangerous

Renting standard vehicles without winter package - rear-wheel drive cars cannot handle ice-covered roads and parking lots, requiring expensive towing and causing missed activities