Wyoming State Hospital Historic District | Evanston

The North Dakota State Capitol is a governmental building located in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Visual Characteristics

The building is a 18-story art deco skyscraper constructed primarily of limestone and granite. Its exterior features vertical lines and setbacks, culminating in a distinctive spire. The primary color palette consists of buff limestone and dark granite accents. The building's height is approximately 242 feet (74 meters).

Location & Access Logistics

The Capitol is situated at 600 East Boulevard Avenue in Bismarck. It is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) east of the city center. Ample free parking is available in designated lots surrounding the building. Public transport options include the Bismarck-Mandan Transit bus system, with Route 3 serving the Capitol grounds.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The current North Dakota State Capitol was constructed between 1932 and 1934, replacing an earlier building that burned down. It was designed by the architectural firm of Holabird & Root. Its original purpose was to serve as the seat of North Dakota's state government.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can tour the legislative chambers, the Governor's office, and the Supreme Court. Guided tours are available on weekdays. Observation decks offer views of the surrounding landscape. The building's grounds include landscaped gardens and walking paths.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on each floor. Limited shaded areas are present on the grounds. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable within the building. Food vendors are not located within the Capitol building itself, but several restaurants are situated within a 1-mile radius.

Best Time to Visit

For interior tours, weekdays during business hours are recommended. For exterior photography, late afternoon light provides optimal illumination of the building's facade. The months of May through October offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the grounds.

Facts & Legends

The North Dakota State Capitol is often referred to as the "Tower on the Prairie" due to its height and prominent location. A unique architectural feature is the use of North Dakota-sourced materials, including lignite coal ash in some concrete elements.

Nearby Landmarks

• North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum (0.2km West)
• Memorial Park (1.0km South)
• Missouri River (2.5km West)
• Camp Hancock State Historic Site (3.0km Southwest)