The Bismarck area has about 2,600 rooms. Bed and breakfasts and major chains, including Holiday Inn, Best Western, Ramada Limited Suites, Motel 6, Super 8, Comfort Inn, Country Suites. Bismarck is known for long winters with extreme cold, strong winds and heavy snow. Fortunately, days of extreme cold usually aren't too windy. Very pleasant summers, often with low humidity and cool nights.
Thunderstorms can be tumultuous.
Short spring and fall. Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau. Animal lovers can take in the Dakota Zoo, which features more than 500 animals, birds and reptiles. Many of them, such as prairie dogs, mountain lions and bison, are native to the region. There are things to do inside, too.