Former Governors' Mansion State Historic Site

03/30/2026

Hear about the modern water conveniences the Former Governors' Mansion State Historic Site in Bismarck had back when it was built in 1884 when there was no water system in the city.

03/09/2026

We have two part-time positions at the Former Governors' Mansion State Historic Site open for this coming summer.

Historic Site Gardens and Groundskeeper

Visitor Services Assistant (interpreter)

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12/07/2025

If you were here today to see Santa and you are missing a hat, we might have it. This was found in the attic!

12/02/2025

Our first Holiday Open House is coming up on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.

Santa will be here and will be taking present requests.

Hot cider and Christmas treats

Decoration making for the kids.

We hope you can make it!

11/10/2025

Coming up on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Former Governors’ Mansion State Historic Site.

Step back into the days of Dakota Territory through a special program, “Linda Slaughter Reads Her Dakota Writings.”

Outreach Coordinator Sarah Fox, dressed as Linda Slaughter will bring the pioneer writer’s words to life in a dramatic reading of her works. This free, family-friendly event is part of the ND250 commemoration celebrating our country’s 250th birthday.
Slaughter was a writer, educator, and suffragist in the late 19th century.

Arriving in Bismarck in 1872, she became a central figure in the community’s cultural and civic development. As one of the first female correspondents for The New York Tribune, she chronicled the triumphs and challenges of settlers, often weaving in themes of women's rights and social reform. Her essays, newspaper articles, and historical sketches remain vital accounts of the early American West.

Painting of Linda Slaughter, SHSND 2920

11/02/2025

We had a fun Murder Mystery this evening. Thank you to everyone that attended "A Gathering of Minds."

We are already thinking of next years!

10/30/2025

The timid psychic will be visiting the mansion Friday evening for free fortunes and glimpses into the future.

The Halloween Open House is 5 to 9 p.m.

No question is too small for the timid psychic to answer.

Photo of Bob the skeleton getting their fortune:

"You shall lose a large amount of weight in the near future." Bob is frightened.

10/27/2025

The mansion will be open for Halloween to explore the dark corners of the house and for trick-or-treating this Friday from 5 to 9 p.m.

We will have candy, cookies, and hot cider.

We hope you give us a visit!

10/22/2025

Times running out to walk through history at the "Gathering of Minds Murder Mystery" happening at the mansion on November 1.

Send a message to learn more

10/03/2025

Travel through time to 1889 when you attend “Gathering of Minds,” a fantasy murder mystery party game. Come dressed as your assigned character as you envision them. Interrogate the other guests for clues to solve the murder. Prior to the event, you will be emailed your character assignment and information about the person.
A mysterious dimensional rift has been opened in Edwinton, the capital city of the new independent state of Dakota, drawing some of the most influential people in history to one place. The gathering is meant to be a peaceful summit of minds to guide Dakota into the future as a leader among the alliance of states—but someone has been murdered, and space itself may unravel if the killer isn’t found.

Non-alcoholic drinks and light appetizers will be served.
Age 16+

Travel through time to 1889 at this fantasy murder mystery party game.

09/18/2025

These wild turkeys asked to see the governor, something about only 70 days to Thanksgiving. We let them know the governor doesn't live here anymore and gave them some history about Norman Brunsdale, who was governor when their turkey ancestors settled in the state in the early 1950s.