(KOA Bismarck)
Bismarck, ND (10-14 Jul)
After our wonderful introduction to North Dakota around Fargo, we headed west to the state Capitol in Bismarck. We traveled on a Sunday and arrived early afternoon, so it gave us time to explore the Capitol area without the normal workday traffic. We managed a few exterior photos and saw the ND Heritage Center and the ND Veteran’s Memorial. Packed in quite a bit for a short afternoon!
And if you have been reading the blog, you would know by now, it was time to explore the local breweries and see what offerings await us! We found the “Laughing Sun Brewery” that was recommended by Aaron from our previous stop in Fargo. WHAT A GREAT RECOMMENDATION!! Not only was the Laughing Sun an award-winning brewery, it is one of the best BBQ stops in the state! Yes, award winning BBQ! It was redneck heaven . . .great beer and great BBQ in one stop! If that isn’t enough – they also had Throwing Axe Lanes . . .you know, like darts – but different? Can it get any better? We aren’t sure, but we will keep looking for ya!
Another discovery near the campground, was an entrance to the bike trails in the area. Not sure how long it is in total, but it was dozens of miles – much further than my butt is designed to handle! We did take a nice 10-mile ride on a beautiful day and enjoyed it greatly!
Next day, another brewery stop. This time we visited the “DI-A-LEC-TIC Brewing Company” in Mandan, ND just across the Missouri River from Bismarck. Our timing was fortunate as we were able to meet and chat with the owners/brew masters, Dillon and Hannah, originally from Bismarck. Their story was one of many we have heard about where craft breweries started in the garage! This couple traveled around a bit for school and then worked in the food and beverage industry. Then – Dillon received a beer brew kit as a birthday gift and the rest is history! Again, more great beer and another recommended stop! I was partial to the Pinecone Graveyard IPA and the Wally Special IPA, while Tina preferred the Pear and Strawberry-Rhubarb Cider.
We visited a couple of more eateries and another brew co, but I was taught to not say anything if I had nothing good to say! 😉 Let’s just leave it at Gideon’s Brewing Co had a really nice logo (no stickers, by the way), but that was about it – to include the service!
Overall, another great stop. KOA was a Journey and still appears to be family run with work camp assistance. All gravel sites and level enough. Location near town with a small pool and bike trails. Was a good stop and would re-visit!
Camping up with the Joneses 