If you ever find yourself in Bismarck/Mandan area, and are looking for a budget-friendly activity, I highly recommend visiting the North Dakota State Railroad Museum.

Having lived in North Dakota my whole life, this was actually my first time visiting the museum.

My youngest child loves trains, while my oldest, along with my husband and I, have a passion for history, so this was an experience that appealed to all of us.

The museum buildings are filled with train-related artifacts from the early days of the Dakota Territory up to the present.

You can walk through the various buildings, explore some train cars, and even visit the old depot from Steele, North Dakota.

They host a variety of events throughout the summer, making it a worthwhile stop if you’re in the area.