5 Things People From Bismarck Mandan Can’t Believe I haven’t Done

I've been on the air in Bismarck Mandan now for quite a while and I've been a full-time resident for over 5 years.

After spending most of my life on the eastern side of the state (Grand Forks), I can't tell you how much I prefer living here.

To be honest, when I go back home, it doesn't feel like home anymore.  Nope, good ol' Lincoln, is my home now and I'm damn proud of living in the Bismarck Mandan area.

I ask you, just how Bismarck Mandan are you?

I myself have been to the desert.  That's a whole lot of sand, right?  I've been to Buckstop Junction, I've been to Costco, I've been inside the Capitol, The Broken Oar, I've been to many Bismarck Bobcats hockey games, I've been on the very scenic Lewis & Clark Riverboat several times, and I've been to a Bismarck Larks baseball game a time or two.

I even went to Rusty's Grill & Saloon for the first time over New Year's. Yes, I know that isn't Bismarck Mandan, but so many residents go to dine there in St. Anthony, I just had to say I did.

However, there are 5 things that I have yet to do in Bismarck Mandan, that people are very shocked to find out that I haven't done yet since I moved here full-time.  Maybe, you are like me and have missed out on a few of these.  It's not like I don't want to do these things, but for whatever reason I haven't got around to it.  Maybe I should make these 5 things a priority this spring and summer.  Check them off my Bismarck Mandan bucket list if you will.

So, without further ado, these are the 5 things I have yet to do in Bismarck Mandan.

#1 I've never been to a rodeo or bull riding event.

This may seem strange to many of you.  It's not like I don't want to go to one, just growing up on the eastern side of the state, we just don't see many rodeos coming to town.

#2 I've never eaten at Chic-fil-A in Bismarck. ***UPDATE, I finally did this in 2024!

I just never had the time to sit in line at the drive-thru for 30 minutes. Well, the stars must have aligned just right, because I finally found a slow time for Chic-fil-A and I was able to grab some lunch in 2024. YES, I checked off one of these 5 in 2024!

#3 I've never been to Huff Hills.

I really want to go.  I'm actually a fabulous skier.  At least in my mind, I am, but as a hockey Dad until recently, my winter weekends have usually been spoken for the last 15 years. I'm planning on taking my son this winter for sure!

#4 I've never been to Raging Rivers in Mandan.

I have no excuse for this one, as it's right by where I work.  Now, that I'm working on getting rid of my dad's bod, I may have to break out the guns this summer.

#5 I've never been to a Buggies & Blues event.

I've heard what a party it is.  I've got a lake cabin and we are usually at the lake during this event every year.  I may have to make it a point to stay home from the lake and check it out this year.

How about you?  How many of these 5 have you never done?  Am I the only one?