Children's Museums

The Treehouse at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum

Capitol complex, Bismarck, ND

Free children's museum play space inside the Heritage Center with a climb-in treehouse, slide, and North Dakota-themed hands-on exhibits.

The Treehouse children's exhibit at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum

The Treehouse combines climbing, sliding, and imaginative museum exhibits for kids.

Editorial notes

What stands out

A standout free option for younger kids, especially when you want indoor play plus the flexibility of a full museum visit.

Good fit

  • Toddlers and preschoolers who enjoy pretend play and climbable exhibits
  • Families looking for a free indoor outing in Bismarck
  • Caregivers who want a museum visit with a dedicated kid-friendly anchor space

Consider another option if

  • Older kids wanting a large physical challenge course
  • Families expecting a stand-alone commercial indoor playground
  • Visitors who want food and drinks right inside the play area

Know Before You Go

Food
Food and drinks are not permitted in museum galleries
Supervision
Children must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian
Supervision model
Caregiver supervised

What to Expect

For kids

  • Toddlers
  • Preschoolers
  • Big kids
  • Museum exhibits
  • Pretend play
  • Slides

For caregivers

  • Cafe on site
  • Coffee available
  • Food available
  • Wi-Fi
  • Caregiver supervised
Visit type
museum play and pretend exploration
Read more about this location

The Treehouse is the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum's dedicated children's area, designed especially for younger visitors. Kids can climb into a child-sized treehouse, slide down, and explore hands-on North Dakota-themed exhibits like a bank, fire station, steamboat, locomotive, and flight simulator. It is a strong option for families who want a free, low-friction indoor outing that mixes imaginative play with museum exploration.

Hours & Admission

Posted hours

Check posted weekly hours

View full weekly hours
Weekly posted opening hours
Monday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Based on posted weekly hours. Holidays, private events, seasonal schedules, and special closures may differ.

Admission

Published admission prices
VisitorPrice
Museum AdmissionFree

Admission details can change. Confirm current fees before visiting.

Accessibility

Sensory Notes

The Treehouse is usually calmer than a commercial play center, though museum traffic can vary

Location

612 East Boulevard Avenue

Bismarck, ND, 58505

Get directions

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Children playing on gymnastics-style equipment at Mini Gym in Mandan

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Sources & Updates

3 public sources on record · Last checked Apr 5, 2026. Time-sensitive details may have changed.

View source and update details
Last check on record
Apr 5, 2026
Sources reviewed
3 public sources

Public sources

What changed

  • April 5, 2026

    Verified free admission, museum hours, Treehouse features, and official exhibit imagery.