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 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
| Monday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Based on posted weekly hours. Holidays, private events, seasonal schedules, and special closures may differ.
Admission
| Visitor | Price |
|---|---|
| Museum Admission | Free |
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
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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
- The Treehouse exhibit pagestatemuseum.nd.gov
Checked: Treehouse description, address, phone, email
- North Dakota Heritage Center homepagestatemuseum.nd.gov
Checked: museum admission is free, museum hours, Treehouse positioning
- Visitor FAQsstatemuseum.nd.gov
Checked: café availability, public Wi-Fi, visitor rules
What changed
April 5, 2026
Verified free admission, museum hours, Treehouse features, and official exhibit imagery.
