Name: Chili Cookoff / Pumpkin Bakeoff
Start: 2026-10-04
End: 2026-10-04

Start your adventure in the heart of North Dakota at the Bismarck-Mandan Visitor Information Center & Gift Shop! Our friendly team is ready to help you make the most of your visit with maps, travel guides, and personalized recommendations on local attractions, dining, and events throughout the Bismarck-Mandan area.

While you’re here, explore our charming Gift Shop, featuring unique North Dakota-made products, regional souvenirs, and locally inspired apparel — perfect for taking home a piece of your trip or finding a thoughtful gift.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking to rediscover the area, the Bismarck-Mandan Visitor Information Center is your go-to stop for inspiration, information, and a warm North Dakota welcome.

Bismarck-Mandan Visitor Information Center

Wachter Aquatic Complex in Bismarck — summer fun, relaxation, and family‑friendly waves. Located at 205 E. Reno Avenue, Wachter Aquatic Complex (also commonly called “the wave pool”) delivers a distinctive aquatic experience when summer rolls around. The pool opens seasonally and offers gentle, ocean‑style waves that periodically roll through the swim area — making it more than a standard pool and giving swimmers a fun, surf‑like vibe. The facility is fully accessible, with paved entry, accessible restrooms and seating, wheelchair‑friendly parking, drop‑off/pick‑up zones, and accommodations for service animals, making it a welcoming spot for all guests.

Set adjacent to Wachter Park, the complex is surrounded by green space, playgrounds, and reservable picnic shelters — perfect for families looking to spend a full day outdoors combining water fun with shaded resting areas, picnic time, or playtime for kids.

Because of this combination — wave pool, accessible amenities, and nearby park space — Wachter Aquatic Complex is especially great for families with children (including young kids and those with special needs), groups of friends seeking a relaxed but enjoyable water outing, and community members looking for accessible, budget‑friendly recreation. The wave action adds a fun twist that younger kids often love, while the easy access and sitting areas make it comfortable for parents, grandparents, or anyone needing a more leisurely swim environment.

Seasonal operation, accessibility, and adjacency to additional recreational and park amenities make Wachter Aquatic Complex a simple, convenient, and enjoyable summer destination. Whether you’re looking to splash around with kids, enjoy gentle waves, or pair swimming with a picnic or playground visit, Wachter offers a well‑rounded outdoor experience in Bismarck.

Wachter Aquatic Complex

Bistró 1100 – Bismarck, ND

Located at 1103 E Front Avenue in Bismarck, Bistró 1100 combines upscale charm with a warm, welcoming ambiance. Situated in a beautifully converted carriage house, this American café offers a sophisticated yet comfortable dining experience, perfect for lunch, dinner, or special gatherings.

The menu features a variety of elevated American fare, with standout dishes such as red oak–fired steaks, salmon, and the signature Bistró Burger. Seafood lovers can enjoy pan-seared blackened Ahi tuna and pecan-crusted walleye, while Italian-inspired options like lobster ravioli and spicy chicken tortellini offer flavorful alternatives. For lighter options, entrée salads provide fresh and satisfying choices.

Appetizers set the tone for the meal, including favorites like sesame-crusted ahi with yakisoba noodles, wasabi, and ginger, as well as rich, creamy lobster bisque. The restaurant also features wood-fired pizzas, from classic Margherita to more inventive “Extreme” varieties, alongside quesadillas like chipotle chicken and taco-style creations. A curated beverage program, including craft beers, an extensive wine list, and specialty cocktails, complements the menu and elevates the dining experience.

Bistró 1100 is well-suited for group dining, offering private spaces that accommodate business dinners, family celebrations, or intimate gatherings. Its open kitchen design and stylish interior create a lively yet elegant atmosphere, blending sophistication with approachability. With a menu that highlights fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and classic American cuisine with a modern twist, Bistró 1100 remains a top choice for memorable dining in Bismarck.

Bistro 1100

Discover a hub of wellness and activity at the Capital Racquet & Fitness Center, located at 3200 N 10th St in Bismarck, ND. This premier fitness destination offers a variety of facilities and programs designed to suit fitness enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're looking to improve your tennis game, partake in a group fitness class, or enjoy a solid workout session, the center caters to your needs with its state-of-the-art resources.

Capital Racquet & Fitness Center features indoor and outdoor tennis courts, providing year-round opportunities for players to hone their skills. Additionally, a well-equipped fitness area includes cardio and strength-training equipment, ensuring comprehensive workouts for all members. Group exercise classes offer a community vibe and structured routines, led by experienced instructors who keep you motivated and engaged.

Ideal for families and individuals alike, the center fosters a welcoming environment where members of the community can come together in pursuit of health and fitness. Exceptionally attentive to creating a positive experience for visitors, Capital Racquet & Fitness Center stands out as a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just beginning your fitness journey, this is the perfect place to start or continue your pursuit of a healthier lifestyle. 

Capital Racquet & Fitness Center

La Carreta in Mandan, ND serves authentic Mexican cuisine made with fresh ingredients, generous portions, and vibrant flavors. Enjoy classic dishes, refreshing margaritas, and warm, attentive service in a lively, family-friendly setting.

La Carreta Mexican Restaurant

Panera Bread, located at 1016 S 7th St in Bismarck, North Dakota, offers a welcoming environment where freshness and quality take center stage. Known for its array of artisan breads, freshly made sandwiches, and nourishing salads, Panera Bread promises an experience crafted from wholesome ingredients. As you step inside, you're greeted by the inviting aroma of freshly baked goods, underscoring a commitment to quality that resonates with health-conscious diners and those seeking a quick yet satisfying meal.

A perfect spot for breakfast, a leisurely lunch, or an early dinner, this establishment caters to a diverse clientele. Whether you're a solo visitor craving a quiet nook or a group of friends catching up over a meal, Panera Bread's spacious layout and cozy atmosphere provide an ideal setting. The café is particularly popular with locals who appreciate the calming ambiance and efficient service that invites them to linger.

Families will also find Panera Bread appealing for its straightforward menu and welcoming environment that make it easy to find something for everyone. While not explicitly noted as kid-friendly or dog-friendly, its convenient location and accessible offerings certainly welcome all diners who appreciate quality food and a peaceful setting within Bismarck's vibrant community landscape. 

Panera Bread

The Ground Round offers a modern, family-friendly dining experience built on classic American favorites and a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. The menu features a broad selection of appetizers — from boneless wings and sliders to mozzarella sticks, egg rolls, and a Pick‑3 sampler — making it easy to start your meal with something shareable and fun. 

When it comes to entrees, The Ground Round truly shines. Their Burger Room features a lineup of signature half-pound burgers served on grilled brioche buns or wrapped in lettuce. Options include the smoky Bacon Bourbon Burger, the fiery Haystack Burger with crispy onion tanglers and chipotle ranch, the bold Texas Hold ’Em with jalapeños and BBQ sauce, and the savory Swiss, Onion & Mushroom Burger with au jus.   For non-burger lovers, there are grilled or crispy chicken sandwiches, po’boys, quesadillas, and a hearty 10 oz chop steak topped with mushrooms or onions. 

On the lighter side, The Ground Round offers a variety of fresh salads — including gluten-free options — as well as soups that pair nicely with their bread bowls or side salads. Classic sides round out the menu, like hand-cut fries, tater tots, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, and baked potatoes. 

The atmosphere at The Ground Round is warm and conversational, striking the perfect balance between laid-back comfort and vibrant energy. It’s a place where families can gather for casual dinners, friends can enjoy appetizers and share a pitcher, and couples can unwind in a friendly, unpretentious setting. The restaurant also accommodates group dining and corporate outings, offering ample space for private parties or business lunches.

What makes The Ground Round special is its blend of nostalgic charm and modern appeal. It’s a place to relax, connect, and enjoy good food — whether you're sharing a platter of wings, sinking your teeth into a juicy gourmet burger, or sipping a drink after work.

Ground Round Grill & Bar

Discover the perfect blend of quality and expertise at Magi-Touch Carpet One Floor & Home, located in the heart of Bismarck, North Dakota. With a dedication to exceptional service and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Magi-Touch offers a diverse range of flooring solutions designed to meet the unique needs of any space. Whether you’re in the market for plush carpets, resilient hardwood, or stylish tiles, their extensive selection covers it all. 

Specializing in personalized service, Magi-Touch Carpet One Floor & Home prides itself on helping customers make informed decisions that suit their lifestyle and design preferences. Their experienced staff provides expert advice and guidance, ensuring that every project receives the individual attention it deserves. 

Ideal for homeowners looking to renovate or those building their dream home, Magi-Touch stands out with its high standards of quality and comprehensive warranties that offer peace of mind. Additionally, their showroom is designed to inspire, providing visitors with a hands-on experience to explore the textures and colors that best fit their vision.

Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned renovator, Magi-Touch Carpet One Floor & Home is your trusted partner in crafting beautiful and functional living spaces. Visit today to experience the difference that personalized service and premium flooring solutions can make. 

Magi-Touch Carpet One Floor & Home

HuHot Mongolian Grill, located at 409 S. 3rd Street in Bismarck, offers an interactive and flavorful dining experience where you build your own stir-fry “bowl” from a vast market of fresh meats, seafood, noodles, vegetables, and Asian-inspired sauces. Once you load your ingredients, skilled “Grill Warriors” skillfully cook your creation on a massive, fiery grill, bringing your customized dish to life right before your eyes.

The restaurant features all-you-can-eat grill meals, meaning you control your portions and can return to the food bar as often as you like to try new combinations. Whether you're in the mood for lean proteins, hearty seafood, or a purely vegetarian bowl, HuHot accommodates a wide variety of dietary preferences — even gluten-free, keto, or paleo.

Beyond the grill, the menu includes tempting appetizers like crispy egg rolls, potstickers, and krab rangoon, plus fresh salads and soups. For dessert, indulge in rich treats like New York cheesecake, warm molten muffins, or even build-your-own s’mores at your table, making it a fun finish to any meal.

HuHot’s lively, family-friendly dining room encourages creativity and conversation. It’s an ideal spot for groups, date nights, or casual meals when you want both variety and control over your food. With its bold, fresh approach to Asian cuisine and generous portions, HuHot Mongolian Grill is a go-to destination in Bismarck for diners seeking a memorable and interactive dining experience.

HuHot Mongolian Grill

FPN Gaming in Bismarck, ND offers licensed charitable gaming supplies, and full-service event support for nonprofits and businesses.

FPN Gaming

North Dakota might surprise you—and that’s the point. For many, Bismarck-Mandan is a first-time destination, and it delivers far more than just another box to check. Here, you’ll find one-of-a-kind attractions and off-site venues that take events and meetings beyond the fields, courses and four walls and into unforgettable experiences.

Plenty of cities have facilities. What sets us apart? The extra. From history, culture and arts to outdoor adventure, dining and shopping, Bismarck-Mandan has it all—right on the Missouri River and surrounded by rolling hills.

As North Dakota’s capital, we combine professional infrastructure with authentic hospitality and a central location that’s easy to reach by road or air. Add in access to key industry sites, walkable downtowns and built-in pre- and post-conference adventures and you’ve got a destination that works hard—and plays even harder.

Bismarck-Mandan Convention & Visitors Bureau

Fall is here, and we're celebrating with good food, friendly competition, and a whole lot of fun! Join us at New Life Church on Sunday, October 4th, immediately following our 11:00 AM Celebration Service (approximately 12:30 PM) for our Chili Cookoff & Pumpkin Bakeoff! We'll have two delicious competitions. The winner of each will receive a very special award: 1. Chili Cookoff: Bring your best chili recipe and see how it stacks up! 2. Pumpkin Bakeoff: Bring your favorite fall-themed dessert. Pumpkin is in the name, but any fall-inspired dessert is welcome! We'll also be enjoying hot apple cider, great fellowship, and the fall season together. Whether you're competing or simply coming to eat and have fun, there's a place for you! Want to compete? You must register by September 30th to be eligible to win either or both contests. Register here: https://form.church/8oaa5qyp3aFgj001cy9s You can still bring chili or a dessert without registering, but unregistered entries won't be eligible for prizes. Date: Sunday, October 4th, 2026 Time: Approximately 12:30 PM (following the 11:00 AM Celebration Service) Location: New Life Church — outdoors on the empty lot next to our main facility Cost: FREE! You don't have to attend New Life Church to join us! Bring your chili or dessert to church on Sunday, October 4th, and get ready for a fun fall afternoon with friends, family, and our church community. Let's make this a fall day to remember! We can't wait to see you there!

Chili Cookoff / Pumpkin Bakeoff

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