Bismarck, North Dakota

After leaving Des Moines, we backtracked a little before continuing our journey east to make a stop in Bismarck, North Dakota. Not being quite sure when or why we would be back in this area, we made an "on purpose" detour to stay a couple of days and visit the state capital. The Capitol Building in Bismarck is unusual, in that it is one of just a handful of State Buildings built as a skyscraper, rather than the traditional dome construction. Due to financial constraints in the 1930's (this being the second capital building for the state), builders sought a style that would be efficient in both space and operation. With an unassuming appearance from the outside, the simplicity of the Art Deco styling allows one to appreciate the little details: clean lines, open spaces, streamlined curving, and an abundance of natural materials. The interior walls and floors throughout the complex include Indiana limestone, Yellowstone Travertine marble, Wisconsin black granite, and a variety of rich woods like walnut, rosewood, East Indian Laurel, American chestnut, English oak, curly maple, and teak. Dan and I opted for the guided tour for a change (normally we take the self guided approach) and it turns out we were the only two in the group. We were given a personalized stroll through the building with our guide pointing out subtleties of design, history, and detail we would otherwise have missed. In the elevator on our way up to the 18th floor to see the panoramic view of Bismarck, we were introduced to Governor Jack Dalrymple, certainly not an everyday experience in most of our capitol visits!