North Dakota's Gateway to Science

Prairie Walks Series: Sleepy Hollow Loop
2026-05-26 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | ND
Our Prairie Walks Series is held on the last Tuesday of each month from May through August. Each walk features a new local landscape to explore with guided walks and hands-on STEMzone stations that bring North Dakota’s native grasslands to life.

In collaboration with the Society for Range Management and Pheasants Forever

Free Program | May 26th 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Sleepy Hollow LP, Bismarck, ND 58501

Little Composers Lab Preschool Discovery Hour
2026-06-10 09:00 - 09:45, 2026-06-13 09:00 - 09:45 | Gateway to Science, 1600 Canary Ave, Bismarck, ND, 58503, United States
Little Composers Lab Preschool Discovery Hour
Make some noise and discover the science of sound at Little Composers Lab Preschool Discovery Hour with our friends Eckroth Music! Little learners will explore music, rhythm, and movement through hands-on activities, instruments, and creative play.
Activities Include:

Light-up dance games
Creating sound shakers
Building music inventions
and more!

June 10 & 13 | 9:00 to 9:45 AM at North Dakota’s Gateway to Science
Free Program | Best for ages 3–5
Please note: Special groups require prior booking.

PDH is proudly sponsored by Essentia Health!

Inside the Digitalis Dome
2026-06-18 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-07-16 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-08-20 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-09-17 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-10-15 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-12-17 16:00 - 18:00 | Gateway to Science, 1600 Canary Ave, Bismarck, ND, 58503, United States
Inside the Digitalis Dome
Join us every third Thursday from 4:00 to 6:00 PM for planetarium shows every 15 minutes inside our Digitalis Dome.
What to Expect
The Digitalis Dome Planetarium will be set up in the Innovation Space, offering immersive shows approximately every 15 minutes throughout the evening. These short, rotating presentations make it easy to drop in during your visit and explore space in a whole new way.
Shows in the Digitalis Dome will be offered once a month and are included with gallery admission.
Future dates may vary based on space availability, so be sure to check our calendar before visiting.
No registration required. Just stop by, take a seat, and look up!

Gateway to Ethanol
2026-06-23 10:00 - 16:00 | Gateway to Science, 1600 Canary Ave, Bismarck, ND, 58503, United States
Gateway to Ethanol
Join us for Gateway to Ethanol, a high-energy, family-focused event celebrating the connection between agriculture, science, and energy on June 23 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
What to Expect:
Explore hands-on STEM activities and engaging educational experiences for all ages. Learn how ethanol is made, why it matters, and how agriculture, energy, and innovation work together to fuel our everyday lives. Connect with local partners and engage with interactive booths and exhibits.
Register Today
Gateway to Ethanol is presented by North Dakota Ethanol, Harvestone Low Carbon Partners, and North Dakota’s Gateway to Science.

STEM Trivia Night at Laughing Sun
2026-06-23 19:00 - 21:00 | ND
STEM Trivia Night at Laughing Sun
Grab a drink, gather your team, and put your STEM knowledge to the test.
Join us on Tuesday, June 23rd, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at Laughing Sun Brewing Co. for an 21+ night of trivia and brews!
1023 E Front St, Bismarck, ND, 58504 | First question is asked at 7:00 PM
What to Expect:
STEM Trivia – Test your knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and math!Friendly Competition – Bring your friends and win to become STEM Champions.One Drink Included – Registration includes one drink token.
Pre-Registration Required
This event is for ages 21+
$25 per person (includes 1 drink token)
Max of 4 people in a team
Register Now!

Prairie Walks Series: Northern Great Plains Research Lab
2026-06-30 18:00 - 20:00 | Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory, 1701 10th Avenue SW, Mandan, ND, 58554, United States
Join us at the Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory (Mandan USDA) for our next Prairie Walk!

Our Prairie Walks Series is held on the last Tuesday of each month from May through August. Each walk features a new local landscape to explore with guided walks and hands-on STEMzone stations that bring North Dakota’s native grasslands to life.

Free Program | June 30th: 6:00 – 6:30 PM STEM activities, 6:30 PM begin walk
1701 10th Avenue SW Mandan, ND 58554
The hike will take place south of the headquarters at coordinates 46.7911396, -100.9171781.
Long pants and closed-toed shoes are recommended.

In collaboration with the Society for Range Management and Pheasants Forever

Learn about the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists and Global Alliance for Rangelands and Pastoralists

Science of the Stage Preschool Discovery Hour
2026-07-08 09:00 - 09:45, 2026-07-11 09:00 - 09:45 | Gateway to Science, 1600 Canary Ave, Bismarck, ND, 58503, United States
Science of the Stage Preschool Discovery Hour
Step into the spotlight and explore the science behind theater at Science of the Stage Preschool Discovery Hour with our friends at Shade Tree! Little learners will discover storytelling, sound effects, and creative play through hands-on activities inspired by the magic of the stage.
Activities Include:

Designing puppets
Making special effects
Creating stories through sequencing
and more!

July 8 & 11 | 9:00 to 9:45 AM at North Dakota’s Gateway to Science
Free Program | Best for ages 3–5
Please note: Special groups require prior booking.

PDH is proudly sponsored by Essentia Health!

Prairie Walks Series: Harmon Lake
2026-07-28 18:00 - 20:00 | ND
Join us at Harmon Lake for our next Prairie Walk!
Our Prairie Walks Series is held on the last Tuesday of each month from May through August. Each walk features a new local landscape to explore with guided walks and hands-on STEMzone stations that bring North Dakota’s native grasslands to life.
Free Program | July 28th: 6:00 – 6:30 PM STEM activities, 6:30 PM begin walk

3244 Harmon Lake Rd, Mandan, ND 58554 | Meet at the West Picnic Shelter, located at 46.942470, -100.968603
Long pants and closed-toed shoes are recommended.

In collaboration with the Society for Range Management and Pheasants Forever
Learn about the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists and Global Alliance for Rangelands and Pastoralists

Science of Cigars
2026-08-08 19:00 - 21:00 | Hawktree Golf Club, 3400 Burnt Creek Loop, Bismarck, ND, 58503, United States
Science of Cigars
Gather your curiosity and explore the science behind cigars.
Join us on Saturday, August 8th, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at Hawktree Golf Club for an adult-only evening learning about cigars with Big Stick Cigar.
What to Expect:
Learn About Cigars – Explore the science and history of cigars.Explore the Process – Discover how cigars are made and what makes each one unique.$10 Cigar Ticket Included – Registration includes a $10 ticket toward the purchase of a cigar.
Pre-Registration Required
This Gateway After Dark event is for ages 21+
$25 per person (includes 1 $10 Cigar Ticket)
Limited availability
Register Now!

Bubbleology Preschool Discovery Hour
2026-08-12 09:00 - 09:45, 2026-08-12 15:30 - 16:15 | Gateway to Science, 1600 Canary Ave, Bismarck, ND, 58503, United States
Bubbleology Preschool Discovery Hour
Pop in and explore at Bubbleology Preschool Discovery Hour! Little learners will explore the science and chemistry of bubbles through hands-on experiments, colorful investigations, and playful activities!
Activities Include:

Bubble color lab
Bubble snakes
DIY bubble wands
and more!

August 12 | 9:00 to 9:45 AM and 3:30 to 4:15 PM* at North Dakota’s Gateway to Science
Free Program | Best for ages 3–5
*PDH will now be held twice on the second Wednesday of each month.
Please note: Special groups require prior booking.

PDH is proudly sponsored by Essentia Health!

Prairie Walks Series: Gateway to Science
2026-08-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Gateway to Science, 1600 Canary Ave, Bismarck, ND, 58503, United States
Join us at the science center for our final Prairie Walk!

This walk features a local landscape to explore with hands-on STEMzone stations from 6 – 6:30 PM followed up with a guided walk that brings North Dakota’s native grasslands to life.

Free Program | August 25th: 6:00 – 6:30 PM STEM activities, 6:30 PM begin walk
1600 Canary Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501
Meet in the lobby.
Long pants and closed-toed shoes are recommended.

In collaboration with the Society for Range Management and Pheasants Forever

Learn about the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists and Global Alliance for Rangelands and Pastoralists
