The Bismarck-Mandan Strip, also known as “The Strip Between Bismarck and Mandan” or as simply “The Strip,” is a commercial corridor that spans from Mandan’s eastern approach at the Missouri River to Main Street. The Strip is a part of Memorial Highway and connects to Bismarck by the Liberty Memorial Bridge, which was the region’s first vehicular bridge to span the Missouri River when it opened in September 1922 (replaced in 2008).
The corridor was formerly a stretch of U.S. Highway 10 and the only vehicular connection between Bismarck and Mandan until the opening of Interstate 94 in 1965. As such, it became established as a primary commercial center. Mandan annexed 1,200 acres of land that included The Strip in 1975 officially making it part of the city. It was said at the time that The Strip became North Dakota’s longest Main Street.
The Strip contains a wide concentration of dealerships and industrial businesses, as well as a variety of business types from almost every sector. Beginning in the 2010s, residential construction has blossomed immediately southeast of the Strip, the largest development of which is “Lakewood.” Prairie West Golf Course, Midway Lanes, and Raging Rivers Waterpark are other noted attractions along The Strip.
