The Best Murals in North & South Dakota

We recently returned from a fun week long road trip through North and South Dakota. I’d been to both states before, but I honestly remember nothing of North Dakota and hadn’t been to South Dakota since high school.

Most people go for the National Parks, which was also our reason for going too. But while we were out there, I discovered a pretty rich public art scene in both states.

As you know, I love murals! So I’ve put together this guide to some of the best I found in both states.

Rapid City, South Dakota

Rapid City has an entire alley dedicated to public art. The interesting thing about this canvas is that it’s constantly changing. The space began forming in 2005 and artist who want to paint here have to contact the building owners first or go through the Rapid City Arts Council. The alley stretches for one block downtown between 6th & 7th street.

This one is new for 2020. It was painted by the Cheyenne River Youth Project as part of their Red Can mural project. The artists are: SADAT and @collinsjordan.

Artist: Delaena Rae.

This one was a collaboration between the Rapid City Police Department and Rapid City Youth as a statement against domestic violence. Read more here.

Behind Again Books bookstore. I can’t find an artist for this one 🙁

This one is so different! I kind of love how in a sea of color, there’s a gray, black and white mural. Artist: Nada Todo.

Artist: Kazilla.

This mural was a winning t-shirt contest design through Visit Rapid City. Philippe Meunier created the image and local artist Aaron Pearcy painted it in the alley. Pearcy also has some other murals around town – check out his website if you want to see more of his work around the town.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

These gorgeous murals are all on one wall of a parking structure near downtown Sioux Falls. Located at 101 E. 6th Street, they’re also near Falls Park, which you should definitely walk over to if you’re in the area.

Artist: Robbie Jelsma.

“Rocks and Water”; Artist: Evan Richards.

Deer mural artist: Cat Evans; Bicycle mural: Chuck Bennis.

I love the murals like this with the city names in them! It’s a nice placeholder to remind you where you were and transitions your photo albums well too. Zach DeBoer painted this Sioux Falls mural.

Bismarck, North Dakota
Bismarck’s Alley 5.5 is a goldmine for mural hunters. The theme for the alley is “Reflections of North Dakota” and there are some absolutely beautiful pieces. Make sure you swing by 117 N. 5th Street to see them.

Artist: Melissa Gordon

Artist: Having a hard time finding this one too!

Artist: Rhythmic Stitch.

Artist: I can’t find the pages for this artist, but their tag says @sano13graff on IG and Facebook.

Artist: Ardent Art.

I just LOVE this one. I wish the sun had been in a better place, but it’s still a cool photo. Artist: Paul Noot.

Fargo, North Dakota

Roberts Alley has several murals up and down it – make sure you take a scroll through to see them all.

This peacock mural is a beauty! It’s been around since 2010, according to the Fargo tourism web site. It’s a little faded but a must see. Artist: Paul Ide. Located at 6th Ave. and the corner of Roberts.

One of the murals in Roberts Alley, I expected this postcard mural to be bigger, haha. It’s still really cute though. Artist: Allyson Gaughuan, graphic designer at ABOVO painted this piece.

Wildflower Mural is at the corner of 8th & 1st streets. I just happened to see it as I was driving back to our hotel for the evening, so I stopped to get a photo. Artist: Jeff Knight.

You’re going to want to visit this one if you’re a video game fan! This Mario World I mural begs for interaction. Artists: Dark Elvis and Starling Hero. Located behind Pickled Parrot, 505 3rd Ave. N.

This one is right across the street from the Peacock mural. Artist: Steve Knutson.

Finally, my favorite mural from the trip – the Greetings from Fargo mural. Painted on the side of a train car, this brightly colored image of a buffalo. Also painted by Steve Knutson.

There are so many more than I had time to see, so if you’re in Fargo for an extended amount of time, be sure to check out Visit Fargo-Moorhead for more information on the ones I missed.