In 1873, after being called Edwinton, the Northern Pacific Railway renamed the city to Bismarck, in honor of German chancellor Otto von Bismarck. This German heritage can be seen downtown, where the buildings and shops show their German Alps influence.Bismarck sits 196 miles west of Fargo, ND, slightly southwest of the state’s center. Four colleges and universities are located in the midwestern town, including the United Tribes Technical College, the University of Mary, and Bismarck State College. This small town boasts dozens of state parks and excellent golf courses with sweeping views and rugged scenery.