Is Minot, North Dakota, a worthy tourist destination? What are the best things to do in Minot? Read on to discover more about this beautiful city.
If you’re looking for a fun-filled getaway in North Dakota, Minot is the place! This charming town is home to some of the best attractions and activities in the state.
The city is located in the picturesque Souris River Valley, and it’s a great place to start your North Dakota adventure. Even better, its convenient location makes it easy to explore even other attractions that the state has to offer. Although, I don’t think you’ll even want to explore beyond the city!
In this light, if you are planning a trip, here is a list of the best and most fun things to do in Minot, North Dakota, that you can explore. Also, ensure you have a place to stay by searching for the best accommodations in Minot.
TL;DR
- Best park in Minot – Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Best museum in Minot – Dakota Territory Air Museum
- Best event in Minot – North Dakota State Fair
- Best day trip from Minot – Touring Lake Metigoshe Park
- Best bar for nightlife– The Dad’s Bar (Tap Room)
Things to Do in Minot, North Dakota
There’s no need to worry if you can’t figure out exactly what to do in Minot during your upcoming trip. This list gives you more than you can exhaust. So, where do you start?
1. Visit Roosevelt Park Zoo
This zoo features the top of our list for a good reason. Anyone visiting Minot will surely want to see this incredible zoo.
Firstly, the zoo hosts 89 species of animals, over 200 individuals in total. These include rare species like the Amur leopard and Red Panda to common animals like zebras, bison, and giraffes.
Besides that, the zoo has a petting area where you can interact with some friendly goats. And it’s also completely free to visit!
Even better, children are not left out. There is a children’s zoo where they can pet animals and play in a kid-friendly environment. The zoo is open all year round, although the opening and closing times vary primarily based on the season.
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2. Dakota Territory Air Museum
Are you a fan of aircraft? If so, you will love the Dakota Territory Air Museum. This is one of the largest aviation museums in North America.
The museum was established in 1986, with the first building being constructed in 1988. Its main aim is to preserve the aviation heritage of North Dakota and beyond, honoring the machines and the people whose contributions saw the growth of the aviation industry.
Visiting the museum gives you access to over 60 vintage aircraft. And these are not just any aircraft. They include WWII fighter jets, bombers, and a replica of the Wright brothers’ first airplane!
In addition to the aircraft, the museum has a library, a gift shop, and an auditorium. Admission is only $10 for adults, $5 for children above six years, and free for the younger ones. But, if you are booking as a family, you only need $20 for the whole family.
This is a must-visit attraction for those interested in aircraft or even history in Minot. The various aircraft are some of the best things to see in Minot.
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3. Explore the Scandinavian Heritage Park
This park is a must-visit for anyone interested in Scandinavian culture or history. The park features a replica of a 13th-century Norwegian stave church and a museum with Scandinavian culture and immigration exhibits.
Located on the north side of Minot, the park is the best place to see replicas and remembrances from all the Scandinavian countries. For instance, you will find a Swedish Dala horse, a Danish windmill, and a Norwegian stave church.
In addition, the park has a beautiful walking trail that takes you around the different Scandinavian monuments. And it’s also home to the annual Norsk Hostfest, North America’s largest Scandinavian festival. A tour to Minot, North Dakota, should include visiting this beautiful place.
4. Attend North Dakota State Fair
This is North Dakota’s largest annual event, hosting over 300,000 people from all over the country. The fair features various activities, including concerts, rodeos, and agriculture exhibits.
The North Dakota State Fair usually takes place in July and lasts about 11 days. Therefore, if you are visiting Minot during this period, you should certainly attend the fair.
During these 11 days, five nights are dedicated to famous country music artists, while two nights are for rock concerts. There are also two more nights for auto events and two for NPRA Bull Riding and Rodeo.
Anyone looking for a fun-filled activity while in Minot, the North Dakota State Fair is a perfect choice.
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5. Norsk Høstfest (Norwegian Fall Festival)
This is the best event for Scandinavian culture and heritage enthusiasts. Here, you get to interact with the culture and way of life of the 5 Nordic countries. These include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland.
The event is usually held in September and features many activities. There are concerts, food stalls with Scandinavian delicacies, as well as exhibits on the culture and heritage of these countries.
Generally, the festival attracts over 100,000 people from all over, making it the largest Scandinavian festival in North America. The individual countries’ art, food, clothing, and music are all celebrated at this festival. Therefore, if you want to experience Scandinavia’s culture and heritage, this is the best place to be.
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6. Visit The Northwest Arts Center
When it comes to art and culture, Minot has a lot to offer. And one of the best places to experience this is the Northwest Arts Center. The center houses many artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and pottery.
In addition, it’s home to Walter Piehl’s artworks. He is a world-renowned wildlife artist; some art is displayed at the center. Over the years, the center has been promoting North Dakota’s artistic talent. This is done through exhibitions, public art classes, workshops, and performing arts.
Generally, the center’s programs are supported through membership fees, grants, student activity fees, and donations. However, exhibitions are free. And they are open to the public. When visiting Minot, North Dakota, this is one place you don’t want to miss.
7. Enjoy Minot’s Street Art
When we talk of street art, we mean just that. Paintings on the city buildings! In 2015, the Minot Street Art Movement embarked on a project to transform the city’s blank walls into beautiful art pieces.
The project was a success, and today, the city is home to some fantastic pieces of street art. These are located on buildings in downtown Minot and are quite a view.
You’ll get around 18 murals and 23 locations to admire, which will undoubtedly make your city tour worth the while. Minot’s street art is one of the best things about the city. And it’s something you should undoubtedly experience when visiting Minot, North Dakota.
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8. Visit the Railroad Museum Minot
If you are fascinated by locomotives, Minot has an excellent place to satisfy your curiosity. The Railroad Museum Minot is one of the best places to learn about locomotives and their history in Minot.
The museum hosts many exhibits, including locomotives, railroad cars, and other artifacts. You can access over 100 years of railroad tools, trains, technology, and history.
There are also many photos, memorabilia, logos, maps, uniforms, and memorials on display. There is no better place to learn about the region’s railroad progression from 1886 than here. The Railroad Museum Minot is open all year round, making it a perfect place to visit anytime.
9. Taube Museum of Art
This is another excellent art museum located in downtown Minot, North Dakota. The Taube Museum of Art is famous for its two galleries, which feature the work of renowned local and regional artists.
Visiting this museum gives you an excellent chance to see and appreciate the area’s artistic talent. The museum opened in 1970 and is named after its founder, Myron Taube.
It has a permanent collection of over 700 old and contemporary artworks. These are spread out in the two galleries, as well as in the sculpture garden. And they include paintings, sculptures, graphics, and photographs.
Even better, the museum offers more than just artwork. If you have a birthday or any other special event, you can rent out the museum for such an event. It provides an excellent place to make those memorable moments.
Day Trips
Day trips are also among the most fun things to do in Minot, North Dakota. Here are the best places to take a day trip if you are outdoors.
10. Theodore Roosevelt National Park
The park comprises the North, South, and Elkhorn Ranch. However, the North unit is the closest if you are in Minot. While the South unit near Medora is the most visited of the three, the North one also has excellent features. From beautiful canyons, rock formations, buttes, and wildlife, this park part will undoubtedly give you an unforgettable experience.
The unit also has several hiking trails, campsites, and picnic areas, making it ideal for group trips. A scenic drive through the team is a great way to explore and enjoy all the beauty.
For instance, the 14-mile scenic drive through the badlands leads to two beautiful overlooks; the Oxbow and the River Bend overlooks. Bison and wild horses are also common sightings here.
11. Trip to Lake Metigoshe Park
Touring this lake is also one of the best things to do in Minot. Located on the Canadian border, Lake Metigoshe is one of the deepest and cleanest lakes in North Dakota.
The lake is famous for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. You can also take scenic drives or go for hikes in the park while there. And, with over 12 miles of hiking trails, you have more than enough options to explore.
If you love camping, the Metigoshe State Park has over 200 sites, many of which have electrical hookups. Also, since this has been a popular tourist destination for decades, several old hotels, resorts, and cabins around the lake are worth visiting.
Nightlife in Minota, North Dakota
Minot, North Dakota, has a great nightlife, with plenty of bars and clubs to entertain you. Here are some of the best places to try out;
12. The Spot Pool Hall
Everyone needs to relax after a long day. Doing it on the Spot, however, comes with additional benefits. It’s a pool hall with 25 full-size pool billiards tables.
And, with just $15 an hour, you and your friends can rent a billiards table and enjoy the rest of the night. This is an experience that not many bars in Minot will offer.
Also, the place has other gaming options if the pool is not your game. For instance, you can try your luck at any of the six dartboards or even some gambling at their electronic pull tables.
Their restaurant also has you sorted when hunger strikes. They serve great food, including pizzas, burgers, and unique tacos. The Spot is one of those places where you can have an incredible time without breaking the bank.
13. The Dad’s Bar (Tap Room)
For beer lovers, the Dad’s Bar, known initially as the Tap Room, is where your nightlife starts. Also, with a speakeasy setup, the Tap Room offers an excellent way to wind up your day.
This fine establishment was born in 2014 and has remained the best place in North Dakota, serving 100% craft beer. In addition, the bar offers more than the coveted craft beer. You can order some of the region’s delicious meals on their menu.
Those who frequent the place consider it a place to meet with friends, family, and business associates as they converse, play games, network, and enjoy beer through the quiet night.
So, if you are looking for a place to blow off steam after a tiring day, this is the place. It fits nicely on the list of Minot’s best things to do.
How to Get to Minot, North Dakota
If you’re wondering how to get to Minot, it’s pretty simple. The Minot International Airport (MOT) serves the city with several commercial flights daily. But ensure that you get the best deals on flights to the town through Skyscanner.
Also, you can choose to drive into the city if you’re coming from a nearby state. And, once you’re in Minot, getting around is relatively stress-free. The city’s extensive public bus system will take you to most tourist destinations.
But, if you prefer it private, a rental car would be a great choice. You can do it locally or use online car rental search engines like Kayak or the aggregator RentalCars.com. This way, your trip to this will be fulfilling.
FAQs
What is Minot, North Dakota, Known For?
Minot is known for its beautiful parks, outdoor activities, and galleries. One of the top attractions in Minot is the Scandinavian Heritage Park, which celebrates the city’s rich Scandinavian culture with monuments and sculptures highlighting the area’s Nordic roots. The park also features a replica of a Norwegian stave church, as well as traditional music performances.
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