Minot, North Dakota, known as the Magic City, is a vibrant blend of Scandinavian heritage, prairie charm, and modern energy. Founded as a railroad town in 1886, Minot grew overnight, earning its nickname. Today, the city offers a thriving arts scene, historic downtown, outdoor recreation, and rich cultural experiences that make it a premier destination for visitors and a welcoming home for residents. Here, you'll find a community guided by 'SiSu' - the Scandinavian spirit of resilience that's more than just our heritage, it's who we are.
The question contains its own answer. Whether you're here for a weekend or planning to stay awhile, come embrace your inner SiSu in our corner of North Dakota. Every visitor starts as a guest and leaves feeling like a local.
Minot is the perfect base for exploring North Dakota’s stunning landscapes and unique attractions. Experience long summer days with sunsets as late as 10:30 PM, and during winter, witness the Northern Lights (October–March) or the rare sun dog phenomenon.
Minot is near six national wildlife refuges, making it ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and outdoor adventures. Stop by the Visit Minot Visitor Center at the Scandinavian Heritage Park for travel tips, maps, and locally made souvenirs. Check out our calendar of events and follow us on Facebook & Instagram (@VisitMinot) to stay updated on what’s happening in town.
Minot is in north-central North Dakota, just 50 miles south of the Canadian border, making it easy to access by car, plane, or train.
- By Car: Major routes include US Route 2, ND Highway 83, and US Route 52. Minot is 140 miles from Bismarck, 275 miles from Fargo, and 210 miles from Medora.
- By Air: Minot International Airport (MOT) offers non-stop flights to Minneapolis, Denver, Orlando, Las Vegas, and Phoenix via Delta, United, and Allegiant. Car rentals, taxis, Uber, and Lyft are available. Many hotels offer park-and-fly packages for travelers.
- By Rail: Amtrak’s Empire Builder connects Minot to Seattle, Portland, and Chicago, making train travel a scenic and comfortable option. The Minot Amtrak station is a short 7 minute walk from downtown.
Minot is packed with attractions for every interest—whether you're exploring the outdoors, diving into history, or enjoying local flavors. Come discover what makes Minot magical.
- Roosevelt Park Zoo – Home to tigers, bears, and giraffes, with animals most active during morning and evening feedings.
- Dakota Territory Air Museum – Explore historic aircraft and listen to the Talking Trail mobile app for in-depth stories.
- Scandinavian Heritage Park – Features a full-scale Norwegian stave church, Dala horse, and cultural exhibits open year-round, with guided tours May–September.
- Magic City Discovery Center – A hands-on children’s museum with 150+ interactive exhibits for ages 4-14.
- North Dakota State Fairgrounds – Home to the North Dakota State Fair (July) and major events year-round.
- Downtown Minot – Stroll through historic streets with local boutiques, breweries, coffee shops, and dining.
- Outdoor Adventure – Hike or bike along the Souris River Valley, kayak at Lake Sakakawea, or explore hunting and fishing hotspots nearby.
Where to find Knoephla Soup (North Dakota’s official soup) – Jamaican Vybz Kitchen (with Jerk seasoning) Voted Best in town. Kroll’s Diner – daily, Schatz Crossroads and Charlie’s Main Street Café on Wednesdays, and Homesteaders Restaurant on Thursdays.
Where to find Lefse & Scandinavian Treats – Prairie Sky Breads, where you can enjoy freshly made Scandinavian pastries, frozen lefse is available at local grocery stores, or you can shop for fresh options at Norsk Høstfest, North America’s largest Scandinavian festival held in September.
Unique Souvenirs – The Visit Minot Gift Shop carries Pride of Dakota products, Scandinavian gifts, and Minot-branded merchandise. Find more places to find local and North Dakota handmade items throughout Minot.
- Rich Scandinavian heritage and 'SiSu' spirit
- Vibrant downtown with local shops and eateries
- Active arts and culture scene
- Four seasons of outdoor recreation
- Family-friendly attractions and events
- Authentic local dining
- Modern shopping conveniences
- Genuine hospitality
Looking to call Minot home? With a metro population of 75,500, including Minot Air Force Base, Minot is a growing community with a strong job market, quality schools, and a low cost of living.
- Education – Served by Minot Public Schools, Minot State University, and Dakota College at Bottineau.
- Healthcare – Trinity Health is the region’s largest medical provider, with additional hospitals and clinics available.
- Community & Culture – Minot is a melting pot of traditions with events like the Midsummer Festival (June) and Norsk Høstfest (September).
- Parks & Recreation – Minot offers splash pads, outdoor pools, biking and hiking trails, and winter recreation like cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
- Cost of Living – Lower than the national average, with affordable housing and low crime rates.
Explore downtown Minot’s eclectic bars, unique restaurants, and hidden gems, or check out major employers in healthcare, energy, education, and retail. Need relocation help? Visit the Minot Area Chamber EDC, City of Minot, or Minot Public Schools for resources.
“Only The Best Come North.” Minot AFB is home to over 10,000 military personnel and families and houses two elite units.
5th Bomb Wing ("Warbirds") – Capable of global precision bombing missions.
91st Missile Wing ("Rough Riders") – Responsible for the nation’s missile defense operations.
The base plays a major role in Minot’s economy and culture, supporting local businesses, schools, and events.
Minot was founded in 1886 as a Great Northern Railway camp and grew rapidly, earning its "Magic City" nickname. The city became infamous during Prohibition (1920s) as “Little Chicago,” a bootlegging hub between Canada and the U.S.
- Minot Air Force Base (est. 1955) transformed the city, bringing economic growth and diversity.
- Historic Souris River Floods (1969 & 2011) reshaped Minot, leading to major flood protection projects.
- The Bakken Oil Boom (2006-2012) fueled rapid job growth, attracting workers from across the country.
Today, Minot is a thriving city celebrating its past while embracing the future, with a strong arts scene, outdoor recreation, and North Dakota’s largest events like the State Fair and Norsk Høstfest. Come discover what makes Minot magical—we'll save you a spot at our table.