DAY 1: MINOT
Get caffeinated and take a hike
Stop by The Station: Urban Gourmet to order delicious coffee and breakfast to sip and savor. Then grab your sneakers, hiking boots, or bike and head to Bison Plant Trail, a beautiful 2.3-mile loop located on the outskirts of Minot along HWY 52. This trail takes just over an hour to complete on foot and dogs are welcome on a leash
Cool off in the water
Spend the whole day kayaking for only $10 (if you need to rent equipment from Minot Parks). Otherwise, go kayaking for FREE at several access points near Minot, including Rice Lake, Nelson Carlson Lake, or the canoe trails at the Lake Darling near the Upper Souris Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy the day on the water as you see and hear North Dakota wildlife.
Discover the abundance of wildlife refuges
North Dakota has more wildlife refuges than any other state, making it easy to watch, hear, and see various animals in different landscapes. Explore six wildlife refuges all less than an hour and a half from Minot. You can explore different terrains of these refuges, including forested areas at Denbigh Experimental Forest, wetlands at Audubon and J. Clark Salyer Refuge, grasslands at Upper Souris, and the prairie at Lostwood, which is known for having the highest population of sharp-tailed grouse. You can travel in any direction to discover a space for getting lost and finding peace.
Get out and golf
Take in stunning views at Minot Country Club. Swing the afternoon away at the 18 holes at Souris Valley Golf Course or the Vardon Golf Club. Try out Footgolf at Apple Grove Golf Course. This sport combines soccer and golf and is one of two courses in North Dakota.
Stand under history
Just a few miles to the west of Minot, you’ll find the Gassman Coulee Trestle. This railroad bridge was originally built with wooden beams in 1887 and later rebuilt with a steel frame in 1898. The BNSF Railway still uses the bridge today. The trestle is a sight to see as its large beams burst from the prairie and connect two large hills together. Bring your camera and wait until the sun sets to capture stunning images.
DAY 2: DEVILS LAKE
Early morning fishing on the beautiful Devils Lake.
Devils Lake offers 160,000 acres to fish from, weather you’re venturing out on your own or you look into hiring one of our local great guide services you are bound to get the fish to bite your hook. You can also take advantage of one of our three fishing piers which are handicap accessible and easier for those elderly folks that are wanting to get back on the lake but is difficult to get on the water.
Enjoy lunch on the patio at Proz Lakeside at the Cove.
Proz lakeside has a full menu of delicious burger, pizza, fish and much more. Come out and enjoy a great meal and a great view of the lake.
Rent a boat to spend the day on the water
Woodland resort offers a fleet of watercraft for on the water fun. Rental boats and pontoons are available to everyone with a valid drivers license. All rentals come with fuel, life jackets, landing nets, minnow buckets, and are well maintained and guaranteed dependable. Rent by the day, half day, or by the week
Take a drive out to Grahams Island State Park
This well-kept park offers 1,100 acres of wooded land that showcases 130 different plant species and is the perfect place for birding. Enjoy hiking in the spring and summer, or cross-country skiing in the winter months. Swim on the beach or fish from the dock. A new convenience store in the park has everything you need.
Hit some balls at the Creel Bay Golf Course
We have an 18-hole golf course located along the shores of Devils Lake. It is a wide-open course with water and sand hazards and tree-lined fairways. This challenging course will thrill even the most avid golfer. After your round, relax in the new club house with a wall of windows and outdoor patio for an even better view of the town’s namesake. You can even take your clubs up to Coyotte Flats driving range just a ways up the road from Creel Bay Golf Course.
DAY 3: GRAND FORKS
Stop for a light breakfast and specialty coffee at Urban Stampede.
Urban Stampede coffeehouse is a former saloon with lots of character. Check out the tin ceiling, dark wood bar and awesome stone floor. Sip on freshly brewed java while you peruse the “World’s Smallest Art Gallery” and gift shop. Friendly baristas are always willing to whip up your favorite specialty drink or plate up a freshly baked muffin, cookie or scone
Rent a bike and ride along the Red River of the North on the Greenway.
The Greenway consists of 2,200 acres lining the Red River and the Red Lake River as they flow through Grand Forks and East Grand Forks. This picturesque urban space offers countless recreational, cultural, historical and natural resource opportunities. You can hike, walk, run, rollerblade, bike, bird, canoe, kayak, fish or golf, all in the heart of our two cities. Now fully completed, the Greenway includes an all-season trail system, nature preserves, picnic sites and camping areas.
Enjoy the outdoors with lunch on the rooftop of Rhombus Guys Pizza
With two indoor levels and rooftop dining, each visit to Rhombus will be a unique experience you’re sure to love. Start with an ice-cold soft drink, your choice from the huge selection of beers or pick your favorite cocktail from the full bar. Then prepare yourself for your meal with one of the amazing appetizers. Whether you prefer Wings, Cheesy Bread or something more exotic like Bruschetta or Salmon with Garlic Bread we’ve got you covered. Next sink your teeth into the “Best Pizza in Grand Forks” as voted by the local community. With 34 gourmet pizzas to choose from, you’re sure to have many favorites or you can create your own from the wide variety of toppings. In addition to your dining experience, you are invited to events like trivia, karaoke, foosball, live music and more there’s always something going on evenings at Rhombus Guys
