Home to the Warbirds and the Roughriders, one of eight Global Strike Command bases, and neighbors with the Magic City, Minot Air Force Base is a truly unique place to call home. Having been previously stationed in Germany, going from the rolling green hills and castles around every corner to the never-ending stretches of prairie was quite the adjustment. As with any PCS, it’s all about what you make of it. Yes, the winters are harsh, and it can seem isolating at times, but there is a hidden beauty and a strong community here in Minot that makes it special.
Here is a guide to help you make the most of your time in Minot, North Dakota.
Downtown Minot
Just 20 minutes south of the base, you’ll find the cultural hub of the Magic City. This small corner of the city has kept a lot of its original infrastructure and looks as though you’ve stepped back in time to the Prohibition era. During the summer, the streets come alive with flowers and quirky, colorful storefronts that draw both locals and visitors alike. Citizens Alley is a little hidden gem at the heart of downtown Minot that puts on fun community events all year round, like farmers markets, live music, outdoor games, and public art displays. In the winter, this area transforms into an ice skating rink where families can enjoy free public skating and ice bumper cars. Even in the coldest months of the year, the Minot community finds a way to bring people together.
There are plenty of great places to eat downtown. You’ll find the best coffee and cinnamon rolls in Minot at Prairie Sky Breads — a favorite of mine. They also have a wide array of sourdough breads made from scratch, specialty coffees, and local handmade goods. You’ll always find some family event going on here, or an Airstream parked at the Minot Farmer’s Market during the summer months. Hop across the street to the Ironhorse Kitchen & Bar, the restored Minot Grocery Company building from the early 1900s, now remodeled into a delicious must-try spot. For a taste of Minot’s rich history along with great food, step inside The Depot & Baggage Claim, a 114-year-old converted train station that offers lunch, dinner, cocktails and brunch on weekends.
Nordic culture
One thing that I didn’t know about Minot before moving here was its rich Scandinavian culture. Throughout the city, you’ll find little tributes to Nordic influences and cultural landmarks that make you feel like you’ve walked into a Norwegian fairytale. Most notable is the Scandinavian Heritage Park, a free outdoor museum centered around a full-size replica of the 13th-century Gol Stave Church. Walking around the park, you’ll also find incredible Scandinavian architecture like a Danish windmill, a Norwegian stabbur, a 27-foot-tall Swedish Dala Horse, and even an operational Finnish sauna. However, the park’s crown jewel is its Midsummer Festival during the summer solstice in June. There’s a large bonfire, Scandinavian food booths, local vendors, live music, and tons of summer fun. After the long winter months, a summer festival is always welcome.
Travel
On the surface, Minot may seem like a remote corner of the northern Midwest, but its international airport and neighboring states offer some quick and accessible getaways. Flying to and from Minot, you’ll make connecting flights at larger hubs like Denver or Minneapolis. You can also easily fly to Canadian destinations like Vancouver, Toronto, Winnipeg or Regina. Or, if you’re like us and prefer a good road trip, the Canadian border is only a 45-minute drive from base. Take a day trip to the International Peace Gardens, Saskatoon in Saskatchewan, or spend the weekend exploring Winnipeg.
Speaking of road trips, Minot is a great starting point for some wild adventures up north and throughout the Midwest. Drive three hours west to Montana or four hours east to Minnesota. Six and a half hours south, you’ll hit South Dakota’s Rapid City, Mount Rushmore, and Badlands National Park. If you’re feeling really adventurous, drive 10 hours southwest to Yellowstone National Park, or a little further down to the stunning Grand Teton National Park.
Another amazing way to travel from Minot is by train. Amtrak’s Empire Builder stops in Minot daily, and can get you anywhere from Seattle to Chicago.
Preparing for winter
If you’re like me and you’ve never lived far north where the winters are longer (and snowier), then the first thing you should prepare for when you move to Minot is the cold. After surviving our first winter here, there are a couple of things I’ve learned that may help you out.
Have the right gear
Around Halloween to mid-November is when you can expect to start seeing snowflakes. Make sure you do all of your home/vehicle winterizing and gear shopping beforehand — parkas, wool mittens, scarves, gators, boots, thermal layers, etc. Make sure you have an emergency kit and a heavy blanket stashed in your car just in case.
Respect the roads
Driving around during the winter is no joke. Up here, the roads and parking lots aren’t always plowed thoroughly in below-freezing temperatures. Because of the heavy winds, snow drifts are also very common and heavily impact road conditions. Drive slowly, pay attention, and avoid traveling far if you can help it.
Embrace ‘sisu’ and ‘hygge’
“Sisu” is a Finnish term that means strength, perseverance and grit. It embodies the mindset of pushing through hardships, and it’s a large part of what makes Northerners resilient. “Hygge” in Danish means “a feeling of coziness and comfort.” In this region, winters can extend into May. One way that I’ve discovered to make this period better is by adding more coziness into my daily routine — curling up in a blanket to read a book, making hot chocolate in the evening, lighting candles, eating hearty soups, and having dinner with friends. These two Scandinavian words are central to life here in Minot and influence how we navigate the winter months.
Many people dread the thought of moving to Minot Air Force Base. I know because I was one of them. But if you come here with an open mind, you’ll most likely find yourself saying, “Why not Minot?” at some point while you’re stationed here. Prepare to be pushed out of your comfort zone, and remember the phrase displayed above the main gate: “Only the best come north.”
Lauralyn Brown is a copywriter and content coordinator currently stationed in the Midwest after three years of living in Germany. She is an Air Force spouse and devoted dog mom to a rambunctious dachshund. When she’s not reading or writing, you’ll find her in the corner of her new favorite coffee shop or most likely planning three different travel itineraries at the same time. Follow her on Instagram.
