First-Time Visitor? Top 7 Things To Do In Minot, ND
I have had my eyes on Minot, North Dakota, for a long time. It never worked into any of my previous North Dakota road trips; imagine my excitement when it came to fruition. As a first-time visitor, you will appreciate the top seven things to do in Minot, as the LIST of incredible things to see and do is very long.
*Thank you to Visit Minot for hosting my husband and me in August of 2025.
Table of Contents
Where Is Minot?
Minot is located in north-central North Dakota, 50 miles south of the Canadian border. Midwesterners will understand why many attractions are seasonal, as winter can be brutal. Visit the websites of any attraction before you visit to look for what months and days of the week they are open. You can usually count on everything being open between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
“Why Not Minot?”
I have been known to travel to North Dakota in the winter, so plan accordingly. During our last winter visit to North Dakota, it was warmer there than at home in Iowa.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park Is Spectacular In The Winter
Dine At Bones BBQ Smokehouse & Grill
Bone’s BBQ
437 N Broadway
Minot, ND 58703
(701) 838-9140
bonesbbqminot.com
Bone’s BBQ Smokehouse & Grill in Minot was some of the most savory, tasty BBQ we have eaten in all of our travels. Both Todd and I loved everything about this restaurant.
It is a destination experience in itself, as the BBQ is tender and fall off the bone. A BONUS….. they serve a delicious bread pudding, as well!
Sara’s Tip: Reserve your table ahead of time.
Become A Norwegian For A Day
Scandinavian Heritage Park
1020 So Broadway
Minot, ND 58702
(701) 852 – 9161
scandinavianheritage.org
Scandinavian Heritage Park has been on my radar for years. With a large part of my ancestry being Norwegian, photos of the stave church had caught my attention. The Gol Stave Church Museum in the park is a full-size replica of the original church built near 1250, now in Bygdoy Park in Oslo.
The Gol Stave Church turned out to be all it looked like in photos, and then some. I was thrilled to meet Lars, a volunteer, inside the church who shared extensive knowledge of Norwegian history. The grounds are immaculate and an incredible place to stroll.
Sara’s Tip: Visit the on-site visitor center.
Visit North Dakota’s Tallest Mural
Silobration
318 1st Ave NE
Minot, ND 58702
visitminot.org/businesses/union-silos
Silobration features retired grain silos and the artwork of Australian artist Guido Van Helten. I have been a fan of his artwork for years. On my visit to Minot in August of 2025, I had the opportunity to meet the artist, as he was working on the mural.
His work in Fort Dodge, Iowa, inspired me to follow his work and appreciate the passion that he has for his work. This seven-story mural covers all four sides of these retired grain silos in Minot. I can’t wait to return to see the completed mural!
Sara’s Tip: North Dakota’s Tallest Mural is great for windshield travel!
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Explore The Dakota Territory Air Museum
100 34th Ave NE
Minot, ND 58702
(701) 852 – 8500
dakotaterritoryairmuseum.com
The Dakota Territory Air Museum is recognized as one of the best aviation museums in North Dakota. I would place it at the top of one of the best in the Midwest. I love a museum, large or small. The smaller scale of this museum instantly placed it at the top of my list. It’s a small museum that knows how to play big.
I appreciated the variety of exhibits this museum had, including a collection of over 50 aircraft. WWII history comes to life in the Flying Legends Hangar, honoring our veterans and active duty military. Plan to spend a minimum of two hours exploring all of the aircraft while learning about Operation Desert Storm, Women in Aviation, and much more.
Sara’s Tip: Climb the stairs for an overview of the planes.
Visit Roosevelt Park Zoo
1219 Burdick Expressway East
Minot, ND 58701
(701) 857-4166
rooseveltparkzoo.com
Roosevelt Park Zoo is a gem of a zoo in the Midwest. I have visited many zoos and this one ranks at the top. It’s clean and easy to navigate with exhibits that are family-friendly. Kids of all ages can view most of the animals up close. A highlight of our visit was feeding the giraffes, which happens daily.
The walkways are accessible for everyone, making it easy for families to navigate with strollers. This is the first zoo where I have seen Unique Animal Encounters. I have seen animal encounters in other zoos, but not encounters that appear to go into so much depth.
Sara’s Tip: Buy a ticket to hop on the train- It’s a small train cruising in zoo style.
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Start Your Day At Central Brew
400 East Central Ave, Suite 104
Minot, ND 58701
(701) 500 – 4610
centralbrewminot.com
I’m not a fan of coffee, and Central Brew came to my rescue. They have delicious coffee choices, alongside non-coffee options, including:
Breakfast sandwiches and pastries are also available for purchase.
Sara’s Tip: Take your pastry and drink outdoors, find a seat, and enjoy your view of Silobration.
Enjoy Citizens Alley
106 E Central Ave
Minot, ND 58701
citizensalley.com
Citizens Alley turned out to be another big surprise in August of 2025. Summertime brings outdoor music, and winter brings an ice rink.
Community runs strong, and Citizens Alley is where everthing is going on in Minot. I love that Minot embraces activities all year long.
Sara’s Tip: Arrive early and grab one of the chairs provided by Citizens Alley and enjoy the entertainment.
For a first-time visitor, these seven attractions are a taste of Minot. My husband and I fell in love with Minot and all of the delicious food! Another highlight that I cannot fail to mention, is Ironhorse Kitchen & Bar served bread pudding bites (on the secret menu).
The food, attractions, and people quickly pushed Minot to the top of one of our favorite places to visit in the country.
SaraB
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