10 Fun Things To Do Near Minot, North Dakota (Ward County)
Minot, North Dakota may not be the first place that pops into your head when you think “vacation,” but that’s exactly why it’s such a fun surprise. This friendly city in Ward County has a mix of small-town comfort, outdoor adventure, local history, and unique attractions you won’t find anywhere else.
If you’re planning a road trip through North Dakota, visiting friends at Minot Air Force Base, or just looking for a weekend getaway, here are
10 things to do in and around Minot that are absolutely worth your time.
1. Step Into Scandinavia at the Scandinavian Heritage Park
If you only have time for one stop, make it the
Scandinavian Heritage Park. It’s right in Minot and completely unique in the United States.
You’ll find:
- A full-size Norwegian stave church replica
- Traditional houses and buildings from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland
- Beautiful statues, a windmill, and a cozy park setting
Walking through the park feels a little like hopping across the Atlantic without ever leaving North Dakota. On a summer afternoon, you can wander the paths, snap photos, and learn a bit about the Scandinavian roots that shaped this part of the state.
If your family has Norwegian or Swedish heritage (a lot of folks in the Upper Midwest do), it’s especially fun to see where some of those traditions came from.
2. Explore Roaring Tanks at the Dakota Territory Air Museum & Minot Air Force Base Area
Minot has a strong military history, and you can get up close to it at the
Dakota Territory Air Museum, just north of town.
Inside and outside the museum, you’ll find:
- Restored World War II aircraft
- Cold War–era jets and helicopters
- Exhibits about Minot’s role in aviation and the military
If you’re into planes, it’s easy to lose a couple of hours here reading the stories and checking out all the details. Even if you’re not an “aviation person,” the history is powerful and easy to connect with.
Minot is also home to
Minot Air Force Base a bit north of the city. While it’s an active base and not a casual drop-in attraction, the community around it gives Minot an energy and pride you can feel. If you have a friend or family member stationed there, you’ve got the perfect excuse to explore the area.
3. Meet Giraffes & Tigers at the Roosevelt Park Zoo
Yes, there’s a zoo in Minot—and it’s surprisingly impressive for a smaller city.
The
Roosevelt Park Zoo features:
- Giraffes, tigers, lions, and other big animals you’d expect at a larger zoo
- A playful children’s zoo area
- Shady walking paths that make summer days feel comfortable
It’s right next to
Roosevelt Park, so you can pair a zoo visit with:
- A picnic along the Souris (Mouse) River
- A stroll on walking paths
- Letting the kids burn energy at playgrounds
If you’re traveling with kids, this is an easy half-day outing. Even couples or solo travelers often enjoy the slower pace—zoo visits are a simple way to unwind.
4. Dive Into History at the Dakota Territory Air Museum & Railroad Museum of Minot
Minot’s story is closely tied to both
railroads and
aviation. Beyond the air museum, you can also swing by the
Railroad Museum of Minot downtown for a different slice of local history.
What you’ll find:
- Displays on the Great Northern Railway and regional train history
- Model trains and railroad memorabilia
- Stories of how the railroad helped Minot grow from a tiny settlement into a key North Dakota city
If you’ve ever watched a long freight train roll by and wondered where it came from and where it’s going, this place helps connect the dots. Pairing the railroad museum and air museum in one day gives you a nice “old vs. new” look at how people and goods move across the Great Plains.
5. Enjoy the River & Trails at Oak Park and the Souris River Valley
Need a break from driving or sightseeing? Head to
Oak Park or one of the other parks along the Souris River.
Oak Park is one of Minot’s favorite green spaces, known for:
- Big, shady trees and open grassy areas
- Walking and biking paths
- Playgrounds and picnic shelters
It’s the kind of place where locals walk their dogs, kids ride bikes, and people just sit with a coffee and enjoy the calm. After all, road trips and long days on the go can be tiring—sometimes the best “thing to do” is just relaxing somewhere peaceful.
If you like to stay active, bring comfortable shoes and enjoy the trail system that follows the river through the city. Early mornings and evenings are especially pretty.
6. Experience Local Culture at the Norsk Høstfest (If You Time It Right)
If your trip lines up with late September or early October, you’re in for a treat. Minot hosts
Norsk Høstfest, one of the largest Scandinavian festivals in North America.
At Høstfest, you’ll find:
- Traditional Scandinavian foods—think lefse, lutefisk, meatballs, and pastries
- Music, dancing, and cultural performances
- Vendors selling Nordic crafts, sweaters, and decor
Even if you don’t have Scandinavian roots, it’s a fun, colorful celebration with a ton of personality. Hotels in Minot can fill up fast that week, so if this festival is on your bucket list, make sure to book your stay early.
7. Sip Something Local at Minot’s Breweries & Coffee Shops
After a day of exploring, it’s nice to slow down with a drink and a good conversation. Minot has a growing
craft beer and
coffee scene that gives the city a cozy, creative vibe.
You might:
- Try a flight of local beers at a downtown brewery
- Grab a latte and a pastry at a local coffee shop
- Chat with locals about the best hidden spots around Ward County
Every city has its “third places” where people gather—and in Minot, that often means breweries, cafes, and casual eateries. If you’re tired of chain restaurants along the highway, these local spots feel like a breath of fresh air.
8. Take a Day Trip to Lake Sakakawea State Park (Within Easy Driving Distance)
If you have a full day free and you’re up for a bit of driving, consider heading to the
Lake Sakakawea area, southeast of Minot. While it’s not right next door, it’s a very doable day trip from Ward County and gives you a chance to see more of central North Dakota.
What you can do there:
- Fish for walleye and other local favorites
- Swim, boat, or paddle on one of the largest man-made lakes in the U.S.
- Picnic along the shore and take in wide-open lake views
The drive itself shows off classic North Dakota scenery—big skies, rolling fields, and plenty of space. If you’re coming from a busy city, that kind of open landscape can feel almost like a reset button.
9. Hunt, Hike, or Birdwatch in Ward County’s Wide-Open Spaces
Beyond Minot’s city limits,
Ward County is full of small towns, prairie, and farmland. If you like outdoor activities, you can:
- Join a guided hunting trip for pheasant, deer, or waterfowl (in season)
- Explore wildlife areas and public lands for hiking or birdwatching
- Drive quiet backroads and stop at small-town cafes along the way
North Dakota is on the Central Flyway, so if you’re a birder or just enjoy seeing geese and ducks by the hundreds—or thousands—this region can be amazing in spring and fall.
Just be sure to:
- Check local hunting regulations and seasons
- Respect private property and posted land
10. Stroll Historic Downtown Minot & Catch a Local Event
Finally, don’t forget to spend some time just
walking around downtown Minot. It’s not huge, but that’s part of the charm.
You can:
- Browse local shops and boutiques
- Grab lunch at a family-owned restaurant
- Check out murals and historic buildings
- Look for live music, art shows, or seasonal events
Minot often hosts:
- Summer street fairs and farmers markets
- Holiday events and light displays
- Community festivals at various times of year
If you like to travel “like a local,” downtown is usually where that authentic everyday life shows up—people meeting friends, running errands, and relaxing after work.
Planning Your Trip to Minot, ND
Here are a few quick tips to make your visit smoother:
- Weather: Winters are cold and snowy; summers are warm and pleasant. Pack layers, especially if you’ll be outside in the evening.
- Getting around: You’ll want a car. Attractions in and around Ward County are spread out, and public transit is limited.
- Time needed: You can see a lot in a weekend, but 2–3 days gives you time to enjoy things at a relaxed pace.
If you’re driving through North Dakota on a larger road trip, Minot makes a great overnight stop that can easily turn into a full day of exploring.
Share Your Minot Experience
Have you been to
Minot, North Dakota or somewhere else in
Ward County?
Which of these things to do would you try first—the Scandinavian Heritage Park, Roosevelt Park Zoo, or a quiet afternoon by the river?
I’d love to hear your stories and tips.
Drop your must-see spots, favorite restaurants, or hidden gems in the comments so other travelers can discover them too. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend planning a North Dakota road trip or save it for your own future adventure.
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