How To Spend Two Days In Minot, North Dakota?
Are You Looking To Spend Two Days In Minot, North Dakota? Keep Reading To Find All The Details!
Planning a trip to North Dakota and wondering how to spend two days in Minot?
Known as the “Magic City,” Minot is a charming destination with a mix of local history, cultural attractions, unique museums, and places to enjoy the outdoors.
Whether you’re visiting as part of a North Dakota road trip or making a quick stop in the city, there are plenty of ways to experience what makes Minot special.
From exploring the city’s Norwegian heritage to discovering its museums and enjoying some local food, Minot has many things to offer.
In this guide, I’ll share how to spend two days in Minot, North Dakota, including places to visit, where to stay and where to eat.
How To Spend Two Days In Minot – Day 1
Let’s start with the activities that I recommend doing on your first day in Minot.
Start Your Day At The Scandinavian Heritage Park
Start your day at Scandinavian Heritage Park, one of Minot’s most unique attractions.
This 14-acre park celebrates the heritage of five Nordic countries: Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland.
It honours the Scandinavian immigrants who settled in North Dakota and helped shape the region’s culture.
One of the main highlights is the Gol Stave Church, a full-size replica of a medieval Norwegian wooden church dating back to around 1200.
Stave churches are known for their distinctive wooden construction, intricate carvings, and layered roofs.
Also, you can see the historic Sigdal House, a traditional Norwegian log house originally built in 1771.
The house is particularly significant because it is recognized as the oldest house in North Dakota.
Try to spot Sig the Troll inside the house!
Another attraction to note is the giant Swedish Dala horse that makes a great photo opportunity.
Dala horses were traditionally carved and painted by hand, and they have since become a recognizable symbol of Swedish culture.
It is good luck to pet the belly of the horse lol!
As you continue walking through the park, look for the Stabbur, a replica of a traditional Norwegian storage building.
Historically, structures like this were used to store food and other valuable supplies while protecting them from damp conditions and animals.
As you explore the grounds, look for the Danish windmill, Finnish sauna, and monuments honouring notable Scandinavian figures.
Including explorer Leif Erikson and fairy-tale author Hans Christian Andersen.
What do I need to know before going?
The park offers an interesting mix of history, architecture, and cultural landmarks, making it a great place to start your Minot itinerary.
Admission to the outdoor park is free, and you can spend around 45 minutes to an hour exploring.
The grounds are open year-round, but the historic buildings operate seasonally.
Therefore, check the official website before your visit if you want to see inside.
Grab Lunch At Beowulf Craft Kitchen & Lounge
After exploring Scandinavian Heritage Park, head to Beowulf Golf Club for lunch at Beowulf Craft Kitchen & Lounge.
Located at 1912 Valley Bluffs Drive, this golf club offers more than just a place to play a round of golf.
Its restaurant serves Scandinavian-inspired dishes alongside a variety of from scratch-made meals, making it a great stop for food lovers looking for something a little different.
The restaurant features a relaxed atmosphere with beautiful views of the golf course.
If the weather is nice, consider sitting outdoors to enjoy the surrounding landscape.
Keep an eye out for Scandinavian specialties, including house-made lefse, a traditional soft flatbread popular in Norway.
I highly recommend Shrimp Smørrebrød, it was amazing!
Shrimp Smørrebrød is a traditional Danish open-faced sandwich, which Beowulf Craft Kitchen & Lounge put a modern twist on.
It features a pumpernickel bagel topped with creamy Boursin cheese, fresh spring mix, shrimp salad, tomatoes, scallions, lemon aioli, and garlic chili oil.
It creates a flavourful combination of creamy, citrusy, and slightly spicy notes that’s perfect for seafood lovers looking to try a Scandinavian-inspired dish.
Stop For Some Wine At Urban Winery
For something a little different, make a stop at Urban Winery, a unique wine-making studio and art gallery in downtown Minot.
Urban Winery offers hands-on experiences where you can learn about winemaking and even create and bottle your own custom wine.
It’s a fun activity for wine lovers who want to try something beyond the usual sightseeing stops.
With guidance from an experienced winemaker, you can learn about the process of making wine and create a custom batch.
These experiences are particularly suitable for couples or groups looking for a memorable activity in Minot.
Another feature that makes this place stand out is its art gallery.
The walls display artwork by local artist and owner Eric Hansen, and visitors can browse and purchase pieces.
The black and white artwork gives the space a creative atmosphere and makes it worth looking around even if you’re not planning to make wine.
I tried the white wine and tequila mix, and it was surprisingly good!
Also, I tried a jalapeño wine, but it was a bit too spicy. It may be better with food, though.
Try A Cocktail Or A Boozy Milkshake At The Ironhorse Kitchen + Bar
If wine is not your thing, head to The Ironhorse Kitchen + Bar.
It is a gastropub that serves creative cocktails, specialty drinks, and comfort food in a casual, lively setting.
The restaurant has a railway-inspired theme that reflects its downtown location, giving it a distinctive character.
One of the highlights here is the boozy milkshake menu, which features dessert-inspired flavours.
Options include Confetti Cake Batter, PB Pieces (chocolate and peanut butter), S’mores, and Blueberry Cheesecake.
These indulgent drinks combine the fun of a milkshake with an alcoholic twist, making them a great option if you enjoy trying something unusual.
Keep in mind that they are on the sweet side!
If you’d prefer a traditional cocktail, there are several creative options to choose from.
The Bindle Stick is a strawberry and basil mojito, while the Sierra Madre Express is a margarita made with tequila, cucumber, and jalapeño.
I chose the Polite Provision, a gin gimlet featuring cucumber, elderflower, and lime. However, I did substitute the gin with white rum.
Also, the Ironhorse serves a full food menu, including burgers, sandwiches, shareable appetizers, and hearty entrées, so you can pair your drink with a meal if you’re hungry.
Grab A Flight At Atypical Brewery & Barrelworks
If you prefer a cold pint of beer, make sure to stop at Atypical Brewery & Barrelworks.
This local brewery is known for its creative small-batch beers, barrel-aged brews, and distinctive sour ales.
It’s housed in the historic Westland Gas Station, a building dating back to 1927 that gives the taproom plenty of character.
One of the best ways to experience Atypical is by ordering a beer flight, which is what I did.
Atypical is known for experimenting with flavours, so you may discover something unexpected, whether you prefer fruity sours, hoppy IPAs, or lighter beers.
One beer worth trying is London Fog, a cream ale brewed with Earl Grey tea and vanilla.
It offers a different flavour profile from a typical beer, combining the smoothness of a cream ale with aromatic tea notes and a hint of sweetness.
I liked it; I’ve never tried something like that.
The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with indoor seating and an outdoor patio when the weather allows.
There were a lot of people with their dogs inside. Meanwhile, others brought their own board games to enjoy while sampling their beers.
Check Into TownePlace Suites Minot
After a day of exploring Minot, check into TownePlace Suites by Marriott Minot.
The hotel is particularly suitable for travellers who appreciate having extra space and the convenience of apartment-style accommodations.
One of the biggest advantages of staying here is that the suites feature fully equipped kitchens.
Including cooking facilities and a refrigerator, making it easy to prepare your own meals or store leftovers from local restaurants.
Depending on the room type, you’ll also have separate living and sleeping areas, complimentary Wi-Fi and free parking.
The hotel offers several useful amenities, including complimentary breakfast, a fitness centre, and guest laundry facilities.
Another benefit is the hotel’s location. It’s close to Dakota Square Mall and several restaurants, making it easy to grab dinner or pick up anything you need during your stay.
Minot International Airport is approximately five miles away (7 km), although the hotel does not provide an airport shuttle.
👉 Book your stay at the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Minot
How To Spend Two Days In Minot – Day 2
After a restful sleep, here is what you should do on the second day in Minot.
Sunrise Hike At Minot Outdoor Recreation Area
This one is optional in case you feel like waking up early.
Start your second day in Minot with an early-morning hike at the Minot Family Outdoor Recreation Area, a peaceful outdoor space on the northwest side of the city.
The recreation area is located at 4620 10th Avenue NW, Minot, and admission is free.
It’s a great place to enjoy the fresh morning air and experience North Dakota’s natural scenery before heading out to explore more of Minot.
The recreation area features a network of trails winding through rolling hills, open grasslands, and wooded sections.
There are several routes to choose from, depending on how much time you have and how far you want to walk.
The Trestle Loop is approximately 0.8 miles, while the Moose Loop is 1 mile and the Oxbow Loop is 1.9 miles.
Visiting around sunrise is a lovely way to start the day, especially if you enjoy photography.
The early morning light over the open prairie and rolling landscape can make for beautiful photos.
The trail network includes both paved and natural-surface paths, so wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water.
If you’re visiting during warmer months, pack insect repellent, as mosquitoes and ticks can be present.
You can find trail maps and route information on the Minot Park District website.
Grab Breakfast At Prairie Sky Breads
After your hike, grab breakfast at Prairie Sky Breads, a locally owned bakery and coffee shop.
This cozy café is known for its freshly baked bread, homemade pastries, and coffee made with beans from local roaster Dakota Roasters.
The breakfast menu has several options, whether you’re in the mood for something savoury or sweet.
You can order avocado toast made with the bakery’s own bread. Or try a breakfast sandwich with your choice of ham and Swiss, bacon and cheddar, or sausage and cheddar.
Another option is the blueberry, bacon, and goat cheese toast, which combines savoury ingredients with a sweet blueberry spread.
This is the one I had, and it was really different than everything I have ever tried before.
Don’t skip the drinks menu, either! Alongside classic lattes, Prairie Sky Breads offers creative coffee options such as the Mouse River Latte.
It is made with espresso, brown sugar syrup, cinnamon, and oat milk.
They even have a fall drinks menu, which is, of course, my first choice. So I went for the Apple Cobbler Breve, which was tasty but a bit too sweet for me.
Also, the café sells freshly baked loaves and other treats, so you can pick up something to take with you if you’re planning a full day of sightseeing.
Visit The Dakota Territory Air Museum
Located near Minot International Airport, this museum preserves the history of flight through an impressive collection of aircraft, historical artifacts, and exhibits covering several decades of aviation.
The museum features around 60 aircraft spread across multiple hangars.
Including military warplanes from World War II, vintage civilian aircraft, and a full-size replica of the 1903 Wright Flyer.
This is the aircraft associated with the Wright brothers’ first powered flight.
One of the highlights is the Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX, a famous World War II fighter that flew combat missions over Europe.
Also, you can see a Vietnam-era Huey helicopter and military aircraft connected to Minot Air Force Base.
Beyond the planes themselves, you’ll find thousands of aviation artifacts, including historic photographs, uniforms, flight equipment, and personal items belonging to veterans.
You can step inside some of the aircraft on display, giving you a closer look at their interiors and a better sense of what it was like to be a pilot or crew member.
There are also outdoor displays, so make sure to explore the grounds in addition to the indoor hangars.
I’d recommend allowing 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit so you have enough time to explore the different hangars and read about the aircraft.
Keep in mind that some aircraft are still airworthy and may travel to air shows during the summer, so not every plane will necessarily be on display during your visit.
Lunch At The Starving Rooster
For lunch, head to The Starving Rooster, a popular restaurant known for its brick-oven pizzas, creative flatbreads, sandwiches, and comfort food.
It is located inside a restored historic building originally constructed in 1919 for the Aultman and Taylor Tractor Company.
Therefore, it combines industrial-style details with reclaimed wood and exposed brick, giving it a distinctive atmosphere.
The menu has plenty of options, but the brick-oven pizzas are a great choice if you’re visiting for the first time.
You can try one of the restaurant’s more creative options called The Cyclone, made with chorizo, jalapeños, olives, and spicy marinara.
If you’d prefer something other than pizza, the Cuban Panini features rotisserie pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and yellow mustard aioli on pressed sourdough.
Other options include pasta dishes, salads, and rice or quinoa bowls.
I had the Tex Mex Bowl, and it was delish!
Also, there’s a full bar serving cocktails, wine, and local craft beers if you’d like to pair your meal with a drink.
One interesting detail about the restaurant is the story behind its name.
The original tractor company’s logo featured a starving rooster, inspired by the idea that its efficient threshing machines left no grain behind for the chickens to eat.
The restaurant honours that agricultural history through its name and the use of reclaimed materials from the original building.
Walk Around Downtown Minot
After lunch, spend some time exploring downtown Minot on foot.
The downtown area is compact and walkable, with colourful murals, independent shops, historic buildings, and quirky local spots that give the city plenty of character.
Browse Main Street Books
Book lovers should check out Main Street Books, an independent bookstore.
This locally owned shop carries new books, educational toys, and unusual gifts.
It’s a lovely place to browse the shelves, discover an author you haven’t read before, or pick up a souvenir from your trip.
Also, the store has an event space featuring original artwork, prints, and notebooks, with book-related events and workshops held throughout the year.
See the “Why Not Minot” Mural
Next, check out the “Why Not Minot” mural, a colourful piece of street art featuring the city’s well-known slogan.
The mural is a fun photo stop and a reminder of the city’s playful approach to promoting itself.
Downtown Minot has more than 25 murals, so keep an eye out for other artwork as you wander through the streets and alleys.
Also, you can use the Downtown Minot street art map to discover additional murals and make your own self-guided art walk.
Admire the Union Silos Mural
One of the most impressive sights downtown is Union Silos, North Dakota’s largest mural.
It is painted by internationally recognized Australian artist Guido van Helten.
The artwork covers towering grain silos that once served an important role in the region’s agricultural industry.
It features large, photorealistic portraits of local residents, reflecting the people and community behind Minot.
The silos stand between 90 and 126 feet tall, making the artwork visible from several locations around the city.
It’s worth taking a moment to admire the scale of the mural and look closely at the faces depicted on the structure.
Stop by Blue Rider
If you enjoy quirky local bars, make a quick stop at Blue Rider.
This neighbourhood bar is known for its laid-back atmosphere, eclectic artwork, and live music.
Also, it’s located in the oldest remaining wood-framed building in downtown Minot.
Blue Rider has a distinctive, unpretentious character that makes it different from a typical modern bar.
You can stop in for a drink, check out the artwork, and experience a local hangout.
Allow around an hour or two to explore these spots at a relaxed pace, especially if you enjoy browsing shops and taking photos.
Stop By At Gassman Coulee Trestle
Finally, make a quick stop at Gassman Coulee Trestle, located a few miles west of Minot along Highway 2.
This impressive railroad bridge stretches approximately 1,823 feet across the coulee.
Also, it stands around 120 feet above the ground at its highest point, making it a striking sight against North Dakota’s open prairie landscape.
The trestle has an interesting connection to Minot’s history.
The original wooden bridge was built in the late 1880s as the Great Northern Railway expanded westward.
After the wooden structure was destroyed by severe weather in 1889, it was replaced with a steel bridge in 1899.
The railway’s construction played an important role in the development of Minot.
Today, the trestle remains an active railroad bridge used by BNSF Railway.
If you’re hoping to capture a photo of a train on the bridge, you may need to be patient, as train schedules aren’t guaranteed.
Unfortunately, even though we waited a long time, we did not get the chance to see a train.
Final Thoughts On Spending Two Days In Minot, North Dakota
As you can see, Minot has plenty to offer if you’re looking for a destination with a mix of history, culture, outdoor activities, and local food.
From exploring Scandinavian Heritage Park to trying local craft beer and browsing independent shops downtown, there are plenty of ways to spend two days in the Magic City.
Minot might not be the first destination that comes to mind when planning a trip to North Dakota,
However, it’s worth considering if you’re exploring the state or looking for a different kind of city getaway.
Two days give you enough time to experience some of its main attractions without feeling too rushed.
If you’re planning a North Dakota road trip, consider adding Minot to your itinerary and discovering what makes this city unique!
