Happy Minot Monday! Today’s post is a follow up to last week’s on Things to do in Minot in the Fall. I’m sharing the things I personally plan to try this fall right here in town. It’s my Minot Fall Bucket List. Minot Monday is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. Read their publication for lots more ideas on local things to do!
Minot in the fall in a wonderful thing. Last week I shared 10 ideas of things to do in Minot this fall. Today’s post is a follow up to that. I’ve gotten some questions recently about the things I actually plan to (or want to) do this season.
It’s a great question. Last week’s post was pretty generic.
Today I’m sharing my a list of things I actually hope to do this season. I made one for summer–but didn’t think anyone would find it interesting. Guess I was wrong. So here goes. My Minot Fall Bucket List.
My Minot Fall Bucket List
Here is a quick printable. I’ll list them below with links too. Let’s have a great season. Please note, these are in no particular order.
Keep visiting the Zoo until it’s too cold to enjoy
Be Part of the Community
Join me on Instagram and Facebook where I can get to know you better. Seriously, I’m here to help. And there, you’ll be joined by a community of awesome people striving to live intentionally everyday and find joy in all circumstances. I post daily encouragement, a weekly event round up in Stories and a behind the scenes look at how I spend my days in Minot.
Minot Monday is made possible through a partnership with BeLCOAL Minot. Their publication is a guide to living like a local and a great resource for acclimating to life in Minot. Today we are talking all about things to do in Minot in the fall. Enjoy the list.
The heat wave has broken. Nights are getting cooler. Acorns are falling like very dangerous rain. Fall in Practically Canada is nearly here.
Now, you know I love summer in North Dakota. And fall is close behind. Daytime temps are mild (even warm through September), nights are chilly. It’s adorable how when the thermometer drops to 30˚ we all act like we’re in the arctic (even though we know when the thermometer gets to 30˚ in February or March we’ll be acting like it’s beach weather.) The air is crisp and clean. Cozy flavors and activities crawl upon us and remind us that every season is good for its own reasons.
Here are five things to do in Minot this fall. There are lots of great things coming our way in the next season (COVID may affect some), but here are a couple of my favorites.
1. Berry Acres
Berry Acres is at the top of the list for good reason. It’s a local favorite when it comes to things to do in Minot this fall. They’ve got a HUGE variety of pumpkins for purchase. Everything from your traditional carving pumpkins to heirloom varieties. Additionally, they sell mums, gourds and farmers’ market goods (like fresh produce, jams, etc.)
But Berry Acres isn’t just a pumpkin patch. They offer all kinds of activities for the family: A corn maze, hay rides, obstacle courses, pumpkin launching. It’s truly one of my favorite fall traditions (with or without little ones in tow.)
At Angelic Gardens you can pick your own fall produce. In their orchard apples, pears and plums abound. In the garden you can pick your own gourds, squash and pumpkins and choose from traditional or heirloom varieties.
Annually they host a fun, fall-kick off celebration. Family activities, picking, and all around autumn merriment will be had.
In the spring and fall the City of Minot offers “Clean Up Days.” I like to think of these as magic trash days. On these days the city offers residents an opportunity to easily dispose of large, unwanted items and hazardous items at no cost. Everything goes to the curb. It’s the perfect time to clear out your house and make room for fun, indoor winter activities.
For all the details about your pick up date and how it works, see FAQ here.
(Also, if you’re into dumpster diving or otherwise picking at “curb alerts” this is a great time to literally make someone else’s trash your treasure.)
4. Walking Weather
Summer is great for enjoying the parks, but fall offers even more idyllic walking weather. It’s a great time to take longer walks, enjoy the changing colors and enjoy the fact that mosquitoes are finally going away.
Fall brings the return of the Minot Flea Market. The flea market only costs $1 to enter (vendor costs are reasonable too) and offers a huge, indoor market selling everything from canned and baked goods to antiques to plants. It’s held indoors at the Fair Grounds, so this is a great weekend activity, even if weather is crummy. Check their page for dates and details.
PRO TIP: On Flea Market weekends, there are often estate auctions happening down the hall. Be sure to check those out too!
6. Lutefisk and Meatballs
Fall ushers in Lutefisk and Meatball season in Practically Canada. You’ll start seeing signs around town for Lutefisk and Meatball fundraisers and dinners. (Usually at churches.)
If you are a transplant to Minot and an adventurous eater, you should definitely try this old-fashioned, Scandinavian fare. (More on what Lutefisk is here.)
7. Downtown Trick or Treat Trail
I love Halloween and I especially love small-town Halloween events. Each year Downtown Minot opens up for a PreSchool trick or treat trail. Trick or treaters stop in at downtown businesses to pick up treats. It’s good clean fun, I mean…who doesn’t love to see littles in costume?
(No announcement has been made as to how COVID 19 will affect the Trick or Treat Trail. Watch the Visit Minot events page or the Downtown Minot page for details.)
8. Craft/Vintage Fairs + City Wide Rummage Sale
One of my favorite things to do in Minot in the fall is browse the craft, vintage and rummage sales that take place. Keep your eyes out for listings, but here are a couple happening.
Harvest Moon Festival (autumn inspired goods from local makers, collectors and junkers.)
Minot has adorable, local coffee shops. Fall is my favorite time to grab a hot drink with the season’s flavors and take one of those walks we mentioned earlier. Don’t limit yourself to a basic Starbucks PSL. Get out, support local and try something more unique.
Okay, so Practically Canada will never be Vermont. (Or Brown County, IN). In Minot the trees change, and it’s beautiful. However, it can be nice to get out into open spaces and see the season in all it’s glory. The ND Tourism site has a map and links to great places to see fall colors. Only in Your State also provides a good map with photos and location descriptions.
More Minot Life and Fun
Join me here each week for more spotlights on Minot life, and join me on Facebook and Instagram for daily looks at life in Minot. You’ll see what my day-to-day looks like and join a community that aims to live intentionally and see the good wherever they are. And to stay up to day on what’s going on in town, be sure to watch my weekly roundup of events each Monday evening on Instagram Stories.
For even more on living like a local check out BeLOCAL and their listings for seasonal events. They are a great, comprehensive guide to thriving in Minot.
Happy Minot Monday! Today we are taking a road trip to get a Whirla Whip in Stanley, ND. Never heard of it? Perfect. Let me enlighten you. But first we need to thank BeLOCAL Minot for making Minot Monday possible. BeLOCAL is a guide to living like a local and thriving in your town. Be sure to check them out.
Whirla Whip in Stanley, ND
Today we’re taking a little road trip outside of Minot. Well…in the world of North Dakota, this is more like a quick commute than a road trip. Stanley is about an hour west of Minot, and lots of folks make the trip daily for work–or weekly for shopping. (See other road trip ideas from BeLOCAL here or my recommendation about a road trip to Rapid City here.)
Bet let’s get back on topic: Whirla Whip. Have you heard of it? If you have, you’re already on your living-local-A-game. If you haven’t, you aren’t alone. Let me enlighten you.
A Whirla Whip is an ice cream treat that was once found at soda fountains across the country. As soda fountain culture died out, so did the Whirla Whip. Today the only place you can get a true, genuine Whirla Whip is at Dakota Drug‘s original soda fountain in Stanley, ND.
…ice cream blended with your choice of mix-ins. Unlike fast-food joints with similar concepts that use soft serve, the Whirl-a-whip uses quality ice cream and blends it to a smooth consistency.
Lots of descriptions of what a Whirla Whip is exist. And it’s a little hard to explain. Yes, it’s ice cream with mix-ins. But that just makes it sound like any run of the mill Blizzard or Concrete or Flurrie.
Trust me. This is different.
First, like the quote above states, a Whirla Whip starts with hard ice cream. Believe me, you’ll taste a difference. Then your pick of flavors and mix-ins are whipped into it. The result is something light and creamy. Perfectly consistent (no pockets of vanilla ice cream left at the bottom or a the-cookie-dough-was-all-on-top situations here.)
Second, the flavor choices are a lot different than what you find on a fast-food menu. You can mix in up to three flavors. And any of the hard candies are pulverized into a powder than blended in–so you don’t break your teeth on them, while still enjoying the flavor.
Third, you can choose to start with a vanilla, chocolate or rainbow sherbet base. This isn’t a choice you typically have with other blended ice cream joints.
Flavor List and My “Usual.”
Here are the flavors you can choose to mix in. At the fountain, they also have several combinations on special already made up–in case you get overwhelmed.
Banana
Blueberry
Strawberry
Raspberry
Maraschino Cherry
Pineapple
Whopper
Butterfinger
Peanut Butter
Nutella
Bits o’ Brickle
Coffee
Dill Pickle
Bacon Bits
Oreo
Mint Oreo
Cheesecake
Brownie/Vanilla/Chocolate/Strawberry Cake Batter
French Vanilla
Coconut Cream
Orangesicle
Vanilla Wafers
Hard Candy Flavors
Cinnamon
Cherry
Butterscotch
Peppermint
Butter Rum
Lemon
Werther’s Original
Apple
Sprinkles
Licorice
Root Beer
Watermelon
Grape
Blue Raspberry
PRO TIP:
Here is my usual. It’s so good. If you feel overwhelmed, you should get this one: Vanilla ice cream base, cheese cake, coconut cream, orangesicle.
What To Do After Whirla Whips
Stanley is a small town, but we typically make an afternoon of our trip to the Fountain.
Shop around Dakota Drug. They carry lots of local or Dakota Made products.
Go to the park. We love the playground at Wilson Park. It’s got play equipment for kids of all sizes. If the weather is nice, we walk there to run off our ice cream.
Check out a few ghost towns in the area. Palermo, Tagus and Belden are all close to Stanley. Be sure to read up on visiting Ghost Towns here. You can access a Ghost Town Map here.
Here are a couple other ideas of things to do while you’re there.
Get More Local Love and Minot Living
Get more tips on living in Minot by following along with me on Instagram and Facebook. Each Monday I put out a round up of events going on in town in my Instagram stories. Throughout the week, I show you what life in Minot is like in stories and inspiration for intentional living through the week. And don’t forget to check out BeLOCAL–they offer a truly comprehensive guide for living in Minot.
Happy Minot Monday, everyone! Today I’m sharing information on how to take your own sunflower photos.We’ll cover etiquette on what’s appropriate, how to access a field and tips for taking your own photos. Minot Monday is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. BeLOCAL is filled with tips and information on living like a local and loving our town.
It’s that magical time of year: Sunflower Season! This beautiful part of the growing season is just one more thing that makes summer in North Dakota great. In North Dakota sunflowers aren’t just planted as garden decor. Sunflowers are a major crop–which means they grow in professionally kept fields, covering plots nearly as far as the eye can see. “Sunflower Season” is usually throughout the month of August. But bloom times vary year by year.
It’s really a breathtaking sight.
Which also makes sunflower fields a great place for breathtaking photos.
I get asked on a regular basis about how to find fields and what the etiquette is for taking photos in fields. Today we’re going to cover everything you need to know to take your own sunflower photos.
How to Find a Sunflower Field
Most crops aren’t planted in the same field every year to preserve the soil’s integrity. Sunflowers are no different. This means that the perfect field this summer, will likely be filled with a different crop next summer.
The best way to find a sunflower field is to look for one. It a good idea to find a field before you head out to take your own sunflower photos. Here are a few places to check.
North of town off of 83 as if you’re headed toward base.
I find it works best just to drive. As you explore, you’ll start to see bright yellow fields. Some may be along a main road, but chances are, you’ll need to veer off the highway onto back roads to get up close to a field.
Accessing a Sunflower Field
Once you have found a field to your liking you’ll need to get “inside” the field for photos. The important thing to remember here is that these are cash crops (read: someone else’s income). Never ever destroy plants to get a photo op.
Instead look for a pull off along the road. If it’s on the side of the road, you can walk into the field gently. Even better is finding a pull off (for farm implement access) that juts into the field. You can pull off and walk in from there.
Edges of the field (especially the edge where the flowers are “facing”) may be a little more sparse. This offers a good place to walk in and set up your camera. Otherwise, try walking a few rows in to look for a bare spot in the field. It’s nearly impossible to get an easy shot in the most crowded part of the field.
Sunflower Photo Etiquette
When snapping sunflower photos respect is the name of the game. Remember, this is someone’s livelihood. Their career. Your perfect Instagram photo does should take priority over someone’s personal property.
North Dakota farmers and ranchers work hard to make sure our country has the crops, energy and American-raised products we need to stay fed. Their job is hard. I can’t even wrap my mind around the amount of planning, scientific knowledge, math, and painstaking details that go into coaxing crops to grow like magic from the ground.
All that said, here is some common sunflower etiquette:
Remember, these fields belong to someone else, and these crops are their livelihood.
Never ever pick or cut flowers. This is stealing.
Do not cut down or trample flowers for any reason.
Walk gently and watch your step.
Do not drive over crops for any reason.
Respect posted signs. If you see something that indicates you should not enter the field, don’t do it. (ie No Trespassing, Private Property, etc)
Do keep pets on a leash, make sure they don’t harm crops.
Use common sense.
Take Your Own Sunflower Photos With These Tips
Since I used to do photography full time, our family photos are mostly all done by me, a tripod and timer. Here are my recommendations for getting great shots if you decide to take your own sunflower photos.
Go in the evening. The lower the sun to the horizon, the better.
Take a tripod if you’ve got it. (Or a friend, if you don’t.)
Screen shot a couple poses you like. If service is spotty you won’t need to rely on your Pinterest board for inspiration.
If you’re short, or photographing your kids, think about taking a small stool or box to stand on. This will get you closer to the blooms so the background isn’t all stems.
If all of this makes you uncomfortable, hire a pro. Minot has a network of wildly talented photographers!
Stay Connected For More
For more on living like a local–be sure to check out BeLCOAL. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and read the current issue online. I’d love it if you stayed connected with me too! I am seriously passionate about welcoming folks to Minot and helping them love their time here.
Let’s get together on Facebook and Instagram. There, you’ll find a growing community, striving to live with intentionality and enjoy the season they’re in. (Pro Tip: each Monday evening I post a round up of events happening in town on my Instagram stories.) Thanks for being here, let’s be friends.
Happy Minot Monday! Today I’m taking you to one of my favorite local places eateries: Schatz Crossroads. I’ll tell you all about it in a second, but first I want to thank BeLOCAL Minot for making Minot Monday possible! For more ideas on local things to do and eateries (see here) be sure to check them out.
**COVID 19 Disclaimer** Like most things that I write about on Minot Monday,Schatz’s Crossroads is a public space. As virus cases begin to surge again (even in our safe haven of North Dakota) please use caution and your best judgement when exploring. Stay up to date with recommendations and case numbers here. I have faith that one day things will go back to normal-ish–and this library of posts will be helpful. Until then, please adhere to CDC guidelines, wash your hands often and keep your distance.
First Of All, Say The Name Right
When we lived in Minot the first time no one told me about Schatz. (Thanks for nothing, “friends.”) I was working in our garage, refinishing kitchen cabinets when I heard an ad on the radio, about a 24 hour restaurant in town, claiming to have Minot’s best burger. This was circa 2013.
My interest was piqued. At that time restaurants were still a bit understaffed (due to the flood and oil boom) and many closed early. I’d often work on house projects until late, then be starving and too exhausted…only to find that all my quick options were closed.
I didn’t quite catch the name, but a little Googling led me to the Schatz Crossroads website. Soon I asked my local friends about a place called “Shats.” This was met with laughter and lots of jokes.
“No. It’s pronounced ‘Shots,'” they said. How was I supposed to know?
All this to say. Step one of enjoying Schatz is to pronounce it right. Don’t sound like an outsider. It’s Shots, not Shats. Also, no one adds the “Crossroads” part of the name. It’s just Schatz. You’re welcome. Now you won’t sound as silly as I did.
By the way, I’ve still never had a Schatz burger.
The Schatz Crossroads Experience
Eating at Schatz Crossroads is one of my favorite Minot experiences. Depending on the day is can be very busy. (Sundays are usually crowded with a breakfast crowd followed by an after-church brunch crowd.) Is it a dive? A diner? A hole in the wall? I don’t know exactly how to classify it. It’s attached to a truck stop, but it doesn’t feel too truck-stoppy. You’ll have to decide for yourself.
It’s the kind of place where you can just sit and soak in Minot culture. You can pick up snippets of conversations from farmers and ranchers and oil field workers. You’ll hear chats about the weather from gray men drinking coffee. And you’re sure to hear some “Uffdas” and local opinions on everything from the weather modification bill to school reopenings to the construction on Broadway.
The interior is mostly brown. I love it because it’s not trying too hard. Schatz isn’t trying to change with the times. It’s steady and consistent. A place where you can almost forget all of the weird that’s been happening in 2020.
I’m enamored with its simplicity, sometimes awkwardly wide booths and the iconic “steak and eggs” lettering on the wall. That’s all it says. “Steak and Eggs.” Big enough to fill a wall. For a small-town lover, there’s nothing better.
Personally, I like to go alone and eat on the bar stools. That way I can really soak up the Minoty atmosphere. (That was my regular spot 2013-2015).
What to Eat
I hear everything at Shcatz Crossroads is delightful. But I’ll be honest, I only order off the breakfast menu. The first time I went was for breakfast, and it was so good I stopped there. Breakfast is served all day, so why not?
Here’s my usual order: Hashbrown Combo with both meats (bacon and sausage), rye toast, coffee. What is a hashbrown combo? Glad you asked.
I think of it as a reverse omelette. Instead of filling wrapped in egg, its hashbrowns wrapped like a burrito around egg, cheese and meat. Then to finish it off, there’s a big slice of American cheese on top.
We’re also fans of their pancakes (which are HUGE) and the kids meals. Kids’ meals are so reasonable and a proper amount of food for a little ($3.50 for breakfast.) But like I said, I’ve never had anything bad.
Go to Schatz, Feel More Local
The moral of the story is this: Schatz Crossroads is delightful on many levels. When you go, you’ll feel a little more local. If you are new (or even not so new) to town and feeling out of place, you should go and soak up some raw atmosphere. (Just remember to play it safe during COVID).
For more ways to eat like a local see these listings from BeLOCAL Minot (and if you’re into diners check out this post.) And for more on living in Minot and inspiration on intentional living, join me on Facebook and Instagram. (I do a weekly round up of upcoming events each Monday on my stories.) Or subscribe to get my posts directly to your inbox, so you never miss a thing. (Sign up below.) Got questions about Minot? Feel free to ask me!
Minot Monday is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. BeLOCAL is a guide to living like a local and finding the best of what our town has to offer. Today we’re exploring the Minot public pool at Roosevelt Park. Here’s more on parks and summer fun from BeLOCAL.
Happy Minot Monday, everyone! This week is going to be blazing hot, so I thought it would be fun to go to one of my favorite places in town: the pool! I’m a huge fan of the Minot public pool at Roosevelt Park.
Yes, this is the same Roosevelt Park with the zoo and a good playground and walking trail. It’s a good park.
If you live in town, the pool is close by. (Probably a drive of 15 minutes or less.) The Minot public pool is convenient, clean and affordable. If you haven’t been yet, you should definitely go.
If you leave the pool I believe you can return later in the day for no charge.
Minot Public Pool Pro Tips
Evenings are generally less crowded
Weekdays are less crowded than weekends
Crowds tend to thin out at dinner time (5-7pm)
Monday & Wednesday evenings are family swim. Admission is $12 for the whole crew.
Life Jackets are available for rent at the front desk
Bring a ball or small toy to play with in the kiddie pool if your little isn’t big enough to be independent on the slide or confident in the water features.
What’s It Like?
I love that the pool and locker rooms are kept clean. Never once have I gone and felt icky about getting in the water. The kiddie pool is amazing and always sparkling clean.
The Kiddie Pool
Speaking of the kiddie pool…it’s great. Let me tell you more. It’s gated off, so little ones can’t accidentally wander away to the main pool. There are two sections to the kiddie pool.
One is a zero entry (meaning you can walk into it gradually without a step or ladder.) This section also has a small “froggie” slide and a larger water slide structure with water features all over it.
The other section is a gated off wading/splashing pool. There are no water features here or water spraying over head. Just a calm pool for play.
There are a couple chairs, but not many. Expect to hold your “place” on the deck with your bag or towel. This is usually fine because parents are typically close by their children to supervise them–not sitting on the sides. There’s a nice canopy for shade and shady spots can be found at the perimeter of the kiddie pool near the locker rooms.
Also, I’m not sure snacks are actually allowed (definitely not in the water!) but no one has ever stopped me from snacking on the deck.
Supervision in the Kiddie Pool
Our experience at the kiddie pool has been overwhelmingly positive. But, please keep a close eye on your littles. Most parents are great about this. But on busy days things can get a little crazy.
There are lifeguards on duty, but some things go unchecked, depending on who’s on duty. For example, kids often try to climb up the water slide. There is always a lifeguard near the end of the slide, but sometimes they don’t say anything–or they wait quite a while before addressing the issue. Meanwhile a long line of antsy kids has accumulated at the top of the slide, waiting for a climber to get off.
Most life guards are super young. So I get that they are on unfamiliar territory when giving instruction to a 2 year old that doesn’t want to listen. Overall, they do a great job. Just keep an eye on your kiddos and help them follow the pool rules to keep everyone safe.
The Main Pool
The main pool is (obviously) much larger than the kiddie pool and geared toward older children and adults. The water is deeper, with deep ends for diving board use and water slides. There are lots of lounge chairs on the deck, but not much shade to be had.
Usually, there are four water slides feeding into the main pool. Three are short “tube” slides that drop you into the middle of the pool. One is very long and high. This one is my favorite, but this summer it’s under construction and out of use.
Again, no snacks allowed in the water, but no one has ever stopped me from having a snack on the deck. So bring something to munch on and plan to stay a while.
Go Swimming
The Minot public pool at Roosevelt Park is just another way to enjoy North Dakota’s glorious summer season. For more on the pool, check out the pool’s website. If you are looking for more local fun, be sure to check out BeLOCAL.
For more tips on living in Minot or just to gather with a community of awesome people striving to live with intentional positivity–join me on Instagram or Facebook.
Minot Monday is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. BeLOCAL is a guide to living like a local and will help you discover local favorites.
Help Me Make Minot Monday Even Better
Hi friends and happy Minot Monday! Today is a unique edition of Minot Monday. Instead of sharing one of my personal favorites or tips for living in Minot–I’m seeking advice from you.
Even though Practically Canada is only just now waking up to summer fun, I’m already thinking of the months to come with my eyes on fall and even (don’t say it…) winter. In order to bring you (both locals, transplants and newcomers) the best content on what Minot is really like and cultivating positive vibes about living here–I need your input. Here’s what I’m looking for. I’ll bullet point them here, and go into a little more detail below.
What do you love about living in Minot?
What do you wish you would have known before moving to town?
Where are your favorite places in town (or within a short drive)?
What has been challenging about living here (the windchill doesn’t count)?
Are you a small business or maker in town? I want to hear about you!
What small businesses do you adore?
For Locals/Experienced Minotians
If you are a local or have lived here a while, you’ve heard the belly aching. It’s not a new story that people are forced to move here and before they even give it a chance they already decide they don’t like it because it’s too cold or the town is too small.
You and I both know Minot is a great place to live. Yes, the winters are cold–but our town is amazing! I love being a welcome wagon to new folks moving in. And (you know) I’ve made it my personal mission to shift the tide of negativity toward Minot.
Here’s how you can help.
Tell me your favorite things. Your favorite places to shop, small businesses, eateries, activities, features of town, etc. Tell me the things you look forward to each year. Or about your friend who crafts and sells her wares. Or anything else you wish someone with a bad attitude about Minot would consider before deciding they don’t like it here.
For Transplants
Whether you are brand new to Minot or have lived here a while, this is what I want to know from you:
What do you love about Minot? Tell me the hidden (or not so hidden) gems that have made life here pleasant. Tell me the things your family looks forward to and the places you frequent. What places/people/businesses/makers do you wish you would have discovered earlier?
Now tell me about challenge you’ve had in adjusting to life in Minot and advice for newcomers. Remember, this is a positive, constructive space. How did you over come the struggles? What helped? What do you wish you knew before coming? Or what do you wish you would have owned?
All that and anything else you think is relevant to someone who will be calling Minot home for the first time.
For Businesses and Makers
Do you sell something locally? Do you offer a service? Are you a shop that is part of the beautiful patchwork of the Minot small businesses scene?!
First of all: THANK YOU! Our array of amazing, talented, and creative small businesses and makers are in my top five favorite things about Minot. Seriously, you play a huge role in making our community so, so special.
Next. Let’s work together to make sure more of Minot knows and loves you. I’m seeking small businesses and makers to collaborate with. I’d love to talk to you and come up with something creative. I’ve already got some ideas brewing–now I just need you to partner with!
For Newcomers
If you’ve just moved to Minot–or have plans to relocate, I also want to hear from you. What have you heard about life in Minot? Tell me what has you excited. Nervous? What recommendations are you looking for? What questions do you have? Where are you finding helpful information? (I’d love to pass those resources along too!)
Minot is happy to have you. And I’m aiming to help you love your time here. And so is BeLOCAL–our hearts are aligned in helping newcomers adjust to life in Minot and thrive like locals. I’d seriously love to hear from you.
How to Get in Touch
Now, I’ve asked for all this information and you’re wondering how to tell me your thoughts. Easy. You can comment on this post. Or email me. Message me or comment on Instagram or Facebook. Or stop me in the street if you happen to see me around town. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Remember to share this post with others you think would have something to contribute. And as always, join me on Facebook and Instagram to be part of a community striving to live with intentionality and positivity. Have a great week!
Minot Monday is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. BeLOCAL is a guide to living like a local–and aims to help you thrive in Minot. For more road trip ideas see here. For parks in town see here and here.
Before moving to North Dakota I didn’t give much thought to this state. Honestly it was a place I wasn’t sure I’d ever get to, let alone spend years living here. Even after moving into North Dakota, it took me a while to get under the surface and really start enjoying the special things that make life here so great. Things that you can’t find just anywhere.
That’s why I started writing the Minot Monday posts. To help others acclimate and start thriving in Minot more quickly than I did.
One thing I’ve come to love about North Dakota is the opportunity to explore nearly-forgotten places. Yes, I’m talking about our plentiful ghost towns. These places have an indescribable eerie beauty you have to experience to fully understand.
North Dakota ghost towns are plentiful and spread all across the state. Visiting a ghost town makes a great day trip outing (see more day/weekend trip ideas here from BeLOCAL). It’s also fun to stop at one along the way if you are headed out on a road trip. Exploring North Dakota ghosts towns is also a perfect activity to partake in while we continue to observe social distancing rules. You can’t get much more distanced than visiting a town that has been abandoned.
Finding North Dakota ghost towns is pretty easy due to some great resources and people who are passionate about sharing this style of history.
Ghosts of North Dakota is the absolute best resource for finding ghost towns. On their site you can search for a town by name and learn the history of the place you intend to go.
Ghosts of North Dakota also has a Google map with a pin in each ghost town. This way you can get driving directions as well.
The closest ghost towns to Minot are Tagus, Ruso, Bergen, Balfour and Kief. (Personally, I really like Balfour.) From Minot getting to a ghost town will take 30-60 minutes. This is a bit of a drive, but a short one according to North Dakota standards. The drives are scenic and part of the fun of finding these places.
Know Before You Go
These were taken inside the church in Balfour. So many things looked like the congregants has just been there and walked away.
Before you go visiting a North Dakota ghost town, here are a couple things to keep in mind.
Pack snacks or lunch. Driving out into the North Dakota country side is beautiful, but food is scarce. Plan to take car snacks or a picnic lunch if you’ll be getting hungry.
Fuel up first. Again, there isn’t much between towns in North Dakota. Be sure your car has enough fuel before you set out.
Take bug spray. Remember how we talked about ticks last week? Tall grass and country paths are prime tick territory. Remember your bug spray and use it. Also…remember to check for ticks–actually just reread the tick post.
Wear good shoes. This is not a good time for sandals or cheap flip flops. Wear something sturdy with closed toes.
Take a camera and a car charger. You’ll obviously want awesome photos, duh. But signal can be shotty in these places, so be sure to remember a car charger so you don’t get stuck in the middle of nowhere with a dead phone.
Be respectful. While these are “ghost towns,” some still have a handful of residents living there. Abide by signs, be kind and respectful toward structures, pick up your litter, these are places for everyone to enjoy.
I hope you’ll go out and explore a North Dakota ghost town this summer. Be safe and let me know how you like it! Remember to join me on Instagram and Facebook for more Minot fun and lots of intentional, encouraging living. And please, help keep AmyAllender.com up and running. If you like what you read, remember to share with your friends!
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