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.)
2. Picking at Angelic Gardens
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.
3. Fall Clean Up Week
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.
My favorite fall walks are: Bison Plant Trail, Woodland Trail, Black Butte Adventures, Denbigh Experimental Forest, and Oak Park. (See a full post on great walks around Minot here.)
5. Return of the Flea Market
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.)
- The Big One: Arts and Crafts Fair (handmade goods of all kinds at the All Seasons Area on the fair grounds)
- City Wide Rummage Sale (it’s like a neighborhood garage sale…but for the whole city, you can get listed or see listings here.)
- The Market on 4th Fall Flea (old, new, upcycled, repurposed and handmade items)
9. Cozy Coffee Flavors
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.
10. Take a Road Trip to See Fall Colors
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.
