Travel Destinations North Dakota Things to Do in Minot, North Dakota Once nicknamed the "Magic City" for its rapid growth in the late 1800s, Minot today is a city of 40,000 that serves as a trading center for north-central North Dakota. Things to do include visiting the Scandinavian Heritage Park and attending the annual Norsk Hostfest, the continent's largest Scandinavian festival. By Midwest Living editors Midwest Living editors Midwest Living's experienced editors create best-in-class travel, lifestyle, food, home and garden content you won't find anywhere else. We're loudly, proudly Midwestern, and we're passionate about helping our audience explore and create through award-winning storytelling. Midwest Living's Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 22, 2022 Scandinavian Heritage Park. Photo: Courtesy of North Dakota Tourism Do Norsk Høstfest The continent's largest Scandinavian festival arrives in this small north-central city each fall (September 28-October 1, 2022). High-quality handcrafted merchandise and traveling shows make for a one-of-a-kind experience. Norsk Hostfest. Courtesy of North Dakota Tourism Roosevelt Park Zoo In 1920, the only animal in the zoo was a bison from Montana. Now, new animals are brought to this zoo —home to 68 species—in almost every year. Scandinavian Heritage Park Explore this nod to northern Europe, which includes a replica stave church, Finnish sauna and 25-foot-tall Swedish Dala horse. Eat and Drink Blue Rider Bar Downtown's only remaining wood-frame structure is home to this historic bar, known for weekly live music and for its annual Rocky Mountain oyster festival. Ebeneezer's Eatery and Irish Pub Enjoy all-day breakfast (as well as Irish-inspired bar food), often accompanied by live music, at the Central Avenue pub. The Starving Rooster Try flatbread pizza, craft beer and a terrific pulled pork sandwich in a contemporary, brick-walled space. Stay Dakotah Rose Bed and Breakfast The gracious 1906 home, built along a bend in the Souris River, offers six guest rooms. The third-floor ballroom overlooking the river is a common area where guests can listen to records or play cards and board games. For more information: visitminot.org Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit