Major city · United States
MinotMinot, North Dakota
Go for 2 nights only if a State Fair or Høstfest date pulls you in, or as a US-2/Amtrak overnight; otherwise skip — you need a car and there is no walkable core.
Minot sits on the Souris River in north-central North Dakota, an hour from the Canadian border and well off the Interstate system. It is a rail and Air Force town with a small downtown, a Scandinavian heritage park, a zoo and an air museum. Almost nothing is walkable: without a car you are limited to a few blocks and a slow hourly bus. Two nights covers the sights; one night is enough if you are just breaking a drive.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep
- avoid Dec–Feb (deep cold, snow), late Jul and late Sep–early Oct for hotel prices
- Airport
- MOT
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Minot911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Minot, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyMinot is a low-crime town; the real risks are winter cold, traffic (drivers often do not yield to pedestrians) and late-weekend drunk driving.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMOT Minot International Airport (3 km (1.9 mi) north of downtown on Broadway (US 83); Allegiant, Delta and United serve it.MOT Minot International Airport (1.9 mi (3 km) north of downtown on Broadway (US 83); Allegiant, Delta and United serve it.
- Getting aroundA car is effectively required.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$3–5
- Sit-down mealSit-down dinner, mid-range$15–25
- Street or quick mealBreakfast or lunch plate$10–15
- Beerdraught in a bar / six-pack at a store$5–8$9–12
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi or rideshare3.1 mi (5 km) taxi or ridesharecheck$12–18
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (air museum, art museum)$5–10
- Budget bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomUS$55
- Mid-range bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomUS$75
- High-end bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomUS$110
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$70 · Mid US$130 · High US$220
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MOT Minot International Airport (3 km (1.9 mi) north of downtown on Broadway (US 83); Allegiant, Delta and United serve it. Taxis, rideshare and hotel shuttles run into town.)MOT Minot International Airport (1.9 mi (3 km) north of downtown on Broadway (US 83); Allegiant, Delta and United serve it. Taxis, rideshare and hotel shuttles run into town.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
Feb
Avoid
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
Mar
not flagged
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Apr
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
May
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jun
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jul
Care*
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Aug
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Care*
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Oct
Avoid*
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
not flagged
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Dec
Avoid
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
Best: Jun, Aug. Mixed: Jul, Sep. Avoid: Oct, Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jan (−16°C (3°F)3°F (−16°C) low), wettest Jun (10 rain days), driest Jan (3). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Minot: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
−16°C (3°F)3°F (−16°C)
3 rd
Feb
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
−14°C (7°F)7°F (−14°C)
3 rd
Mar
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
4 rd
Apr
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
5 rd
May
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
8 rd
Jun
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
10 rd
Jul
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7 rd
Sep
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
6 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
5 rd
Nov
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
4 rd
Dec
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°C)
3 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is effectively required. City Transit buses run hourly 9:00–17:00 Monday–Friday, with no bus stop at the Amtrak station and no shared transfer point between routes. Rental desks are at the airport; Enterprise and Rent-a-Wreck will pick you up. Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) and taxis exist but are thin late at night.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Rugby, North Dakota
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min each way
US 2 east by car
Geographic centre of North America marker; a short leg-stretch stop, not a day in itself.
Garrison, North Dakota
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min each way
US 83 south to US 83/ND 37 by car
Base for Lake Sakakawea and the Garrison Dam; pair with a lakeside walk.
Devils Lake
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min each way
US 2 east by car
Doable as a long return day on US 2; easier as an overnight heading east.
Kenmare, North Dakota
goDoor to door: About 1 h each way
US 52 northwest by car
Small prairie town on the way to the Canadian border crossing.
New Rockford
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 45 min each way
US 52 southeast by car
Quiet; only worth it if you are already heading that way.
Anamoose
skipDoor to door: About 1 h each way
US 52 southeast by car
No reason to make a special trip.
Cando
skipDoor to door: About 2 h each way
US 2 east then US 281 north by car
Too far for the payoff on a short stay.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
North Broadway / North Hill
Closest to the airport and the Grand Hotel; 5–10 min drive to downtown.
Downtown (Main St and Central Ave)
Small shops, cafés and the Taube Museum; the Amtrak station is just east. Few beds.
Dakota Square Mall area (southwest, off US 2/52)
Most chain hotels and the mall; 10–15 min drive from downtown.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–110 excl. bed
- Mid
- $120–190 excl. bed
- High
- $200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range hotel room1 × 2 nights × US$110 | US$220 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × US$130 | US$520 |
| Full-size car rental, one day1 × US$60 · check | US$60 |
| City Transit day of rides2 × US$3 · check | US$5 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$84 |
| Trip total≈ US$230 per person per day, bed included | US$919 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; flights excluded. Prices are shown before sales tax. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $3–5 |
| Breakfast or lunch plate | $10–15 |
| Sit-down dinner, mid-range | $15–25 |
| Beer: draught in a bar / six-pack at a store | $5–8 / $9–12 |
| 5 km taxi or ridesharecheck | $12–18 |
| City Transit single farecheck | $1.25 |
| Museum entry (air museum, art museum) | $5–10 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Winter cold is the real hazard: −20 °C (−4 °F) and below is normal in Jan, and snow falls Oct–Apr.Winter cold is the real hazard: −4 °F (−20 °C) and below is normal in Jan, and snow falls Oct–Apr.
- Pedestrians: drivers often do not yield, even at crosswalks. Cross with care.
- Late-weekend nights bring drunk and exhibition driving; stay alert on the roads.
- Hotel rooms sell out and prices jump during the State Fair (late July) and Høstfest (late Sep–early Oct) — book weeks ahead.
- Amtrak's Empire Builder is often late; westbound passes about 09:00 and eastbound about 21:00, but do not build a tight connection.Amtrak's Empire Builder is often late; westbound passes about 9:00 AM and eastbound about 9:00 PM, but do not build a tight connection.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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MinotMinot, North Dakota
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No embassies in Minot; your country's embassy is in Washington, DC, with consulates in larger cities. Canadian travellers: the nearest consulate is in Minneapolis.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport → downtown, taxi or rideshare: about $15–25, 10 min (check)
- City Transit single fare: $1.25, hourly 9:00–17:00 Mon–Fri (check)$1.25, hourly 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Mon–Fri (check)
- Amtrak Empire Builder, Minot → Fargo: about $30–60 coach, 4–5 h (check)
Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Minot. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep · avoid Dec–Feb (deep cold, snow), late Jul and late Sep–early Oct for hotel prices · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for MOT: last flight arrivals, taxi and rideshare fallback, hotel shuttle list.
- Four driving clusters with parking anchors: downtown, Scandinavian Heritage Park, Roosevelt Park and Zoo, Dakota Territory Air Museum.
- Place pages with verified hours (Railroad Museum, Taube Museum, Roosevelt Park Zoo, air museum) and eat pages with last orders.
- Fair and festival fixtures for late July and late September so hotel-price warnings go green.
Sources
- officialMinot Convention & Visitors Bureau
- officialCity of Minot
- officialMinot International Airport
- officialAmtrak — Minot station
- officialNorth Dakota State Fair
- officialNorsk Høstfest
- officialScandinavian Heritage Park
- officialRoosevelt Park Zoo
- officialDakota Territory Air Museum
- secondaryWikivoyage: Minot, revision 5290898 (CC BY-SA 4.0)