Happy Minot Monday! Today I’m talking about our visit to the Dakota Territory Air Museum. Minot Monday is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. Their mission is to help you find local favorites and live like a local quickly. Check them out for ideas of other places to go and local tips.
Last week I knocked another item off of my Fall Bucket List–visiting the Dakota Territory Air Museum. Since they close for the winter (in October) I wanted to be sure to squeeze in a visit. I’d never been before and Gideon and I had a great time exploring together. Here’s what you need to know before you go:
Adjust Your Expectations
It’s not the Smithsonian. The Dakota Territory Air Museum is a small museum in North Dakota. Don’t go in expecting elaborate displays or fancy interactive activities. This is very much a self-led museum that will require you to do your own learning and make your own fun. (In my opinion, there are lots of good things about doing it that way too!)
If you go in with an open mind, ready to learn a few things and see some really cool airplanes, I think you’ll have a good time.
What is the Dakota Territory Air Museum? What Was Our Visit Like?
[The Dakota Territory Air Museum is] a significant historical depository honoring the men, women and machines that have impacted the rich history of aviation.
Inside there is a “show room” of sorts with lots of aircraft models, uniforms and memorabilia. After this first room guests can explore three hangers full of aircrafts that range in age, size and mission. (Seeing the planes up close was our favorite part.) There are also static displays outside that you can get up close to.
Within each hanger there was at least one plane you could climb inside and explore. This hands-on experience was the highlight of our visit. Gideon loved being able to pretend to fly the plane (“just like daddy”) and push all the buttons and knobs.
Through play, we acted out parts of flight that Gideon knows through books and seeing daddy do it in small aircrafts: talking to control tower, taxiing, taking off and landing. He’s only 2.5, so exploring these basics was more important than reading the signs and trying to teach him aviation history.
My favorite parts of the museum were the “loft” in the second hanger–which had a lovely library and sitting area, next to huge windows that overlook the airport runways–and the WWII hanger. Who doesn’t love to see War Birds up close?
We spent just over an hour exploring the hangers. For us this was a perfect amount of time.
Who Should Go?
I thought about this a lot during our visit, knowing I’d be writing to you about it. I think our visit proves that anyone can go and enjoy it. However, there are groups that would probably appreciate it more.
I deem this a great place to take parents who come to visit you in Minot. This is right up my dad’s alley–and several of the other visitors while we were there were middle aged and older men, who really seemed to be enjoying it.
Groups. The museum offers educational tours for schools and groups year-round. I think a group tour would help the information and history come alive a bit more.
Young children. This is a great outing for littles who will be intrigued by seeing the planes up close, and learning a bit about them. However, if your child has a hard time staying ” in the lines”, this will be a stressful outing for you. Most planes are roped off, but littles can easily sneak underneath.
Unless going with a group, I envision this to be a hard place to take a middle-schooler or teen (unless they have an affinity for aviation.) Since it’s not very hands on or interactive, this age group may have trouble focusing or being content to look at the aircrafts. (But take my word with a grain of salt. I didn’t go with a teen. I just know it would have been a place I would have struggled with when I was that age.)
Final Thoughts
We have no regrets about going to the Dakota Territory Air Museum. The admission is low, especially for military families (only $5 for visitors over 5). For us, it was money well spent for a fun afternoon.
Let me know if you go and what you think!
For more on living in Minot, things to do, daily inspiration for intentional living and choosing to see the positive be sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Or explore all my Minot Monday posts here. You can also sign up for emails, and get every post straight to your inbox.
For more ideas on fun things to do, remember to check out BeLOCAL. And check in with my Instagram (and Facebook) stories every Monday night for a round up of events going on in town each week.
Happy Minot Monday! I’m so excited to tell you all about Berry Acres Pumpkin Patch today. This is truly a highlight of our fall here. I’m partnering with BeLOCALMinotto bring you useful, authentic insight to life in Minot. BeLOCAL is a publication dedicated to helping you live like a local and find the best of what Minot has to offer.
One staple of a Minot autumn is Berry Acres Pumpkin Patch. We’ve lived in a lot of places, and friends–this is my favorite fall attraction of all those places. There’s so much to do and see, not to mention the atmosphere is pure autumn bliss. If you haven’t gone, if you aren’t familiar–let me enlighten you. This is a good one.
What is Berry Acres Pumpkin Patch?
Ummmm…To explain it simply, Berry Acres Pumpkin Patchis fall in Minot. There are pumpkins (obviously) but there is much more. Berry Acres offers pumpkins and gourds of all kinds. From the traditional jack-o-lantern variety to heirlooms and giants that will make your front stoop the talk of the block.
Besides pumpkins (and other fresh farmers’ market goodies like jellies) the property is jam packed with activities. And every year it seems to grow with great ideas and additions. With admission you can enjoy a
corn maze
pedal carts
zip line tracks
hay bales for climbing with slides
tire mountain (and more slides)
the corn box (like a sand box, but filled with dried corn)
giant chess and checkers
swings
For a small extra fee you can:
play mini golf
ride the kiddy train
take a hay ride
go on a paint ball wagon ride
shoot the pumpkin cannon
play laser tag
see animals at the petting zoo
chip golf balls toward Birdie Island
When I say small fee–I do mean small. The prices are so reasonable. **Take note, additional activities may only be available on certain dates. Check their Facebook page for full details.**
Our Day At Berry Acres
Every year we live in Minot, an autumn trip to Berry Acres is a tradition. Each year brings a new theme (this year is Toy Story) and new activities. When we had no kids this was a really fun day to spend picking pumpkins, wandering the corn maze and taking in all the fun. Now that we’re parents, it’s even more fun because we can share it with our little.
We headed over after church and a quick lunch. Before nap, we climbed hay bales, explored slides, felt all the unique pumpkins, rode on swings and pet the baby animals in the petting zoo.
It was so much fun (and Sunday is our rest day), we decided to come back after nap time was over. During our second trip out we revisited Gideon’s favorites: the tire mountain, hay bales and slides. Then we did zip tracks, the corn maze and picked three perfect pumpkins to take home.
This was an idyllic autumn day. This is wonderful tradition to start with your family.
Where is Berry Acres Pumpkin Patch?
Berry Acres Pumpkin Patch is easy to find. It’s off of County Road 15 W. Just west of town. You can access it from the 83 Bypass, or follow 4th Ave NW out of town (4th turns into CR 15 W). Here’s the map.
Country Road 15 W is a beautiful road full of fall color at this time of year. Berry Acres is easy to spot, but you need to look for a sign you might not expect. The roadside sign does not say “Berry Acres Pumpkin Patch.” It says “Green Thumb Greenhouse.” When you see the sign, you’re at the right place.
More Minot Fun
For more Minot fun be sure to follow along on Facebook and Instagram where I share inspiration for intentional living and positivity about Minot everyday. In my stories I share a weekly roundup of fun things happening in town each every Monday and a look at life in Minot everyday. And remember to check out BeLOCAL to find even more local favorites and seasonal events.
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 30Ëš we all act like we’re in the arctic (even though we know when the thermometer gets to 30Ëš 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, we’re talking about Angelic Gardens in Minot. The Minot Monday content you know and love is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. BeLOCAL is a publication that helps folks discover local favorite–so you can live and thrive like a local. Be sure to check them out, follow them and thank them for supporting Minot Monday!
Okay gang. I’ve got a good one for you today. Angelic Gardens in Minot is a true hidden gem. Recently I’ve talked to a handful of friends who have lived in Minot their whole lives and never heard of Angelic Gardens. Others have heard of it–but most have never been.
And I can’t figure out why!
It’s a bit hidden, but it shouldn’t be. I think everyone should know and go. So let’s blow its cover a bit.
What is Angelic Gardens?
Angelic Gardens is an U-pick garden right here in town. But to call it simply a U-pick place seems lacking. The garden (which is expansive) is organic, hand-weeded, and meticulously cared for. Most U-pick places that I’m familiar with offer one type of produce. Angelic Gardens in Minot is different, in that they offer a wide scope of fruits and vegetables throughout the summer and fall. (Seriously, everything from berries and herbs to corn and heirloom onions.)
Inside the small shop is a map of the garden, sign with what’s available to pick and another small sign with the entire growing season’s crops and when they’ll be available.
Inside staff will tell you what to pick and where. Then you can grab a basket and get to it. The staff is so kind and sweet, I’d venture they’d even help you pick if you need it.
Also inside you can pick up pre-picked items, baked goods, gourds, and jellies made from their own produce.
Our Day At Angelic Gardens in Minot
Last week I went to Angelic Gardens for the first time with a friend. We both brought our littles and had a great time wandering the gardens. I picked zucchini and beets. (See what I’m making with them on Instagram this week!)
At the end of our garden tour we sampled a few choke cherries and sand cherries (I’ll be back this week to pick up some of those to make my own batch of jelly.) Then we headed in to pay.
In my opinion, prices are low for organic produce. (At least on par with grocery store and farmers’ market prices.) Some items were priced by the piece, but most are priced per pound. Buy only as much or as little as you need.
All in all, I spent less than $5 on what I needed and we had a fabulous outing. And Gideon loved seeing where the fruit and vegetables grow (especially pulling up the beets.)
The hours are limited and shift between summer and fall. Current summer hours are Mondays 5:30-7:30pm and Thursdays 10am-1pm. But again, check their page for the most accurate information.
They offer a military discount.
A discount is offered for donating plastic bags to their stash for customers.
Save a plastic bag by bringing your own.
This is a perfect family-friendly, homeschool friendly adventure.
They offer special events (especially in the fall when apples and pumpkins are plentiful). What their page for announcements. (Or my Instagram round up each Monday.)
More Encouragement and Minot Love
Get more, daily encouragement and inspiration for intentional living by joining our community on Facebook and Instagram. I share things I love about Minot, faith, and inspiration for thriving and loving life right where you are. To make sure you never miss a post–sign up for my email list! And remember to check out BeLOCAL for more local favorites and ways you can start living like a local today.
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!
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