Okay, so you want to explore Medora and the North Dakota Badlands, but don’t know where to start. That’s where I come in. I’m a junkie for creating itineraries, saving money, and sharing what I’ve learned.
Below you’ll find an awesome family travel guide to Medora, ND with lots of ways to save money in Medora. This is a detailed itinerary with exactly what my family did on a recent trip…and how we saved money along the way (so we’ve got more in the bank for future adventures.) We stayed three nights, plenty of time to explore without being overwhelmed. There are things we didn’t have time to see that will be fun to check out next time.
We had so much fun, this is sure to be a rinse and repeat vacation for years to come.
Why We Decided on This Trip
Here are some reasons we decided on this trip, and ways to save money in Medora.
We often center family trips around National Parks because they offer many free low-cost options.
Paid park entry is only $30 and good for seven days. Entry is FREE for military members and veterans—just be sure to ask for a military park pass!Park programs and ranger talks are free with admission.
Since Medora, ND is only a few hours drive from Minot, we weren’t in a rush to get up early and leave right away. **Also, it should be noted that Medora, ND is on mountain time.
Let’s save money in Medora:
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the road. We stopped at Riverside Park in Beulah, ND. It’s got a playground we love.
Stop in Dickenson on your way into Medora to pick up groceries you may need (or pack them from home.) We bought milk, and fruit at Walmart; we packed cereal, snacks, and PB&J fixings from home. This keeps costs down on eating out, if your kids are unadventurous eaters.
Checking In at The Badlands Motel
The nostalgic style of the Badlands Motel set the perfect tone for our trip. Here are some things to know:
Bathrooms have a shower, but no tub (which is nice to know if you’ve got young children.)
Complimentary coffee, ice, and water available in the lobby.
Rooms have a microwave and mini fridge.
The Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation provides wifi throughout the Badlands Motel and Point to Point Park. Overall, cell service was strong—even though this is a very easy place to disconnect and unplug for a few days!
Pickleball (all equipment can be checked out at the desk.)
Wooden park/playground
Hiking trails
Dinner + Bedtime
We grabbed dinner out at the Badlands Pizza Parlor, which offers buffet style dinners and carry out pizza. After eating, we took in live music at the Town Square Patio, then took the kids to Point to Point Park’s Wooden Playground.
Let’s save money in Medora!
There is a discount for kids buffet at Badlands Pizza Parlor.
We really enjoyed the buffet, but you can save even more money by ordering carry out pizza to eat in your room, or as a picnic at the Town Square Patio.
The Wooden Playground (Medora Children’s Park) was a highlight for our family, and it’s FREE.
Check out the attached museum to learn about Teddy Roosevelt’s time in the Badlands, animal life, and history of the park. It’s really beautifully done.
Look around Theodore Roosevelt’s Maltese Cross Cabin to see what life was like when he stayed in the Badlands.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
We began our day at the park at 8:30am. We spent about five hours in the park. Here’s what we did:
Drive the wildlife loop (note, parts may be under construction.)
Stop for wildlife along the way, as spotted. We saw bison, prairie dogs, feral horses, a porcupine, and deer.
Buck Hill—by this time our kids were pretty worn out and hungry. They stayed near the car eating a picnic lunch while my husband and I took turns exploring a bit more.
Drive back out, stop at the Visitor Center with completed Junior Ranger books.
Let’s save money in Medora!
If you’re military or a veteran, get your FREE national parks pass at the visitor center.
Doing the Junior Ranger workbook means your kids will leave with a souvenir from the trip. For us, this cuts back on spending money in the gift shop.
MUST SEE! Do not miss this! Drive back into the park to Wind Canyon Trail for sunset. Although this is a “hot spot,” the trail wasn’t crowded. The experience was transformative, peaceful, and idyllic. (And completely FREE.)
Day 3: Point to Point Park and Medora
Breakfast in town
Our third day in Medora focused on staying in town. We started the day with caramel rolls from The Cowboy Café, which I highly recommend, especially if you catch them straight from the oven.
After breakfast the kids wanted to play on the Wooden Playground (yes, it’s that fun). I went with them while my husband hiked the Point to Point Trails.
Let’s save money in Medora!
Instead of getting a full breakfast, just stick to something simple like caramel rolls (just $6 each) and coffee.
The Point to Point Trails are a short walk from the Badlands Motel and completely FREE to access. These are suitable for all ages.
On our final day, we took advantage of the paid activities at Point to Point Park. These include the Manitou Zip Line, Little Bully Pulpit Mini Golf, and the wading pool + lazy river. Here’s what you should know:
Minimum height for the zipline is 42” (must be accompanied by a rider over 47”.) Riders 48” and taller may ride alone.
The pool and lazy river have towels available.
Be sure to pack goggles and a life jacket/water wings for your kids if they like to use those while swimming.
Little Bully Pulpit mini golf is 18 holes beautifully built into the landscape. Each hole is paired with a bit of history for the area, which was great for a fun-fact nerd like me.
Let’s save money in Medora!
Activities can be purchased alone or as a bundle. Bundling the activities will save you money.
Save the zip line for the last day of your trip if you don’t want to face pressure from your kids to buy a second, third, or fourth ride.
Mini golf is discounted for kids, and FREE for kids under seven.
Kids under three are FREE at the pool and lazy river.
The pool and lazy river offer discounted admission from 4-7pm daily.
Pitchfork Steak Fondue Dinner
There’s a good reason Medora is famous for its Pitchfork Steak Fondue dinner. You won’t fully understand until you experience for yourself. The dinner is held near the amphitheater for the Medora Musical, and the scenery looks like a something out of a painting.
Open air seating, live music, and fresh Badlands breeze make this an unforgettable night. Not only is the setting wonderful, the food and service are top notch. Throughout our meal, the chef came out to ensure everything was above expectations, and explaining how staff and volunteers were there to help as needed. As he said, “If you don’t think you’re getting your money’s worth, it’s your own fault.”
The Pitchfork Steak Fondue is a bit of a splurge for a frugal family, but the experience is worth it.
Let’s save money in Medora!
This meal is HUGE (steak, baked potato, fruit, veggies, coleslaw, baked beans, bread, drinks, and dessert), and served buffet style! Skimp on lunch and come hungry.
Kids 12 and under eat FREE! (They get the full buffet with a hot dog entrée.)
The Big Finale—The Medora Musical
No trip to Medora, ND is complete without taking in The Medora Musical. If you’re not familiar, this is a two-hour patriotic music spectacular performed nightly in an amphitheater settled right into the hills. It’s got cowboy vibes, a dancing Teddy Roosevelt, and all the nostalgic red, white, and blue you can handle.
Again, it’s something you have to see to appreciate. Even if musical theater isn’t your jam, it’s impossible to sit through The Medora Musical without being entertained. Here are some extra tips you should know.
Some days have a 5:30pm and 7:30pm show—if you’ve got young kids, I highly recommend the earlier show. My three year old was too tired to stay for the whole show and left with my husband at intermission.
After intermission, a variety act performs. This changes through the season, so check out the schedule when planning your trip to maximize your enjoyment.
There is a short firework display at the end. They weren’t super loud, but I like to let other parents be aware in case they have noise/light sensitive kiddos.
I’m really glad we saved this as the finale to our Medora trip. It was a great way to round off an unforgettable weekend.
Let’s save money in Medora!
Military and veterans get 50% off tickets all season long.
Certain dates off military FREE admission.
Kids attend FREE every Wednesday and Sunday.
Save This One
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly vacation, this itinerary from Medora, ND is it! There are plenty of things to do, even if you just stick to the freebies. And with all that money you’ll save, you can start planning your next adventure.
For more great ideas on Midwest travel, North Dakota living, and ways to save money and maximize fun, follow me on Instagram at Hey Minot and Amy Allender. If this guide was helpful, remember to save it and share it with a friend who loves fun and saving money.
When our family first moved to North Dakota for an assignment at Minot, AFB, I knew little about the state beyond its reputation for cold winters and flat landscapes. However, I was determined to uncover the hidden gems of this region.
Fast forward to today, and I’ve become a guru of all things Minot, and an advocate of North Dakota living. I try things, visit destinations, and make mistakes along the way in order to give you the best, most valuable information possible—so you can enjoy North Dakota as much as I do!
When you embark on a journey to explore, discover, or fall in love with North Dakota, there is one destination you should not miss: Medora. Nestled in the heart of the North Dakota Badlands, Medora offers a wealth of experiences that cater perfectly to military families. There are also lots of military discounts in Medora to take advantage of. With its rich, patriotic history, breathtaking scenery, and family-friendly activities, Medora is a top destination you won’t want to miss.
Seeing this side of the great plains will prove that North Dakota is anything but flat and boring.
Your leave days are precious. Here’s a few reasons we decided—as a military family—to spend our time off in Medora:
Proximity to Military Bases
Medora’s location makes it an accessible getaway for military members and their families. Here’s how far you’ll need to travel from nearby bases:
Minot AFB: 220 miles, approximately 3.5 hours driving
Ellsworth AFB: 246 miles, approximately 4 hours driving
119 Wing, ANG: 330 miles, approximately 4.5 hours driving
Grand Forks AFB: 370 miles, approximately 5.5 hours driving
Malstrom AFB/120 AW: 410 miles, approximately 6.25 hours driving
Whether you’re stationed locally or just passing through, Medora is an ideal spot for a weekend or extended getaway.
Free Admissions and Military Discounts in Medora
Saving money on travel means being able to afford more adventures in the future! Military discounts in Medora make this a budget-friendly vacation, perfect for families.
Park Programs: The National Park hosts various programs throughout the day, and on special occasions (a night sky program was going on while we were visiting). These are free with park admission or a military park pass.
Medora Musical:Discounts of 50% on tickets for military members throughout the season. There are select days that offer military free admission. Kids gain free admission on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Discounts for kids + free activities abound:
In addition to military discounts in Medora there are a plethora of free activities for all ages and discounts for kids. These include:
Pitchfork Steak Fondue: Kids under 12 get a free hot dog meal at the Pitchfork Steak Fondue. They access the full buffet and dessert—the only difference a hot dog entrée instead of steak.
Medora Musical: Kids attend for free on Wednesdays and Sunday.
Military Family Travel Guide to Medora: The Itinerary
Use this rinse and repeat Military Family Travel Guide to Medora to make the most out of your trip!
We stayed at the charmingly nostalgic Badlands Motel, which offered:
Great accessibility to Point to Point Park
Walkable/bikeable proximity to town attractions
A pool for guests
Clean rooms with complimentary coffee, ice, and iced water in the lobby.
Rooms equipped with a microwave and mini fridge, ideal for families with young children.
First Adventure – Point to Point Park
Located just across from our motel, Point to Point Park was a MASSIVE hit with the kids. While we unpacked, they were eager to explore and immediately headed to check out the jumping cushion, splash pad, and small zip line swings.
Dinner and Evening Fun
Once settled, we headed to dinner at the Badlands Pizza Parlor. The all you can eat buffet is a no-hassle choice for the whole family. Kids can fill up on cheese pizza, lemonade, and dessert. Adventurous eaters can sample an array of specialty pizzas. And salad lovers will love the DIY salad bar. (The cucumber salad was my favorite!!)
After dinner, take a walk to Town Hall Square Patio for free, live music. Finish your day with a trip to the Medora Children’s Park (a gigantic wooden playground!) to let the kids burn off any energy they’ve got left before bed.
Explore museum exhibits on Theodore Roosevelt’s time in the Badlands, and park wildlife. American history is often a special part of military family travel. We all really enjoyed this.
Visit Theodore Roosevelt’s Maltese Cross Cabin to see what life was like when he stayed in the Badlands.
Park Itinerary
Inside the park, follow the wildlife loop. Give yourself plenty of time to stop and observe the wildlife. On our drive we spotted bison, deer, feral horses, prairie dogs, and a porcupine. These are places we stopped to get out and explore along the way.
Wind Canyon Trail (We came back and did this at sunset, and it was my FAVORITE part. If you only do one thing in the park, make it this!)
Our kids are six and three years old. These hikes were doable for them, but they were pretty tired by the end. On the way out of the park, we stopped back at the Visitor Center so the boys could show their Junior Ranger workbooks and earn their badge. This itinerary took about five hours, moving at a very lax pace.
Rest, Pool, and Dinner
After a busy morning at the park, enjoy a late lunch at Point to Point Provisions, relax in the room, and swim in the Badlands Motel pool. Head to The Little Missouri Saloon for dinner where a second story patio offers a beautiful view of town.
Sunset over the Badlands
Cap off the evening with a sunset view over the Badlands at the Wind Canyon Trail. This is truly a transformative excursion that shouldn’t be missed. And, despite being a “hot spot”, it wasn’t crowded, making for a serene and idyllic experience.
Spend the afternoon enjoying the paid activities at Point to Point Park. These include:
The Manitou Zipline—riders must be at least 42” tall, this was definitely a highlight for my kids!
The wading pool and lazy river—remember to pack goggles and a puddle-jumper if your child uses those.
Little Bully Pulpit mini golf—18 holes beautifully incorporated into the landscape.
Steak Fondue Dinner and Medora Musical
The Pitchfork Steak Fondue dinner is an iconic part of a trip to Medora, ND. With its open-air seating, live music, and delicious buffet, you’ll never forget this meal. Don’t forget—kids eat FREE!
Following dinner, attend The Medora Musical—a must-see patriotic performance brimming with national and state price. Complete with bedazzling red, white, and blue finale costumes and a fireworks display. This is the perfect way to wrap up a trip to the North Dakota Badlands.
One of the best military discounts in Medora is 50% off show tickets.. There are also dates when military/veterans attend FREE! And don’t forget that kids attend for free on Wednesday and Sunday all season long!
Medora is Great For Military Families
With a blend of historical charm, outdoor adventure, and family-friendly fun, Medora is great for military family travel. From stunning landscapes, to the engaging activities in town, Medora is a destination worth exploring. Save this Military Family Travel Guide to Medora for quick reference on military discounts in Medora, and an itinerary your whole crew will enjoy.
Easy Tips For More Fun
Still want more? Check out this post with even more details on our itinerary in Medora.
For more ways to have fun, save money, and live on fire—but never burned out—join me on Instagram. For more on life in North Dakota and being stationed in Minot, be sure to follow @HeyMinot. If this Military Family Travel Guide to Medora was helpful, be sure to share it with your armed forces friends!
With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, it’s time to talk about fresh date night ideas. I often find myself having a hard time coming up with date ideas that don’t involve eating out. Right now, eating out can be tricky for several reasons. Maybe you (or your employer) aren’t comfortable with public dining for pandemic reasons. Or maybe you don’t want to sabatoge your New Year’s diet goals. Or maybe quarantimes have taught you to love cooking for yourself.
10 Terrific Winter Date Ideas in Minot
Whatever your reason for wanting a date that isn’t your standard “dinner and drinks” I’ve got you covered. Here are 10 terrific winter date ideas in Minot that aren’t dinner.
In Minot it’s easy to find a hockey game that fits your date night schedule. Bundle up and go root for the Minotauros or the MSU hockey teams. (Click the links for team schedules.)
Hit the Driving Range
Minot Parks recently opened a driving range inside the “MSU Bubble.” Open to the public every Sunday evening from 7:30-10pm for adults. See here for additional information. (More on the Bubble, it’s use and location is here.)
The Putt District downtown offers fun, neon mini golf year round. They’re open year round, seven days a week and stay open late (except Sunday). As a bonus to the fun activity, Putt District also serves beer, wine, Pride Dairy ice cream (in my opinion…the BEST!), and offers all-you-can-eat pizza with golf on the second Thursday of the month. See BeLOCAL’s feature on them here and information on hours, etc here.
Escape Point is Minot’s escape room. Puzzles are well thought out and challenging–and there are several options for only two players. (And lots of options for double dates.) See BeLOCAL’s profile of them here, and their website + room info here.
See a Movie
Still wary of going out to the movies? Catch a movie at Oak Park Theater. Audiences are capped off, the theater is clean, and there is plenty of space to socially distance. For a complete Oak Park Theater date night idea, see this Minot Monday post. If you still want more information, go to their website.
Go Skating
If weather is nice grab your skates (or borrow some from a friend) and hit one of Minot’s outdoor skating rinks. If the weather is not so nice, head to Maysa Arena to enjoy open skating. A list of skating rinks from BeLOCAL can be found here. Information on Maysa’s skating hours is here.
Take advantage of the snow for sledding or skiing date. Find a list of places to sled in town here. Information on cross country skiing in town is here. If you’d rather get out of town for downhill skiing head to Huff Hills or Bottineau Winter Park. Bottineau Winter Park also offers tubing (with a lift–so you don’t have to hike to the top of the hill.)
Go Curling
While they’re not open for lessons everyday, the Minot Curling Club offers “learn to curl” days/evenings and fun spiels for amateurs. I love curling. See a whole Minot Monday post on curling here. Check out the curling club’s event schedule here.
See a Show
Mouse River Players is back and offering limited seating shows–including one coming out over Valentine’s Day. Check in with their website for current and upcoming show information.
If relaxing is more your scene, spend some time relaxing together at LOR Spa. Check their website for a list of services–including couples massages.
More Positivity and Minot
For more encouragement for daily positive living and lots more stories about life in Minot, join me on Instagram and Facebook. For more Minot Monday posts–go here. To see more date ideas from BeLOCAL go here (pg 36). I’m so glad you’re here.
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! Thanks to BeLOCAL Minot for making Minot Monday possible. Today we’re talking about flying from North Dakota during the Coronavirus era. Travel from Minot can be tricky, even more so when navigating a world in pandemic. Luckily BeLOCAL Minot and I are committed to helping you thrive while living in Minot. Check out BeLOCAL for more tips and information on living like a local.
Locals and transplants alike understand how refreshing it is to get away from Minot for a bit. Whether that means a weekend in “the cities” (Minneapolis/St Paul), a trip to the lake, or spending all winter in Arizona–even Minot’s biggest cheerleaders like to leave city limits sometimes.
Last week our family traveled away from Minot to visit family. This was our first significant travel since the COVID-19 era began. (I did take a short road trip to Rapid City, but that was solo and in the safety of my own car.)
This time we flew, which was completely different. I thought I might be helpful to share our experience and tips that I have. (For more on traveling from Minot see this post.)
We Flew From Bismarck
Our flight left from Bismarck. So I can’t attest to how conditions are in Minot. However, the airports are very similar–so I think the experience in Minot will be very similar. (Flying out of Minot is so convenient because it’s so close to everything, but sometimes you can get a great deal if you fly from Bismarck instead.) More on traveling from Minot here.
Masks in the Airport
Masks were highly recommended, but no one was forcing passengers to wear them in the airport or at the gate. All employees had masks on. Because there were so few passengers there was lots of space to be far from others. So while in the gate area (past security) about half of waiting passengers took their masks off.
According to general mask etiquette, kids two years old and up are supposed to wear masks. We did our best to keep a mask on Gideon, but that was a losing battle. Everyone we encountered showed grace when it came to keeping a mask on a toddler.
Security Screening
TSA Screening Area in Bismarck
The number of travelers was down significantly in Bismarck. While there usually isn’t much of a wait in the TSA screening line, the wait for this flight was nonexistent.
Here are things we observed going through security:
Shoes still need to come off.
Some things were still required to take out of carry on bags and place in bins (electronics, batteries, shoes, etc.)
Bins were not cleaned between uses.
Floor markers indicated where to stand to maintain distance between travelers/parties.
The standard 3oz liquid rule is flexible for hand sanitizer.
Other Things About the Airport & Boarding
Inside Bismarck Airport
After going through security we found that there was plenty of space to spread out and be well distanced from other travelers.
In the Bismarck Airport, there are living room style TVs. The last time we flew from there (in December) the TVs were on and remotes were on tables, so passengers could change channels. Now the TVs are off and the remotes are no longer available.
There are plenty of hand sanitizer stations available.
Food and beverage services are limited on most flights. Passengers were reminded to buy a coffee before boarding, as none would be available on board.
Boarding takes place from the back of the plane to front. Anyone who needs assistance or extra time is welcome to board at any time.
Passengers are welcome to have their boarding pass on their phone to limit contact on paper boarding passes. If you choose to (or need to) have a paper pass you can scan it yourself (gate attendants will help if you need it.)
While waiting in line to board passengers are asked to maintain social distance and wear masks. All passengers are expected to wear masks while boarding and through the duration of the flight.
During the Flight
Here are things we observed or are nice to know about flights during the coronavirus pandemic. We flew with Delta. Check your flight provider for their details and procedures.
One of our (three) flights was a bit delayed due to cleaning and sanitation. I’m not sure what all this entails, but it happens between each flight.
Upon boarding every passenger is given an antibacterial wipe to wipe their space/tray/armrests/etc.
Because flights have limited passenger capacity there is more room in overhead compartments. Things that we have needed to gate check in the past (like a roll-on carry on) were welcome. There was plenty of space.
Seats were strategically left open to offer greater distance.
Flight attendants handed out pre-made Ziploc bags with a single use hand sanitizer, a package of crackers, a package of cookies and a bottled water. No custom snack orders were taken.
Passengers were expected to wear masks at all times, except when eating or drinking. (Grace was given for children.)
Layovers
A mezzanine space during our layover in Minneapolis. No one else came up, except a single pilot for an hour. We were here for four hours.
We had two layovers during our travel day. Both airports (Minneapolis and Detroit) had their own COVID procedures in place. This included:
Hand sanitizer stations
Chairs blocked off in waiting areas to encourage social distancing
Kiosks are closed
Play spaces are closed
Select restaurants are closed
Some tram services are closed
Some lounges are closed
If you are looking for a specific restaurant I highly advise asking at an info desk to make sure it’s open. Volunteers have a list of which eateries are open each day.
It was easy to find a place with a lot of space during our longest layover. With fewer travelers and limited seating, airports are much less crowded than they used to be. If you have a long layover be sure to check mezzanine levels. These are often overlooked and very quiet.
Other Travel Tips
I packed snacks, but we got plenty of snacks on our flights.
In some ways I over prepared. Here are a few more tips for traveling during the COVID pandemic.
Pack hand sanitizer, but don’t go overboard. There are stations everywhere, and single use packets are available on flights.
Even though flight attendants give out antibacterial wipes, I found it helpful to have some of my own. (Like these) This came in handy for wiping toys or doing better cleaning on board.
Pack snacks if you’d like to avoid eating a meal in the airport. The snacks on board were more substantial in the past, but food in airports is limited.
Bring a water bottle. Drinking fountains are closed, but bottle fillers are open.
Bring your mask and wear it. Do your part to stay distanced from others, don’t travel if you’re sick.
Hopefully this helps if you are going to be traveling outside of our relatively safe bubble in Minot and North Dakota. If you are looking for more insight on life in Minot be sure to join our intentionally positive-thinking community on Instagram and Facebook. And remember to follow on Instagram and check in on my Stories every Monday evening to see a round up of events happening in Minot each 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!
I’m not sure where the phrase, “dog days of summer” comes from. I guess I could Google it. I probably will later tonight when a spare moment comes my way. At any rate, we all know what the phrase means. The long, super hot, end-of-summer days. I was in Indiana last week with the fam. The dog days were there–along with high humidity and no rain in sight. I’m back on the surface of the sun now–and you better believe the dog days are here too. The SMF {skin melt factor} is through the roof and the heat beats down from the sky and reflects up from the rocks and pavement.
That said, there isn’t a better time than right now in the face of the heat to finally post up some drool-worthy images from a winter trip to Lake Tahoe I made while on a hiatus from writing.
I’ve been a lot of places, but this is honestly one of the most breath taking. I’ve never been in the summer, but I can attest to the joy that visiting Lake Tahoe in February was. The air is so clean and fresh it actually carries a scent of its own. The water is as clear as your contact lenses. The cool breeze will perk you up better than a strong cup of coffee.
I think my favorite part of Tahoe in winter is the temperature. There is snow on the ground, but we were totally comfortable in sweaters–no coats. It’s a odd thing for a Practically Canadian to see snow without -20˚ wind chills!
Just prior to this adventure I invested in my first ever wide angle lens. And…as you can see from the images that follow–it was worth every penny. Now I’m pretty much obsessed with it. I love these images. The sky. The mountains. The snow. Oh, yes–and one of my very best friends to boot.
We visited South Tahoe–Megan {that’s her in the adorable plaid scarf} lives in Lincoln, CA…so she acted as tour guide/chauffer.
Our trip was pretty short and sweet, but activities abound. Skiing, hiking, kayaking, canoeing…it’s all here. We mostly walked and just took in the scenery–another perfectly good {and free} option. The photos above were taken off of the path that follows the shore near North Lake Blvd.
I think one of Lake Tahoe’s best assets is the accessibility of it’s beauty without a strenuous journey to see it. You don’t need to backpack for days to bag these views. You don’t need to endure sore muscles or a day pack to lay eyes on this treasure. It’s just there. Visible. Breathtaking. For a person like me, who usually hikes, bikes or boats deep in to the wilderness to experience the wonders of nature and a bit of solitude–this was a refreshing excursion. We could just sit on a bench and gaze. Stroll the dock and gaze. Eat at a restaurant–and gaze.
And speaking of restaurants–we ate at Jake’s on the Lake, which was a fantastic choice. It’s stunning, the food is fabulous and if you go in the off season, like us, there will be seats near the windows so you can gawk at the lake while you eat.
Image via. Check out this full weekend itinerary from zipcar.com {where the image above originally came from}.
**TIP** If you head to Tahoe, pop in to the visitor center to pick up a map and they’ll slip you a coupon for a free slice of Hula Pie. It’s ice cream based and HUGE–so share it! {Click on the image to go to their Yelp page for more images of their delightful food.}
After food we drove over to Emerald Bay, a must see {according to all the locals we talked to}. We started at the pull off and left the car, then walked the easy one mile down to the shore of the bay. {Less easy on the way back up…but still a very mild walk.}
Outside of one small family and a bride and groom taking bridal portraits, we had the whole place to ourselves. Have I told you how much I love traveling off season?! From here you can see Vikingsholm–a historic mansion {“castle”} on the shore. You can wander and walk around all you want in the winter, but tours of this gem only happen in the summer months.
Let’s talk about heights for a second. I don’t really like them. But here’s the thing about me–Derek has the ability to peer pressure me into being brave. I guess heights aren’t really that bad…unless I’m standing on a diving board. Or the side of a pool. Any time I’m standing over water it’s really the absolute worst. The water always looks a million miles away, even if it’s really only 5 feet and children are diving in like tiny dare devils.
I digress.
The thing about New Mexico, land of enchantment, is that the valleys are blazing hot–but there are mountains really close by. Which is totally cool. Literally cool–because of the elevation. Get it?
So when I’m not sweating to the oldies in Alamogordo, or spending my time finding new ways to spin pin my hair up, we’ve been hiking in the hills. The prettiest so far has been our jaunt to the Mexican Canyon Trestle near Cloudcroft, NM {which is a darling little village.} The hike is on the easy side–good for lungs that aren’t used to the paper thin air down here. The views of the canyon are breathtaking. And if you are dare-devil/peer pressured enough, the trestle itself is quite magical. Let’s be honest…no picture taken here looks bad. Seriously.
Now, don’t go thinking I’m way hard core. It’s really sturdy. Trains weighing more than 300 tons used to cruise across {at least that’s what the sign said} and it’s been restored. Hiking {and yoga} happen at your own risk. I can’t tell you how high it is, but it’s pretty high. And when it was build, in 1900 it was a feat of engineering as it made a tight S-curve through the mountains.
I like places like this. A little dangerous. A little abandoned. A little old. It’s all very magical.
I posted a few of these photos on my personal Feacebook page and got lots of kind reactions and folks curious about where this is and what it is, and why we were up there at all. Cloudcroft, trestle, peer pressure. Trail information is here.
And lastly, I’ll share one more thing with you.
The day after I posted these image on Facebook my time-warp thingy came up and showed me the picture on the left and said, “We care about your memories. You posted this photo 10 years ago today.” TEN YEARS. I’m a little nervous to stand on his shoulders on one leg…but I still think we are pretty circusy, even a decade later. I’m just glad we got lots of practice in on the ground before we tried it somewhere scary high. {I assure you–we didn’t hold this pose too long. Cameras are very fast these days.}
I’m creeping in on the big 3-0 and I like to think I’m maintaining just a smidge of my cool. I hope you are too.
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