Minot Monday is made possible by a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. Today I’m sharing 12 ideas of things to do in Minot during winter, be sure to check BeLOCAL for more ideas. All opinions shared here are my own.
Last week I looked ahead at the 10-day forecast just before going to bed. I’m not even joking, when I saw that Wednesday’s high would be -12˚F I couldn’t get to sleep. See, I have an almost-two-year-old–and if we don’t get out of the house for a while ever day, things turn ugly by dinner time. And who can blame him? I don’t like being cooped up either. But when the temperatures are so low, it can be hard to summon the gumption to leave the house. That’s why today for Minot Monday I’m sharing 12 Ideas of things to do in Minot during winter.
MSU Dome
Sometimes I just crave a walk. The Dome at MSU is open to the public for walking and running 7am-9pm (times may change, and there is no public access during home sporting events.) The walking track is on the 3rd floor (no public access on 1st and 2nd floors.)
This is one of my favorite way things to do in Minot during winter because it’s FREE and the hours are wide enough that I can always fit a trip to the dome in my schedule. I like to meet with friends for a walk instead of meeting for food. And kids are welcome! You can bring a stroller, kids can run ahead, I’ve even seen Strider bikes on the track. Just be respectful of other users and apply common sense.
Join A League
In the past, accountability has been key for getting me out of the house during the coldest winter months. Join a league and you’ll have the accountability you need to show up–and leave the house. (And if you don’t want to participate, sign your kid up! You’ll still get out of the house, so its a win-win.)
Minot might not be a sports mecca, but there are still plenty of things to get involved in. Minot offers hockey leagues, swimming, figure skating , bowling leagues, trap/skeet leagues, martial arts, curling teams, square dancing, gymnastics, dance/ballet, and traditional sports leagues (think basketball, volleyball and tennis). The best part is that lots of these leagues and clubs have adult and kid options! See the sports leagues section of BeLOCAL for full listings.
Go Ice Skating
Going to Maysa Arena to skate is another of my personal favorite things to do in Minot during winter. Skating fees are low (especially if you bring your own skates) and it’s nice and quiet during the day. I think skating is a nice change of pace from walking or running, especially since it’s got a “wintery” vibe to it.
Be a Sports Fan
If playing sports isn’t your thing, become a fan. There are lots of events happening at Maysa (hockey and figure skating) and at MSU. Check their schedules for times.
Margie’s Art Glass Studio
Before I had a toddler in tow, going to Margie’s was one of my favorite winter pass times. At Margie’s you can get a cup of coffee, pick a ceramic piece to paint and take your sweet time making a masterpiece. Unlike lots of other ceramic studios, Margie’s doesn’t have a studio fee–and you can come back and paint your piece over multiple days (so there’s no need to rush your project.)
As I’ve mentioned before, they also offer classes if that’s more your style.
Take a Class
Speaking of classes…winter is the perfect time to hone a new skill. In a previous Minot Monday post I created a directory of places in town that offer craft/art classes of all kinds.
Instead of binge watching trashy TV you could be learning to paint, throw pottery, hand-letter, work with succulents, or the time-honored tradition of rosemaling.
Rent a Board Game
If you’re up for learning something new, why not learn a new board game? Did you know the Minot Public Library opened a board game library at the end of 2019? Yep, they did.
You can go over to the library and borrow a game to enjoy with friends back home, or play at the library. Or…you can join them for one of their hosted game nights.
Enjoy the Arts
During the bitter cold months in Minot there are still plenty of opportunities to get out and see a concert or show. The Brass Band, Symphony, Mouse River Players (civic theater), and vocal groups continue to perform all winter long.
Kids’ Zones
If you are strictly looking to let your little ones run off some energy, there are three major play spaces you should check out:
- Tots on the Turf–At Maysa Arena Monday and Friday 9am-12pm
- Minot Fun Zone–At the City Auditorium, Tuesday-Thursday, 9am-12pm
- Gymagic Play Dates–Open gym for littles. Monday 11am-12pm (ages 6 and under); Friday 11am-12pm (ages 6 and under); Friday 7:30-8:30pm (up to age 14); Saturday 12-1pm (up to age 14)
The Mall
Before you scroll on, hear me out. I know mall culture isn’t what it was back in the 80s and 90s…but the mall is a great place to go to get out of the house during winter. Dakota Square is usually pretty slow during the day, so it’s a perfect place to go take a walk (yes, I’m suggesting mall walking) or let your littles walk/run ahead of you.
If you are looking for specific activities, there is a play space for kids (it does get crowded on weekends and after “work” hours) and a nice, large train table for open play at Barnes and Noble.
Coffee
Did you really think I’d put together a winter list and not mention coffee? If you did, you obviously don’t know me. Minot has so many sweet local coffee shops. When you are looking for things to do in Minot during winter you can start with a hot beverage. Trust me, the wind chill doesn’t look so intimidating when you are on the inside of an adorable shop, looking out.
Volunteer
Instead of complaining about the weather, get out and help the community. No matter what you like to do, there is a place for you to help out. Like I said in the Christmas post–Minot has soup kitchens that serve meals every week day. I know for certain our Men’s Winter Refuge is always in need of people to collect socks and boots. I’m sure the kids’ play spaces are open for volunteers, too. If you like animals–volunteer with the shelter (I’ve done it, it’s fun!) Help out at the Y, the library, or the hospital.
And if you have an idea of how to make Minot a better place to live, winter is a great time to connect with others and get an idea off the ground. One of my favorite things about Minot is that the town is receptive to ideas that make our community even more enjoyable. If you want to make an impact, you can.
I hope this gives you some good ideas of things to do in Minot during winter! What gets you out of the house when the windchill is subzero? Don’t forget to meet me on Instagram–I do a weekly round up of upcoming events in town every Monday. See you there!
