If your newsfeed is anything like mine, it’s filling up with lists of 2023’s best/worst moments, and ways to improve your 2024. Maybe those lists have sunk into my subconscious, or maybe it’s I’ve spent too many late nights scrolling BuzzFeed—but I’ve been inspired to create my own list for Minot Hotdishers only.

Here are 15 things you may have missed, stuff you should check out, and places to see in 2024. Bookmark this one, because this could be your best Hotdish Year yet.

1. Skate outdoors. This winter has given us the gift of unseasonably warm temps. If you’ve never skated outdoors in Minot, do it now. Check out the parks department website for rinks and warming house locations.
2. Make 2024 the year you get tickets to the symphony. Show up early for the conductor lecture—it’s always fascinating.
3. Check out the lesser-known live concert scene. I’m always amazed at how many residents aren’t familiar with the Minot Brass Band, Minot Chamber Chorale, and Heritage Singers. These groups offer top-notch performances, often with donation-based entry fees. Find details on their websites, and social media pages.
4. If reading more, or learning a new hobby is a goal for 2024, may this be the year you get your library cards. Just a quick reminder—Minot residents are eligible for a card at the Minot Public Library and the Ward County Library. In addition to books, both offer extras like ancestry research tools, eReading/audiobook apps, boardgames, clubs, tool rentals, access to movies/streaming, and more. Oh, and if you’re military you can also access the base library for even more choices!
5. While we’re talking about libraries, make this the year you get to at least one Minot Public Library book sale. You’ve got to experience the passive-aggressive tension first-hand to really appreciate this event.
6. If you’ve got a yard, but hate spending money on it, make this the year you take advantage of Minot’s free mulch. Yard debris collected in allocated dumpsters through the year are mulched and can be picked up at the landfill. Also, the forestry department mulches trees that they remove, and residents can access those woodchips as well.
7. If being more active is your 2024 goal, be sure to hit the MSU dome. It’s open through the cold months for walking and jogging—and it’s free for the community to use.
8. For those that would rather be outdoors, hit up my favorite trails: Bison Plant Trail, Woodland Trail, and the trail at the Outdoor Recreation Area.
9. If exercising your green thumb is on your to-do list, look into renting a garden plot from Rainbow Gardens. Plots can be rented for as little as $25 so you can grow veggies or hobby garden even if your yard doesn’t have the space.
10. For those who want to eat more fresh veggies, but have not desire to grow your own, make 2024 the year you visit Angelic Gardens for U-pick options all season long.
11. I triple dog dare you to rescue a treasure from the curb during Clean Up Week (or as I like to call it, Trash Christmas.)
12. And if second hand is your jam, be sure to catch $0.99 clothing day at the RSI Restore. All clothing drops to $0.99 the day prior to their monthly “bag sale.” Find sale dates on their website.
13. Make this the year you finally attend some local sporting events. Cheer on the Beavers, Minotauros, and Hot Tots, then decide which is your favorite.
14. The days may be short now, but make a point of staying up late this summer by attending an MSU summer theater performance, festival, movie in the park, or Midsummer festival when the days are long.
15. And finally, I personally challenge you to find someone who isn’t from around here and share one of your favorite things about Minot with them.
    

Thanks for a great year, friends. May your 2023 draw to a close in peace, and your 2024 open with joy, and abounding hope.
What are you looking forward to in 2024?

What’s your favorite little-known Minot secret? I’d love to hear from your! Connect with me on Instagram (@amy_allender or @heyminot) or Facebook (@amyallenderblog).