It’s the middle of June, and next week we will experience the longest day of the year in North Dakota, June 21st. The day is 16 hours and 1 minute long. We call it The Midsummer Celebration, and there will be a celebration at the Scandinavian Heritage Park on June 21st-23rd sponsored by the Scandinavian Heritage Association.

For a list of events, check out the Visit Minot web site. The event is 100% FREE and parking is available across the street at Town and Country Shopping center, and at Jim Hill Middle school.

The highlight of the evening is the bonfire which takes place at 8:30 PM (weather permitting) on both Friday and Saturday evening. It’s truly a family event you won’t want to miss, whether you take in an hour, or an entire day.
Too Good!

You planned to make a trip to the Medora Musical, right. Well, here is notice that on July 14th TRMF is proud to thank America’s brave men and women who have served our great nation with a special day. All veterans, active duty military and reservists are invited to attend the Medora Musical for FREE. I have attached the flyer sent to us from the Minot Chamber/EDC. Scan the bar code and make reservations, today.

When you arrive in Medora, take a few minutes to walk around this quaint little cowboy town. At 5:15 you will head up the hill to the Pitchfork Steak Fondue. There’s a discount for active duty Military personnel, and kids un 12 eat free.
If July 14th doesn’t quite work, the Medora Musical goes through Saturday, September 7th, and best news of all, Veterans and Active duty military are 50% off every day with your Military ID. Sound too good to be true? Check out Medora.com for all of the details including tickets, lodging and attractions.

Let Me Be Your Tour Guide…
I love sharing North Dakota with folks who may not be from around here. My trip to Medora would begin with a short one-hour trip to the Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery.

…Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery provides many exciting visitor opportunities and contributes to local communities. Waterfowl, fish and a variety of birds and mammals can be viewed in their natural surroundings year-around.
Open to the public, the hatchery welcomes visitors for a close-up view of the fish production process. With over 10,000 visitors annually, the dedicated staff and volunteers at the hatchery are happy to answer any questions while you enjoy a hatchery tour. A visitor center at the hatchery complete with five 400 gallon aquariums will give you the pleasure of viewing the fishes of North Dakota in their environment.

Hours are 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Group tours are available year-around with prior reservations for our accessible facility. For reservations call 701-654-7451 and we would be happy to schedule a tour for you. The tour takes about an hour and the admission is free.

From the Garrison Dam we head west on Highway 1804. Soon we can see the stacks of the Great Plains Synfuels plant near Beulah, and to the south the stacks of coal generating plants Coyote 1 & Coyote 2. This is true coal generating country.
Another 75 minutes and we are in the Badlands of North Dakota. Nothing is quite as majestic. There are several scenic pull off areas, well worth stopping and taking in the panoramic view.

Medora is next, with so much to do. Heard the name Bully Pulpit. It’s an 18 hole golf course carved into a beautiful badlands setting, an unmatched golf venue. The town of Medora has Manitou Point to Point Park. Home to mini golf, zipline adventures and a lazy river pool modeled after the Little Missouri, Point to Point Park is a do-it-all destination for family fun.
Looking at your watch, it’s time to head up to the famous Medora Pitchfork Fondue and then you finish your night at the Medora Musical.

A couple of other events worth checking out. Teddy Roosevelt on stage at the Teddy Roosevelt Show, and the Medora Gospel Brunch. Join the performers on stage in singing all of your favorite gospel tunes.

Finally, we head back east, and we see signs that commemorate the entrance to the Enchanted Highway. Don’t miss this drive, filled with authentic metal structures.

Move a bit too fast for you? Take a few minutes and go to Medora.com for details.

Best Kept Secrets
Joe Weigand plays Teddy Roosevelt in Medora. This year not only in downtown Medora, but on stage at the Medora Musical. Take a few minutes and say “Howdy, from your friends at Minot Air Force Base.”

Today’s Chuckle
Advice is the one thing everybody likes to give but nobody likes to take.