We have a joke with my in-laws. Whenever we tell them we’re going somewhere, my father-in-law will say, “Let me guess, you’ll be there in 10 minutes.” It’s a joke that came about because when they visit and we plan our day in Minot, all our commutes are 10 minutes or less. However, when we visit them in Indiana, commutes typically take 20 to 30 minutes. In Minot, our longest regular commute is from town to the base for groceries. Any longer than that in the car, and my oldest will quip, “What is this, Indiana? Why is it taking so long?” Jokes aside, this is one thing we love about living in Minot. And it’s something no one told me before we arrived.
There are many pleasant surprises about living in Minot. But one of my favorites is just how easy it is to fill your day with activities—without ever feeling overwhelmed. Despite its size, there’s an unexpected richness to life here, something that has turned our lifestyle here into something I truly treasure.
On a typical day, we might start with a morning walk or bike ride on a nearby trail, followed by a visit to the children’s museum to explore for a couple of hours. We’ll come home for lunch, do a few chores, and let the kids rest before heading out again for an afternoon spent at a playground with friends. In cold weather, we’ll swap the playground for a meetup at an indoor space, invite friends over to play, or play at the library. After all of that, we’re still home in time for dinner, and everyone goes to bed on schedule.
While Minot may be geographically small compared to over places, this is also one of its greatest hidden assets. Everything we love to do, the people we love to be with—they are all in close proximity. Usually no more than 10 minutes away. We can fill our days with fun, fulfilling experiences without ever feeling rushed, stressed, or stretched too thin. Somehow, in Minot, there’s time. There’s time for fun, time for rest, and time for family, all without the overwhelming hustle we’ve felt when living elsewhere.
We’ve lived in cities with more options, but in Minot, we actually take advantage of the options we have. Bigger cities often boast endless activities, but the truth is that we didn’t participate nearly as much as we do here. Time would get eaten up by commuting to activities, higher cost of participation, and even decision paralysis—with so many options I’d freeze up and end up doing nothing.
And while some people may look at Minot on a map and see a small, remote place, I see a city that has allowed us to live at our own pace. It’s a life where we’re making the most of every day, because everything is so accessible. We’ve created a life filled with simple pleasures and fun adventures because the logistics of living here make it possible.
Before moving to Minot, no one told me about this part: the gift of time and ease. Minot may not take up much space on a map, but it offers a different kind of space to those who are ready to embrace it. Space to breathe, space to be intentional, space to create a life as full or sparse as you prefer.
I’m so grateful for the unexpected joy Minot has brought into our lives. We’ve been stationed here twice now, and both times, we’ve discovered new ways to embrace and love this place. And you can too. It’s not just about surviving winters or getting through a PCS. It’s about learning to see Minot’s unique charm and how it can shape our daily lives for the better.
To those who are moving to Minot soon, I’ll say this: yes, prepare for winter, but also prepare to live differently. Open your mind to a new way of life, where things don’t need to be big to be meaningful. And to those who’ve lived here your whole life, I hope you’ll see Minot through fresh eyes.
So next time someone jokes about our 10-minute commutes, smile, knowing that this is one of the reasons life here is so good.
For more stories of life in Hotdish Land connect with me online at amyallender.com, Instagram @HeyMinot or @amy_allender, or on Facebook @amyallenderblog.
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