Happy New Year, and it’s time to make your North Dakota (Winter) Bucket list, if you haven’t already done so. I won’t claim that I am going to do all of the activities that I am suggesting this winter, but I can guarantee you that they are all activities that I have done over my many years as a resident of North Dakota, and more recently, the past 48 years, as a resident of Minot.
Walking
We’ll start with the easiest and most obvious activity, bundling up and going for a winter walk in one of the many parks. My favorite, because it is close to where I live, is Oak Park. If you aren’t close to a park, a short walk around the neighborhood is always great exercise. If you are in town and have a few minutes for an outdoor walk, the Minot Parks Department usually clears and sweeps most of the trails in Oak Park and Roosevelt Park.
Birding
When you are walking keep your eyes open for the many birds that are still left, even in the cold and snow of winter. There are quite a few, and the crisp, cold air and lack of vegetation makes it easy to spot them in the trees and on snow covered ground. When our kids were younger we started maintaining various types of feeders just outside our living room window. It’s a great winter pastime to watch as various birds visit the feeders. Although we haven’t done it lately, we used to keep a list of the birds that appeared at our feeder. Every once in a while we would have a new species visit our feeder that would send us to the bird book (everyone has to have a bird book) to identify the visitor.
Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
Never mind all of those reasons why you don’t think you can cross country ski, it’s very easy to rent equipment.
Hours: Monday – Friday: 4:00-9:30pm
Saturday and Sunday: 12:00-9:30pm
Rentals are available at 13th Street SE & East Burdick Expressway (behind Corbett Field)
The cost for rental skis and snowshoes is $7. Rental skis and snowshoes are to be used on Minot Park District Property only.  Trails are groomed at the Moose Park and Oak Park and when snow conditions allow.
All cross-country ski trails are groomed after fresh snowfall.  It is important to note that trail routes may vary due to melting snow and the exposure of grass in some areas.
Curling
Everyone’s bucket list has to have curling as one of your activities, and the Minot Curling Club makes it easy. Hey, we were all beginners at one time, but it didn’t take long to get passionate about the sport of curling. There are several “Learn to Curl” events that you can take advantage of. But let’s get one thing clear…curling is not bowling on ice. The Minot Curling Club suggests you take a look at the MCC Calendar and pick out one of the nights when there is either open curling or league curling activities. You can always stop in and watch from the upstairs lounge area and learn about curling before you take your first step out on the ice.
Ice Fishing
In it’s true form, ice fishing used to mean trekking out onto a frozen lake with a sled or toboggan full of equipment, drilling a few holes with a hand driven ice auger, and sitting on a bucket with a small ice fishing rod hoping for a bite. You were dressed for warmth and had a couple of thermoses full of hot coffee to warm your insides.
Things have changed a bit in the ice fishing world. There are still those ice fishing purists who keep things simple; and then there are those who call a resort like Woodland Resort in Devils Lake (woodlandresort.com) and talk to my friend Kyle, the owner, and schedule a true ice fishing adventure. All you need to do is show up, and the staff at Woodland takes care of the rest. You have a heated icehouse, fishing gear, transportation to your icehouse and all the friendly advice you need to make this a true family outdoor adventure. Lots of fun guaranteed!
Or you may have a couple of friends who have invested in ice fishing gear, and you can tag along. Like most of the other outdoor sports, let people know you are interested, and an invitation may more than likely be forthcoming. I also have noticed that Outdoor Rec on base has a lot of ice fishing equipment for rent. Might be worth a quick call to find out what is available. What a great Christmas card photo for 2026! The whole family on an ice fishing excursion in North Dakota…
Ice Skating & Hockey
Once again we turn to the Minot Parks & Recreation web site (minotparks.com) for information on open skating at MAYSA arena, and at the various outdoor rinks around town. There is a list of the rinks and the hours for the various warming houses at the rinks.
The MAYSA arena is a great place to learn to skate, for kids and adults. Indoor may be your best choice, but it’s always fun to skate outside on those warmer winter days.
Outdoor Activities
Rent a tube and hit the slopes. When it looks like we will get some snow, make plans for tubing and sledding. The Minot Parks has several hills for tubing, but there are also quite a few hills that are popular and are available for family fun.
Start Crossing Off Activities
OK, let’s get started! And don’t forget to invite some friends. After you’ve had your fun outdoors, it’s time for hot chocolate and a movie indoors. Don’t let those cold temps get you down. Dress warm and head outside to enjoy winter. Have Fun!Best Kept Secrets
Minot State University has a couple of great hockey teams. Both the men’s and women’s teams put on a great show of good, clean, competitive hockey. Look for their home schedules at msubeavers.com.
Today’s Chuckle
What do you call a prom in the North Pole? A snow ball.