Last week, my four-year-old and I went on a lunch date on base. Our usual order is the pizza combo from Bomber Bistro, which I think is the best lunch deal in town—and took it to Li’l Riders, the attached indoor playground my kids love. Especially on cold days, it’s a perfect spot for them to burn off energy and meet up with other kids.

While we were there, I struck up a conversation with another mom who had just arrived in Minot three days earlier. I love moments like these—getting to welcome someone new, hearing about their journey, and learning what brought them here. Wanting to help her feel at home, I shared a few recommendations, then dug a purple crayon out of my purse and scrawled my phone number on a scrap of paper, telling her to reach if she needed anything while settling in.

On the drive home, I kept thinking—if I had to boil down my top bits of advice and encouragement for a new family into five concise pieces, what would they be?

For military families, moving means starting over—again. And for parents with young kids, finding the right places, routines, and resources can make all the difference in turning a new duty station into home. So, if you’re new here, welcome! Here are five things I think every young military family should know about life in Minot.

1. Get a Magic City Discovery Center Membership
   If you have kids, this will be one of the best investments you make. The Magic City Discovery Center is an absolute gem—a huge building dedicated to hands-on learning, and playing. Whether your kids are into science, art, pretend play, or just need space to explore, this place has it all. A membership easily pays for itself, and it gives you a go-to place for meeting up with friends and getting out in the community year-round.
2. Everything You Need is Close By
   Yes, Minot is geographically isolated. The next major city is more than an hour away, and you won’t find sprawling suburbs with endless chains of shopping plazas. But here’s the trade-off: everything in town is close together. Schools, parks, grocery stores, activities—you’re never too far from where you need to be. Compared to places where daily commutes eat up hours of life, this convenience of Minot life is something to appreciate.
3. Get Your Library Cards (Yes, Plural!)
   Minot’s libraries are more than just shelves of books—they are goldmines of resources, activities, and community. The Minot Public Library is packed with kid-friendly events, clubs, and unexpected things to borrow, like tablets, rock tumblers, STEM kits, and even gaming systems. The Ward County Library is a quieter alternative with a great craft area for kids and books often in stock when they’re checked out at the public library. Both libraries also offer free state park passes—an awesome perk for exploring North Dakota. And don’t forget, military families can also get a base library card, adding even more options to your arsenal.
4. Commissary Click to Go is a Game-Changer
   The Commissary’s Click to Go service has been around for years, but surprisingly, many military families in Minot still don’t realize it’s an option. You can place an order online just a few hours in advance and still snag same-day pickup. No subscription fees, no fighting checkout lines, just pull up, and they’ll load everything into your car. Unlike bases in bigger cities where time slots fill up fast, Minot’s Click to Go is rarely maxed out, making it one of the easiest ways to save time (and sanity) in your daily routine.
5. There’s Always Something to Do (Really!)
   One of the biggest myths about Minot is that there’s “nothing to do.” It’s just not true. Between Minot Parks & Rec, community events, and military family programming, there are countless free and low-cost activities happening all the time. To stay in the loop, follow me at HeyMinot on Instagram and Facebook and keep an eye on eventsminot.com for the latest happenings. Whether it’s a festival, movie night, or a seasonal event, there’s always something going on.
   

If you’re new, I hope these tips make your transition a little easier. If you’ve been here a while, think about the advice you’d share with someone PCSing to Minot. With the summer PCS cycle right around the corner, let’s challenge ourselves to be ready to welcome newcomers with warmth and genuinely helpful guidance.

For more on loving life in North Dakota, join me at amyallender.com or follow @HeyMinot on Instagram and Facebook