The true optimist looks at the glass as being half full of water, the true pessimist looks at the glass as being half empty of water. Well folks, that is how I kind of look at North Dakota when it comes to planning out my summer. 
 I own a sailboat that we sail on Lake Sakakawea. When I tell people that I own a sailboat they are always quick to point out that “that makes sense, there is always wind in North Dakota!” Of course this is not the case. I am telling you that there are many days when even Lake Sakakawea, the largest body in North Dakota, has no wind. Looking across the water, it’s like glass. “Dang, I can’t sail today” says the pessimist. However, you can motor out to the middle of the lake and enjoy swimming off of the sailboat, or in our case we own an inexpensive kayak that is fun for kids and adults alike to paddle around and enjoy the scenery. 

 We have also learned that there is seldom a day when it is calm all day long. For those days we are in “hang-out” mode. With keen eyes we scan the lake surface for a hint of a breeze. “What’s that?” someone will ask. Could it be ripple on the water in the distance? Once again the pessimistic side may take over, unless you have prepared yourself in advance for a day when there doesn’t seem to be a chance for wind. We’ll talk about the optimistic opportunity in just a minute, because on the flip side of “not enough wind to sail” there is “too much wind to sail” which is more commonplace in North Dakota. 

 But the optimistic answer to both of the above scenarios can certainly be the same. Go back to having something like a kayak or an inflatable raft on your boat, and you can still pull into a back bay, tie off on shore, and have a fun in the water day. That certainly works on those days with sunshine and warm temperatures, but what about those days when we get wind, and cloudy skies and cooler temperatures all at once? Yep, it happens and yep, you need a plan. The same plan can certainly be implemented for non-sailing North Dakota residents, too. Maybe the kids are just having one of those, can’t seem to get along days, or the walls are closing in, or you have decided you really need to do something. 

 My plan is actually a list. From Ft. Stevenson marina it is less than 30 minutes to Lake Audubon refuge and one of the nicest nature trails in North Dakota. It’s also less than 45 minutes to the Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery. Heading up lake toward Williston there is the 4 Bears area. The casino has a water park. They rent kayaks at the MHA tourism center. You can to the 4 Bears Bridge overlook and see the remains of Sanish if the level of the lake is low enough. 

 I don’t golf, but several folks have their list of golf courses in the area, including Garrison, and New Town, and Washburn’s Painted Woods. I have also heard great reports on Watford City’s Fox Hills golf club. 
 There really is not any reason for having a glass half empty pessimistic outlook on a summer’s day in North Dakota. I just scratched the surface of places to go and things to do. Need some more ideas? Maybe a trip to the Minot AFB Outdoor Rec, or a quick trip into the Visit Minot Tourist Center on South Broadway.

Whether your passion is hiking, biking, camping, swimming, kayaking or just plain hanging…around on a beach, take some time and fill the glass to overfull with exciting hour long, or day long events.

Best Kept Secrets- Small Towns, Big Events:
There are so many small communities in North Dakota that host world class events. We have 2-great threshing shows within an hour of Minot. The Makoti Threshing Show has 3 big days of entertainment, including 2 days of parades and old time fun. The 2025 edition kicks off on July 11th. Then there is Drake Threshing Show is on September 6th & 7th in the community of Drake.

Garrison and Ft. Stevenson will host their annual Memorial Day Kite Festival and Ft. Stevenson will have their annual Military Days.

Heading north, let’s take a trip to Bottineau to their annual car show on August 2nd. Or just down the road in Devils Lake is one of the greatest car shows around, Devils Run, which is on May 30th through June 1st.

Like Those Classic Cars?
The Dakota Cruisers gather at the south U-Haul on Wednesday nights with vintage classic cars. Depends on the weather but take some time and just walk through and talk to the owners. Then around 7 PM they’ll drag Broadway, respectfully.

May 17th- Will Be A Special Day
Look for the annual Sytende Mai parade and opening of the Scandinavian Heritage Park. It’s also the opening day for the Dakota Territory Air Museum. Get details on other events on the visitminot.org. website.

Today’s Chuckle
You don’t need a parachute to go skydiving. You need one to go skydiving twice.