With Midsummer behind us and the Fourth of July upon us, I’ve reached a familiar point in summer. It’s that limbo when I know there are still many summer days left to take advantage of, accompanied by a growing awareness that I need to spend them wisely before fall catches me off guard.

It’s not that summer isn’t long enough around here—it’s that there are so many divine options for how to spend it. Without fail, fall comes, and there are still a few things I didn’t experience, a few new places I didn’t explore. There can be disappointment in that, but there is also great hope and excitement, knowing that the well of things to do and new ideas of how to spend the season will never run dry.

Just today, I told my husband there are a few places I want to visit before the school schedule resumes. And in case your list of Hotdish Land places to check out is getting short, I’ve gathered five outdoor destinations I hope to visit yet this summer. You are always welcome to draw from my proverbial well.

1. Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge. From the center of Minot, this destination is only a 30-45 minute drive. Friends tell me there are fun, family-friendly trails, great bird watching, and lovely scenery. It’s an area that I’ve never fully explored, and I’m determined that this should be the summer to do it.
2. Denbigh Experimental Forest. Just east of Granville, about a 40-minute drive from Minot, the Denbigh Forest is a shocking contrast to the open prairie that is hallmark to North Dakota. It offers a 4-mile loop trail, gorgeous scenery, and interesting history. We’ll pair this day trip with a visit to one of my favorite Granville eateries—The Memorial Dinner or The White Buffalo Lounge.
3. Washburn and Garrison. Recently, a contractor originally from Washburn came to work on our house. We got chatting, and he offered this day-trip itinerary. Drive down to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center (in Washburn, just over an hour south of Minot). Explore the museum, then hike the short trails nearby—he said these were some of his favorite places to explore as a child. On the drive back north, stop at the Garrison Fish Hatchery, grab dinner at Ye Olde Malt Shoppe. If there’s time, enjoy a bit of time at Ft. Stevenson State Park.
4. Bottineau/Lake Metigoshe/International Peace Gardens. There are so many wonderful options when it comes to exploring the Turtle Mountain regions (it’ll take about 2 hours to get there from Minot). A full day trip can include a stop at Pride Dairy in Bottineau for lunch—and the best grilled cheese of your life—and ample time at the International Peace Gardens. The gardens are in full bloom in July and August, making it the perfect time to go. The children’s nature play areas are open, and the conservatory renovation is now complete. There are also options to rent kayaks or bring your bikes to ride.
   If you only want a short time at the Peace Gardens, or you’d like to forgo that altogether, Lake Metigoshe is a treasure trove of trail and water options. I just learned about Club de Skinautique, and now I’m eager to catch a show. (Maybe this one will turn out to be a weekend trip instead of a day trip for us!)
5. Burlington. Last but not least, I insist on taking my family to explore a place that is nearly in our backyard. We’ll take in a short hike at Old Settler’s Park, then hit the splash pad and playground at Stemen Park. Then we’ll wrap up with dinner at Hacienda (don’t be fooled, it’s not a Mexican restaurant).
   

These are just a few ideas. Like I said, my well is never dry. There are also plenty of things right here in town to fill up your summer days: getting a snow cone from The Shack, spending a day at Roosevelt Pool, exploring one of our lesser-known trails, enjoying music in the park, going to MSU Summer Theater, attending an outdoor movie, or a free event hosted by the parks department—just to name a few.

This is your real life. Explore where you are. Become an expert. Fill these days with fun.
For more ideas and encouragement, or to find out more, join me online at amyallender.com, Instagram @HeyMinot, or Facebook @amyallenderblog.