Free & Cheap Things to Do in Minot

Museums & Galleries

Minot's gleaming children's museum, opened in 2023, packs three floors of hands-on STEAM exhibits, a climbing tower, water-play tables, an art studio, and a toddler zone. It's the largest discovery center between Minneapolis and Seattle and a go-to rainy-day destination for families across the region.

Address: 21 1st St NW, Minot, ND 58703

Tip: Closed Tuesdays; EBT/SNAP cardholders pay $5, and field-trip groups are just $6 a student.

History & Culture

A free open-air park celebrating all five Nordic countries, anchored by a full-scale replica of Norway's medieval Gol Stave Church. The grounds also hold a Danish windmill, a Finnish sauna, a Swedish Dala horse, and a Stabbur log house, with free guided church tours offered seasonally.

Address: 1020 S Broadway, Minot, ND 58701

Tip: The Gol Stave Church interior opens only for free volunteer-led tours - visit midday in summer to catch one.

Parks & Nature

A compact, walkable zoo along the Souris River with red pandas, river otters, big cats, primates, and a Tundra Trek exhibit. A longtime Minot family favorite, it drops admission to roughly half the summer rate in winter for cold-weather visitors.

Address: 1219 Burdick Expressway E, Minot, ND 58701

Tip: Winter admission is about half the summer rate; the riverside grounds can flood in spring, so check after wet weather.

Museums & Galleries

Hangars and grounds filled with vintage and warbird aircraft, from early biplanes to WWII fighters, many restored to flying condition. Beside Minot International Airport, it frequently hosts restoration projects you can watch in progress - a standout stop for aviation buffs.

Address: 100 34th Ave NE, Minot, ND 58703

Tip: Open mid-May to mid-October only; a 25% military discount applies with valid ID.

Arts & Culture

Housed in a restored 1910 brick building downtown, the Lillian and Coleman Taube Museum of Art shows rotating exhibitions of regional and national artists alongside a gift shop of local work. Free admission makes it an easy, low-commitment culture stop in the heart of Minot.

Address: 2 N Main St, Minot, ND 58703

Tip: Closed Sundays and Mondays; pair it with the downtown mural walk since both are walkable from Main Street.

Parks & Nature

Minot's largest and most beloved park, with shaded walking and biking trails, an all-abilities playground, a bandshell amphitheater, sand volleyball, and wooded paths. A free summer splash pad makes it a reliable warm-weather stop for families.

Address: 1100 4th Ave NW, Minot, ND 58703

Tip: The splash pad runs 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily in summer; leashed dogs are welcome on the trails year-round.

Free Walking Tours

More than 16 walkable murals brighten the alleys of historic downtown Minot, part of a post-flood revitalization that turned the city center into an open-air gallery. The collection includes a seven-story Union Silos mural depicting North Dakotans of every walk of life.

Address: Downtown Main St, Minot, ND 58701

Tip: Pick up the free mural map at the Visit Minot office, or screenshot it before you set out across the alleyways.

Parks & Nature

Minot's signature riverside park wraps the Souris River with paved walking paths, picnic shelters, a summer water park, and gardens, surrounding the zoo and All Seasons Arena. The flat riverwalk is an easy free stroll right in the heart of town.

Address: 1215 Burdick Expressway E, Minot, ND 58701

Tip: The free riverwalk and gardens are open year-round; the Roosevelt Park water park charges separately in summer.