Are you PCSing to Minot AFB?

Nestled in a tree framed valley, straddling the meandering Souris (Mouse) River, sits Minot, the Magic City. Minot, located in northwestern North Dakota is 55 miles from the Canadian border, 150 miles from the Montana state line, 215 miles from the Minnesota state line, 200 miles from the South Dakota state line, has a population of approximately 36,..... (read more)

Nestled in a tree framed valley, straddling the meandering Souris (Mouse) River, sits Minot, the Magic City. Minot, located in northwestern North Dakota is 55 miles from the Canadian border, 150 miles from the Montana state line, 215 miles from the Minnesota state line, 200 miles from the South Dakota state line, has a population of approximately 36,000 people, and is the county seat of Ward County. Minot was chartered in 1877 on the heels of Jim Hill’s push westward with the Great Northern Railway. Legend has it that the little town on the second crossing of the Souris River grew so fast, it appeared like magic - hence the nickname: “The Magic City”. The city is named for Henry Davis Minot, son of a wealthy Massachusetts financier, and backer of the railroad. Getting in and out of Minot is no problem with three major highways; air service by Northwest Airlines; rail service by Amtrak, and daily regional bus service. For a taste of night-life, you can take in a concert by the Minot Symphony Orchestra, an opera, or a drama performed by community and school theater groups. All Minot High Schools, and Minot State University participate in a variety of sporting events. Thousands visit the city’s outstanding park system each year which includes 16 parks including the 100 acre Roosevelt Park and Zoo in east Minot, and Oak Park spanning 90 acres in west Minot. Roosevelt Park is a total entertainment-recreation area featuring beautifully manicured grounds, flower gardens, picnic area and shelters, tennis courts, a swimming pool and water slide, carousel, a miniature train called the Magic City Express that loops the park’s perimeter, and a zoo offering exotic and native birds, mammals, and reptiles. Those who want something a little quieter can try Oak Park, known for its’ rustic beauty. Popular among walkers and joggers as an excellent place to exercise, this park also has playground equipment and fitness stations. In the summer, the city comes alive with the sounds and sights of the state’s main summer showcase, the North Dakota State Fair. The Norsk Høstfest is held in Minot every October and is now a national event celebrating Scandinavian heritage. Approximately 50 churches are located in Minot as well as 13 elementary schools, 4 Junior High / Middle schools, and 3 High schools. The Minot State University provides a variety of liberal arts courses on campus and on base. Minot is the center for medical care for northwestern North Dakota and is the location for a number of medical clinics and a large medical center. Minot’s climate: Annual average snowfall: 26 inches; prevailing winds are from the northwest. Average annual temperature: 40.1 degrees Fahrenheit. Average high and low winter temperatures are +15 degrees and –2 degrees Fahrenheit. Average high and low summer temperatures are 82 degrees and 58 degrees Fahrenheit. Average annual precipitation: 7.24 inches. Average precipitation for January: .67 inches. Average precipitation for July: 2.40 inches. Minot has an average growing season of 120 days and the average humidity is 68 percent. The city of opportunity and its proponents proudly ask: “WHY NOT MINOT?”