Minot is a city of approximately 35,000 located in north central North Dakota. The community is situated in the Souris River Valley and was founded as a center for railroad transportation. Since its beginnings, the economic base has broadened to include agriculture, commerce, and small industry. Additionally, the community is the major medical referral center for central and northwestern North Dakota. Minot is served by Amtrak; airlines with daily flights to Minneapolis; and interstate bus transportation. A United States Air Force Base is located 10 miles north of the city with a population of approximately 15,000.

The public school system includes 13 elementary schools (with public kindergarten), two middle schools (6th through 8th grade), and a two campus high school. Two parochial school systems, Catholic and Lutheran, operate in all 12 grades. Minot State University was originally founded in 1913. Since that time it has made a transition from a teacher's college to a liberal arts college with a current student enrollment of approximately 4,000. A broad range of undergraduate degree programs are offered, as well as several graduate degrees in the field of special education and business. In 1982, a multi-sports complex was completed on a campus which includes facilities for indoor track, basketball, tennis, handball, racquetball, wrestling, gymnastics, and a seating capacity for approximately 10,000. The track, handball, and racquetball facilities are open for public use.

Annual city-wide events and celebrations include:

• The North Dakota State Fair, which each year draws nationally known entertainers, exhibits, and fair-goers from all over the region.


• The Norsk HØstfest, a "Top 100 Event" in the U.S.A., is acelebration of Scandinavian culture and heritage.
  
• The Festival of the Parks, a 4th of July celebration in Roosevelt and Oak Parks, including tournaments, art exhibits, and the Mouse River Raft Race.
• The Renaissance Christmas Feast, and annual production of choral music by the community

Chamber Chorale which welcomes in the holiday season.

• The Artfest, wherein artists from a three state area are invited to display their crafts.

• The Minot Symphony Orchestra


• The Minot Art Association


• The Minot Chamber Chorale, a community vocal ensemble.


• The Mouse River Players, a community theatre group.


• The Western Plains Opera Association and Western Plains Opera Children's Chorus.


• The Community Concert Series, a series of performances by national and international musical and dance soloists and ensembles.
  

The City Recreation Commission supports softball, basketball, tennis, and volleyball leagues throughout the year. Two major parks, one including Roosevelt Park Zoo which features the state's largest collection of exotic animals, and several small parks are scattered throughout the city and provide tennis courts, swimming pools, and ice skating rinks. Also available are indoor ice rinks, indoor tennis courts, and a curling rink. There are two public golf courses (one an 18 hole, one a 9 hole) as well as an 18 hole country club. Winter sports include cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, and curling. The YMCA houses a men's and women's health club with a swimming pool, gymnasium, running track, steam rooms, Nautilus, and various exercise classes.

North Dakota, especially northwestern North Dakota, is well-known for its fine hunting opportunities. This includes seasons for deer and antelope, both bow and rifle, and migratory waterfowl, small game, and upland game. Excellent fishing abounds year-round on the area's lakes and rivers, especially at nearby Lake Sakakawea.