Downtown Minot
Minot, North Dakota
By Nicole Thom-Arens
Published in 2023
On any given weekday evening in December, before the week of Christmas, one can drive down Main Street catching glimpses of children playing keyboards inside the Children’s Music Academy and see shoppers carrying various shopping bags filled with books, clothing, and/or kitchen supplies. All are illuminated by the town’s Christmas tree, standing tall at the end of the street and shining brightly with multi-colored twinkle lights. This is the idyllic scene of Downtown Minot; it delivers four seasons of fun.
For more than three years, my son, Liam, was one of the students studying piano and music theory at the Children’s Music Academy on Monday evenings. Before lessons, we would enjoy a treat from Cookies for You, wander through Main Street Books, or peruse Gourmet Chef. After lessons, we’d occasionally sit down for sushi at Little Blue Elephant. We lived in Minot from 2012-2019 and spent many weekends and evenings (and summer afternoons) at our favorite places in Downtown. Since 2019, developers and business owners have invested in bringing more opportunities Downtown, making it one of the most diverse and entertaining downtowns in the region.
Minot’s downtown has something for everyone with restaurants, boutiques, wine bars, sushi, pizza, ax throwing, minigolf, and dessert shops. Below is my list of can’t miss places in Downtown Minot.
For more than three years, my son, Liam, was one of the students studying piano and music theory at the Children’s Music Academy on Monday evenings. Before lessons, we would enjoy a treat from Cookies for You, wander through Main Street Books, or peruse Gourmet Chef. After lessons, we’d occasionally sit down for sushi at Little Blue Elephant. We lived in Minot from 2012-2019 and spent many weekends and evenings (and summer afternoons) at our favorite places in Downtown. Since 2019, developers and business owners have invested in bringing more opportunities Downtown, making it one of the most diverse and entertaining downtowns in the region.
Minot’s downtown has something for everyone with restaurants, boutiques, wine bars, sushi, pizza, ax throwing, minigolf, and dessert shops. Below is my list of can’t miss places in Downtown Minot.
Cookies for You: This bakery has been a Minot staple for more than 30 years. Bakers serve up a variety of cookies, bars, cupcakes, caramel rolls, sandwiches, soups, and drinks Monday through Saturday. The most popular cookie is the frosted sugar cookie, which happens to be my favorite. They have all the classic Midwestern cookies—chocolate chip, sugar, peanut butter, soft frosted gingers—along with modern flavors like salted caramel. Cookies for You also serves decorated sugar cookies and holiday cutouts topped with sweet frosting for the ultimate sugar rush. Don’t miss your opportunity to people watch by grabbing a seat by the window looking out onto Main Street.
Margie’s Art Glass Studio: We spent many winter days and several hot summer afternoons painting pottery at Margie’s. The ground floor of this shop is filled with various stained-glass creations. In the basement, guests can walk in and choose from a variety ceramic options to paint. There’s no time limit on how long one can paint—as long as you finish before closing. The studio also includes a coffee bar so painters can enjoy sipping specialty drinks while designing. Out of towners can have their glazed and fired pieces shipped to them in about seven to ten days. Margie’s also offers classes in painting and stained glass. One winter, a couple friends and I took a glass blowing ornaments class (I still have all my creations from that evening—none are award winners but it sure was fun).
Main Street Books: It would be impossible for me to guess the number of hours or dollars Liam and I spent in this shop during out time in Minot. I’m not prejudice against large bookstores (I love them all!) but one of the best things about a small, independent bookstore is the ability to find the perfect book I didn’t know I was looking for—as if the bookseller read my mind and found the title just for me. Main Street Books has a variety of genres for children, young adult, and adult readers and includes a small used books section. There’s a focus on local interests and a collection of unique gifts. The store hosts children’s storytimes, book discussions, and book signings and serves kombucha on tap.
Gourmet Chef: One of the things that makes Gourmet Chef special is its variety of cooking classes for adults and children. Several years ago, the shop expanded and added a demonstration and cooking kitchen perfect for offering classes and private cooking events. Gourmet Chef sells about any kitchen gadget or supply one could need. It’s one of my favorite places to stop and browse because of its unique selection of local goods and local-themed products. Something always catches my eye from a Norwegian waffle iron to the cutting board shaped like the state of North Dakota.
1st and Central: Just two blocks east of Main Street features one of Downtown Minot’s latest developments—1st and Central. Redeveloped in 2019 by Aksal Group, this block is home to Guilty Sweets & Charcuterie, Shop Weekender, and Prairie Sky Breads Minot. During the warmer months, patrons can enjoy outdoor seating in the parklet while winter visitors can enjoy the ice rink in the alleyway.
While Downtown Minot is a destination in itself, don’t miss other places unique to Minot:
Scandinavian Heritage Park: A quaint park in the middle of Minot, the Scandinavian Heritage Park features the Gol Stave Church Museum and a 30-foot Dala horse among other Scandinavian elements. Minot’s Daily Bread: Stop into Minot’s Daily Bread for coffee, crepes, and croissants. Roosevelt Park Zoo: This is arguably North Dakota’s best zoo. Penguins, lions, giraffes, and bears are among the more than 130 animals that call this park home. Mi Mexico: Mi Mexico is a family-run authentic Mexican restaurant serving a variety of Mexican favorites.
