Minot got its start in 1886 when the Great Northern Railway ended construction for the winter, placing the community at the end of the line. Seemingly overnight, a tent town sprang up as if by magic, resulting in the community becoming known as the Magic City. Minot was officially incorporated a year later, and the population continued to grow. Thanks to the illicit activities that sprang up in Minot's downtown during the 1920s, the city was also dubbed “Little Chicago,” further adding to its mystique.
Today, Minot is mainly known for its Air Force base, but it also features a number of cultural attractions worth visiting. No matter your reason for traveling to Minot, it's important that you find the right hotel that allows you to experience everything this charming city has to offer.
Best Time to Visit Minot, ND
Minot experiences four distinct seasons, so the best time to visit depends on what you're hoping to experience during your stay. Summers are the best time if you plan on doing any outdoor recreation. Temperatures can get hot, with highs ranging from the mid-70s in June to the low 80s in August. Although Minot doesn't experience a large influx of tourists like many other major cities, hotel rates do tend to peak during the summer, so you can expect to pay slightly higher prices than you would at any other time of the year, especially during the North Dakota State Fair.
Fall is a great time to visit Minot if you're on a budget, but be sure to pack a few layers as the highs average around 55 degrees in October. If you don't mind the chill, fall provides the perfect opportunity for visiting the local zoo or Riverwalk. And if the weather is too chilly for your liking, you can always head indoors to catch a Minot Symphony concert.
Winters in North Dakota can be extremely cold, with highs in Minot averaging just 21 degrees in January. The city also receives an average of 11 inches of snowfall that month, so come prepared with heavy winter gear just in case you find yourself snowed in.
Spring in Minot is unpredictable, with temperature swings occurring daily. While you'll enjoy budget-friendly hotel rates during the spring season, be sure to pack light layers that you can build up or take off according to the day's temperature.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Minot, ND:
Minot by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Minot, ND. You can use these charts to calculate the best months to book in Minot during the year.
Luxury Hotel Options in Minot, ND
While Minot doesn't offer any luxury accommodations, it does feature a number of higher-end properties that are perfect for travelers looking for extra amenities.
Hampton Inn & Suites Minot Airport is an excellent option just two minutes from Minot State University. You'll enjoy a free hot breakfast, weekday breakfast bags to go, an indoor pool with hot tub, a gym, free parking, and a free 24-hour airport shuttle service. Guest rooms feature mini-fridges, coffee makers, flat-screen TVs, work desks, laptop desks, microwaves, free Wi-Fi, and custom-designed beds. Suites with sofa beds are also available.
Noble Inn is a contemporary boutique hotel situated off Highways 2 and 52, placing it within a five-minute drive of the city center. Its sophisticated guest rooms offer flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, walk-in closets, sleeper sofas, leather chairs, and full kitchens with microwaves, dishwashers, cooktops, full-size refrigerators, and Keurig coffee makers. The hotel also offers a full hot breakfast, a weekday social hour, an on-site pub, a business center, a convenience store, free guest laundry, a fitness center, and a patio pavilion with fireplaces and grills.
Affordable Hotel Options in Minot, ND
3 Star Average Prices: $94.27
Finding an affordable hotel in Minot is easier than you might think.
Dakota Inn is an old-fashioned property located on the Highway 2 and 52 bypass just minutes from the Dakota Square Mall and Mesa Arena. Guest rooms feature queen or double beds with microwaves, hair dryers, irons, mini-fridges, and cable television. The property also offers an indoor pool, a hot tub, a kiddie pool, a lounge, a guest laundry facility, a free deluxe breakfast, coffee, free Wi-Fi internet access, a business center, and a 24-hour game room.
Set off Highway 83, Astoria Hotel & Suites Minot is a contemporary property a little less than five miles from Minot International Airport. The bright guest rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, bottled water, work desks with ergonomic chairs, mini-fridges, and microwaves, while suites add kitchenettes and extra living space. Additional amenities include free parking, an on-site restaurant, a bar, a fitness center, a heated indoor pool, a convenience store, a business center, and meeting rooms.
Situated two miles from Roosevelt Park Zoo, Sierra Inn Minot is a modest property offering a free breakfast, an indoor pool, guest laundry facilities, and a fitness room. Guest rooms boast modern decor in addition to free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with premium cable channels, mini-fridges, microwaves, coffee makers, work desks, and ergonomic chairs. Suites add sleeper sofas, making them convenient options for families.
