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Minot, North Dakota

Known as the "Magic City" for its seemingly overnight growth when the Great Northern Railway arrived, Minot is the hub of northwestern North Dakota and home to Minot Air Force Base, a key installation in America's nuclear deterrent. The city hosts the Norsk Høstfest, North America's largest Scandinavian festival.

Founded 1886 | Population 49,000 | Peak 49,000 (2024) | County Ward County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Minot, North Dakota

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1886Magic City: Minot sprang up virtually overnight when the Great Northern Railway arrived, earning its "Magic City" nickname.

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1956Air Force Base: Minot AFB was established, becoming home to nuclear-armed B-52 bombers and Minuteman missiles.

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1978Norsk Høstfest: North America's largest Scandinavian festival was established, celebrating the region's Nordic heritage.

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2011Souris River Flood: Historic flooding of the Souris River inundated over 4,000 homes, the worst flood in the city's history.

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2014Oil Boom Impact: The Bakken oil boom brought rapid population growth and economic change to the Minot region.

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Latest News in Minot

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Complete Historical Timeline

1886 Transport

Magic City

1956 Government

Air Force Base

1978 Culture

Norsk Høstfest

2011 Disaster

Souris River Flood

2014 Industry

Oil Boom Impact

Did You Know?

'Magic City' — grew so fast it seemed like magic.

Minot AFB has B-52 bombers and Minuteman III nuclear missiles.

Norsk Høstfest is the largest Scandinavian festival in North America.

Minot is located in Ward County, North Dakota.

Minot was founded in 1886.

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