Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/50977
Our Magical History Minot was founded in 1886 where the Great Northern Railway's construction crew set up winter camp. As if by magic, a tent town formed practically overnight and grew to a population of 5,000 in the next five months—giving us our best known nickname, "The Magic City." During the Prohibition era, some people called Minot "Little Chicago" (We've always known how to have fun!), but today our reputation is different from those bootlegging days. In 2010, Forbes ranked Minot as #12 on its list of "The Best Small Cities to Raise a Family." Noteworthy Minot is the hometown of Hollywood A-list actor, Josh Duhamel. Josh and his wife, Fergie (singer for the Black Eyed Peas), have been instrumental in helping Minot rebuild after the flood of 2011. Soon after the water receded, the Black Eyed Peas came to Minot for a benefit concert that raised over $1.3 million for our community! With more than 13 million votes online and from parks around the nation, Minot's Oak Park won the title of "America's Favorite Park" and received a $100,000 grant through Coca-Cola's second annual Live Positively initiative! The state's record smallmouth bass (6 lb. 13 oz.) was caught in 2007 at Lake Darling near Minot. The Minot Air Force Base just north of the Minot has personnel from all over the world. Its motto is, "Only the Best Come North." Minot celebrates North America's largest Scandinavian festival, Norsk Høstfest, every fall. 3 In 1991, a 230-year-old house from Norway was dismantled, shipped to Minot and reassembled in Scandinavian Heritage Park where you can view it today.