Minot

Located just an hour south of the Canadian border, this city of 40,900 thrives on its Scandinavian heritage. A beautiful Scandinavian Heritage Visitors Center stands in a grassy park dotted with sculptures, a waterfall and a 25-foot-tall red-painted Swedish Dala horse. Throughout the summer, visitors come here to golf on the three public courses and stroll the busy downtown known for its restaurants, art galleries and shops. During spring and fall migrations, birders come to this area that sits in the middle of five national wildlife refuges. By far, the city's busiest event takes place each fall, when the Norsk Hostfest brings thousands of travelers in for five days of big-name concerts, Scandinavian food and art. More than 200 artisans and chefs attend the event each year. The crowds mean chances of finding a hotel room are slim. (The Hostfest website invites locals to open their homes to the public during the event, which marked its 33rd year in 2010. Travelers also can hop on day-trip buses from Bismarck during the festival as well.)