Four distinct seasons offer more opportunities to explore a wide range of healthy and fun recreational activities. In 1997 North Dakota was named the safest state in the country by an independent private research and publishing company, confirming the strong morals and ethics held by North Dakotans. Minot residents take pride in the fact that North Dakota also leads the nation in having the cleanest environment. In 1999 North Dakota was ranked sixth in the country by the Children s Rights Council as the best state in the nation to raise children. Minot is a regional hub with a vibrant economy that continues to grow at a healthy pace, enhanced in recent years by economic incentives offered by the city.
Commerce plays a strong role, and an effective health care system serves the needs of the region.
Minot s arts community boasts a symphony, an opera, and an art museum. Minot State University continues a strong tradition of excellent secondary education. The public and private school systems annually graduate students that statistically rank near the top in national SAT scores.