Location Minot, North Dakota, 13 rolling prairie miles south of Minot Air Force Base’s main gate on U.S. 83, is about 65 miles west of Rugby, geographic heart of the North American continent, 41 miles east of Montana’s Big Sky Country and 50 miles south of Canada. For motorists,

  Welcome to North Dakota, part of the nation’s Great Plains! Ward County, home to Minot Air Force Base, lies in the northwestern quadrant of the state on flat to gently rolling shortgrass prairie starred with wildflowers in spring, summer and fall. Ward County’s population as of July 2014 numbered

  Three U.S. Highways and four state highways link Ward County with the rest of the state and to Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana and Canada. For those flying, two major airports are within 110 miles of Minot and two more are within 270 miles. Minot has public transportation both within

  Though moderated by the 2015 oil price collapse, the North Dakota oil boom in recent years has pulled thousands of new workers into what had been open farm and ranch country, putting heavy pressure on Ward County’s housing, transportation, services, education, prices and quality of life. In 2014, it

  Since about 2000, Ward County and its county seat, Minot, have been the economic envy of the nation, thanks to technology that for the first time allowed oil companies to tap the phenomenal energy reserves layered like strudel across the Bakken shale formations. These oil and gas deposits lie

  There are many health care services in Ward County for military, civilians and veterans, though implementation of the Affordable Care Act may change established insurance options. Visit www.healthcare.gov for information on open enrollment for health care coverage under the national Affordable Care Act. Ward County has three carriers that

  Picking up from one place and moving to another is always a hassle, especially when kids and pets are involved. Knowing whom to call or where to find information can help make the transition easier. Local government websites are valuable resources for newcomers to Ward County because they provide

  For those moving to a new location, it’s important to know what educational options are available. This chapter outlines the public schools system in Ward County, along with information about local libraries and higher education. There are private schools, charter schools and home schooling available to children in the

  North Dakota’s Ward County boasts plenty of entertaining activities — music, sports, theater, museums, parks and shopping. Take a dip in the pool at Roosevelt Park, for instance, or tee off at one of the 18-hole golf courses in the county. Don’t miss the North Dakota State Fair, the