Whether discovering the historic secrets of the Old West or the ecological mysteries of ancient glacier-formed prairies, North Dakota has much to offer the hearts and minds of its explorers. The Peace Garden state also features a range of health and wellness options, from Medora to Minot.
Fargo
“North of Normal,” the Fargo slogan goes, and North Dakota’s largest city definitely raises the bar for an approach to wellness that’s a little bit north of center.
“The city of Fargo is really embracing its elements,” said Emily Klamm, account manager at the Fargo-Moorhead CVB, explaining the destination’s wellness philosophy.
“Our seasons are so odd and people used to complain about not having enough year-round outside activities, but that’s changing. More people are getting into snow sports—we’re even doing yoga in the snow,” Klamm said.
Not that this makes Fargo’s indoor offerings any less quirky. Celebrated Drekker Brewing Company offers a monthly Viking Yoga with Crossfit Icehouse event where participants of every aptitude can achieve one of the discipline’s lesser known rewards: a pint of beer. The group-friendly venue’s taproom and brewery can also be booked for events.
Downtown, Ecce (pronounced eh-chay) Art Gallery provides meeting space adjacent to its affiliated yoga studio. Attendees can start the day with a session of rooftop yoga and continue on to their meeting in the gallery’s breathtaking event space, highlighted by exposed brick walls and flooring from reclaimed North Dakota State University bleachers.
For rest and rejuvenation, many groups are taking advantage of wellness providers with on-site services like Glacial Peak Cryotherapy. Though groups will need to go to the company’s West Fargo location to experience its signature three minute -240 degree cryochamber treatment, technicians are able to bring the equipment necessary for less immersive therapy right to a group’s meeting.
“The stockings almost look like goalie pads,” Klamm said, describing Glacial Peak’s leg compression therapy. “They fill up with cool air so tight that it almost feels like you’re getting your blood pressure taken, but on your legs. I have knee problems, and it was great. I felt wonderful after.”
Foodies can investigate Mosaic Catering & Events, affiliated with both Mezzaluna restaurant in Fargo and Rustica Eatery & Tavern in Moorhead. The menu includes vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, and meals can be customized to the needs of each group.
North Dakota’s first vegan restaurant and catering service, Green House Cafe, opened in Fargo in summer 2016 and has been a popular draw for vegans and omnivores alike.
Going forward, Fargo is zeroing in on the medical meetings market.
“We have a new hospital coming up here, opening this summer,” Klamm said in reference to the new Sanford Health Medical Center. “We’re excited to draw more medical conferences to the area.”
Bismarck-Mandan
South-centrally located and including the state capital, the BisMan region provides a breath of fresh air for groups craving health and wellness opportunities.
“The welcoming feeling our visitors receive is second to none,” said Sheri J. Grossman, CEO of the Bismarck-Mandan CVB.
“North Dakota is known for friendly people, and Bismarck-Mandan is at the top of the list for welcoming guests,” Grossman said. “We love showing off our community.”
Groups seeking an edgy and distinctive teambuilding experience will find it at Trapped in Bismarck, an experiential attraction incorporating intense themed puzzle and escape rooms.
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Whether it’s by way of a bank heist or saving the world from zombies, participants are able to develop crisis-resolution skills and bond in an ultimately safe environment. Rooms typically accommodate six to eight adventurers at a time.
Early fall visitors interested in highlighting fall color and flavor in their meeting space can check out Papa’s Pumpkin Patch in Bismarck. The meetings-friendly venue offers a veritable cornucopia of autumn goodness, including hiking trails, hayrides, ziplines and a pumpkin cannon.
Hiking and biking enthusiasts can partake of the destination’s more than 100 miles of recreational and off-road nature trails.
Not able to bring your gear? Not a problem. Epic Sports in Bismarck is a full-service sports outfitter that rents cycles. Paddle On, in nearby Harmon Lake, rents stand-up paddleboards, canoes and kayaks. Paddle On additionally provides shuttle services and offers assistance to attendees with planning a biking route.
Rolling Plains Adventures in Sterling, adjacent to BisMan, is home to the Black Leg Ranch, a working cattle ranch complete with three guest lodges and a saloon.
Attendees can retreat in luxury accommodations complete with AV-ready meeting space while learning about the deep history and ecology of the American West.
Lucky Duck’s Deli and Catering in Bismarck offers a fully customizable menu for catered events. Nearby BisMan Community Co-op has an on-site deli and cafe ideal for downtime meals.
Medora
“The town of Medora is bursting with Western culture and history,” said Natalie Beard, director of the Medora CVB. “Health and wellness in Medora incorporates the scenic beauty of the Badlands, making it an unforgettable experience for our visitors.”
For those looking for outdoor adventure, the Maah Daah Hey Trail can be used for hiking, biking and horseback riding. From May to September, Medora’s Dakota Cyclery rents bicycles and provides groups with easy shuttle access to the trail.
A few miles north of town, Eagle Ridge Lodge specializes in year-round retreats and restorative getaways.
The venue accommodates groups of up to 25 guests in a rustic, tranquil setting with panoramic views of the Badlands. Additionally, the Lodge serves home-cooked meals for parties of 10 to 40.
Styled after a historic Old West watering hole, the Little Missouri Saloon & Dining has atmosphere—and craft beer—to spare. The steakhouse offers an upstairs event space available for larger groups.
For catered events, groups can check out Theodore’s at the luxury boutique Rough Riders Hotel.
Farm-to-fork Farmhouse Cafe, a smaller restaurant centrally located in downtown Medora, provides an excellent downtime option for meeting attendees seeking healthier cuisine.
Minot
“Groups have a lot to experience when they come to the Magic City,” said Rianne Kuhn, director of marketing and communications for Visit Minot. “We’ve got a rich history, a historic downtown district and local eateries that help people maintain healthy lifestyles while traveling.”
New this spring, multimillion-dollar LOR Spa provides a full range of R&R options in an environment super-charged to soothe. The venue offers yoga, meditation and private event space in the form of a “Sparty” room with space for small groups to chill in and around a hot tub.
Minot Nutrition Addiction and Superior Nutrition offer meal replacement shakes.
“They’re great on the go, and perfect for travelers trying to keep on track with their diets,” Kuhn said.
In nearby Velva, Black Butte Adventures is a hiking and biking agri-tourism firm that additionally offers primitive campsites. Black Butte offers group-friendly educational tours about the native prairie.
Like Fargo, Minot is also working to raise its profile with healthcare-related meetings and conferences. Trinity Hospital is building a new hospital and medical campus. Sanford Health and St. Alexis also have new facilities in the region.
