Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Fargo, ND

  • Published 2022/05/22

A place of history, Fargo, North Dakota, is a city worthy of a spot on your bucket list.

There are six US cities named Fargo, but this particular one is the most well-known.

If you are interested in learning more about US history and want to know about different cultural parts of the country, make this city your next travel destination.

Not only are there a lot of places filled with history, but you can also find some beautiful sights to soothe your tired eyes.

Here are the best things to do in Fargo, North Dakota:

Visit the Historic Plains Art Museum

Exterior of Plains Art Museum

AJ LEON, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Plains Art Museum is one of the top attractions in Fargo, which is home to some of the best museums in the US.

The International Harvester Warehouse, which holds a lot of historical significance, was bought by the authorities and turned into a museum.

This museum is now considered to be the very best in Fargo.

Ask a local where you should go on the first day of your trip, and they are bound to recommend the Plains Art Museum.

The art of the Native Americans is portrayed here beautifully.

Along with that of famous international artists, the talents of emerging locals have found a place at this museum.

Located inside the museum, Blue Goose Cafe is an excellent place to have a meal before or after your visit.

Check Out Bonanzaville, USA

Exterior of Bonanzaville, USA

Fargo-Moorhead CVB, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Bonanzaville, USA is another classical history museum that you have to check out in Fargo.

Located in West Fargo, the museum is worth the drive.

Cass County Historical Society controls this museum and maintains it well enough to keep it as one of the gems of Fargo.

The museum has more than 40 buildings, each with its own story.

You can even find an old jailhouse inside one of the buildings, while another used to be a church.

There’s also a telephone museum within the vicinity.

Live Out Your Pilot Dreams at the Fargo Air Museum

Aircrafts displayed in Fargo Air Museum

Fargo-Moorhead CVB, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Situated close to the Hector International Airport, Fargo Air Museum is like a slice of paradise for those who have always dreamt of flying up in the sky.

If you are someone who aspires to be a pilot or are interested in airplanes, this museum is just for you.

Exterior of Fargo Air Museum

Steve Cukrov / Shutterstock.com

Fargo Air Museum’s fascinating displays include a replica of the Wright Brothers’ flyer.

There are also many newer aircraft models that will surely pique your interest.

You can join a group tour and get to know more about each of the models.

Minuteman missile on the grounds of Fargo Air Museum

Steve Cukrov / Shutterstock.com

Go Cycling at Lindenwood Park

The largest park in the city, Lindenwood Park has some of the best trails where you can go biking.

It also offers panoramic views of the Red River.

Feeling the wind against your face and getting glimpses of the beautiful river makes the cycling journey even better.

Lindenwood Park’s Universal Playground is one of its most popular facilities—be sure to take your kids here, as it’s one of the best playgrounds in the city.

There are also baseball courts where you can see young people playing.

Learn about Baseball at the Roger Maris Museum

You must have heard of the great man Roger Maris.

The New York Yankees star was born and raised in Fargo.

He’s well-loved and considered a legend among locals.

The museum is based entirely on his life.

All the important details of his career are exhibited here.

Visit the Theater That Holds the Famous Fargo Film Festival

Fargo Theatre with heaps of snow in the entrance

FiledIMAGE / Shutterstock.com

If you are well-versed in film festivals or the film industry, you’ve surely heard of the Fargo Film Festival.

This festival has been held in the same location for the last 20 years.

Sign board of Fargo Theatre

Roadwardbound / Shutterstock.com

The Fargo Theatre holds an important place in Fargo’s cultural society.

The theater is well-known for bringing in some of the best international films so locals can enjoy them.

The building has also earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

Fargo Theatre during snow fall

FiledIMAGE / Shutterstock.com

Enjoy the Red River Zoo

Entrance of Red River Zoo

BrielleMary, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The only thing more beautiful than this zoo is its location.

Rolling hills cover the zoo’s land, and you’ll be mesmerized by the environment in which the animals are kept.

It is constructed in such a way that they feel at home.

An otter playing in the water at Red River Zoo

Ace Diamond / Shutterstock.com

The wilderness extends all around the zoo, which holds a record for decorating with a massive number of trees.

Kids love this place.

The animals are cute, and they even interact with the kids.

Two pigs sleeping in Red River Zoo

Ace Diamond / Shutterstock.com

You can find almost 300 different species here.

Some are local, while others were flown in from foreign countries.

You can even find endangered species in this zoo, where they are all protected.

Visit the Campus of North Dakota State University

Front view of North Dakota State University

Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com

North Dakota State University attracts many tourists.

A lot of students make their way to this agricultural college in Fargo.

What started as a school for local students has now made its mark globally.

There are many research facilities inside.

Building at North Dakota State University

Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com

The university offers more than 100 major programs and almost 80 programs for students pursuing their master’s degrees.

You can find almost 100 different department buildings inside the vast campus.

Bird's eye view of North Dakota State University

Jacob Boomsma / Shutterstock.com

Babbling Brook is a nice place to get to know the locals.

There are fountains around, and it is a pretty picturesque location.

Go on a Tour of Drekker Brewing Company

Beer lovers, you need to pay a visit to Drekker Brewing Company.

Despite having modern brewing equipment, they still love going through the little details and getting their hands dirty.

Maybe this is why this place is so well-loved even while so many newer breweries have opened up.

At Drekker Brewing Company, you can taste beer samples and learn more about their best beers.

The sophisticated ambiance will make you want to sit down, drink, and listen to their stories.

Decorated with the theme of “modern Viking,” the place is truly incredible.

They don’t serve food here as they are a “beer-only” place—so don’t forget to eat something before heading here.

Catch a Game at Fargodome

Sign board of Fargodome

Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com

The North Dakota State University campus has a surprise for all you sports freaks out there.

Fargodome is one of the best indoor stadiums in Fargo.

Exterior view of Fargodome

Bobak Ha’Eri, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Not only is it a stadium, but it is also the home turf of the university’s football team.

If you’re given the opportunity, do purchase tickets and catch a game here.

Audience cheering at Fargodome

Greenchaos, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Have Coffee at Luna Fargo

If you want to drown yourself in some freshly brewed coffee and a lip-smacking breakfast, Luna Fargo is your place.

The locals love this place and always recommend it to tourists.

Serving the best morning coffee in the locality, Luna will surely win your heart.

While it first opened as a coffee shop, it is now also a cheese shop, restaurant, and wine and beer bar.

Come by for lunch, dinner, or wine and cheese.

Chef Ryan Nitschke prepares the best seasonal dishes worth trying out.

Plan a Fancy Date at Mezzaluna

If you are looking for somewhere to enjoy a date night, Mezzaluna is just the place for you.

Located in the Roberts Street Building of downtown Fargo, Mezzaluna is a local favorite.

The place is fancy and gives off a historic vibe as the building is more than 100 years old.

Not only is the place extremely sophisticated, but they also serve some of the most delicious food.

Taste some of the best dishes prepared by an award-winning chef.

Check Out the Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center

Handprints and names written on a concrete at Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center

Raftman1979, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you have no clue about the area of Fargo, it would be helpful to head here on the first day of your trip.

A peep inside the Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center will allow you to know about the city’s essential details.

You can even get clear information about which places to choose first and the distance between them.

This will help you plan your itinerary.

Display of a Wood chipper at Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center

Fargo-Moorhead CVB from Fargo, ND, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Celebrity Walk of Fame is also located outside the building.

Have you seen the movie Fargo?

This place served as a backdrop for the film.

Photographers love this place because of all its picture-perfect corners.

Catch a Baseball Game at Newman Outdoor Field

Exterior of Newman Outdoor Field

Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com

You may find a Newman Outdoor Field baseball diamond on the North Dakota State University campus.

The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks and the North Dakota State Bison play their home games here.

Originally known as “The Nest,” when it opened in 1996, the stadium holds 4,513 people.

Located in the left-field, a 13-foot high and 26-foot wide LED video board is situated on the field.

The TV board has a digital scoreboard next to it.

The stadium is equipped for day and night games with a full-sized infield tarp cover for rainy weather.

The stadium’s amenities include an indoor batting cage and a two-tiered press box.

Run the Fargo Marathon

Formerly the Scheels All Sports Run for the Children Half Marathon, the Fargo Marathon debuted in May 2002 with 300 child runners and grew to 24,000 in 2014.

The event’s offerings include Half Marathon, Largest Kid’s Race, 5K Walk/Run (and relays), 10K, and Full Marathon.

The city of Fargo and many tourists are brought together on various occasions before and after the marathon.

Around 15,000 people gather at the Fargodome to cheer on the runners as they journey through North Fargo’s tree-lined streets.

There are 40 rock musicians and DJs throughout the 26.2 kilometers to keep things rolling.

There is a finish line in the Fargodome, and the winner qualifies for the Boston Marathon.

Watch a Stellar Performance at Fargo-Moorhead Opera

The Fargo-Moorhead Opera, established in 1968, puts on three entirely produced opera productions each season.

It also hosts various events throughout the year, such as the Snowball Gala, in December.

The professional opera company in Fargo, North Dakota, is the only one of its size in the United States.

Lemon & Cream Summer Fling, Summer Tasting at the HoDo, and many more are just some of the various events that the firm puts on in addition to its regular offerings.

The Gate City Bank Young Artist Program, run by the firm, is a training program for young opera singers at the company.

Watch a Sports Game and Chill at Herd and Horns

If you’re searching for something fun to do in Fargo this weekend, this sports bar is an excellent place to start.

Sports bars don’t come much better than Herd & Horns Sports Bar.

This venue has been lavishly decked to honor the state’s beloved sports.

Numerous televisions dotted around the pub provide a sports fanatic’s dream environment.

Regardless of where you choose to sit, you will be able to see a wide variety of sports on the various available screens.

This bar has a vintage look with a lot of metal and reclaimed wood in its design.

Even though it’s an aesthetic touch, there are several enormous graphics and photos of North Dakota’s many sports teams.

Craft cocktails and 21 beers on tap are also offered in the pub, which also has live sports.

In addition, the cuisine is top-notch, and it’s not your typical sports bar fare.

It’s a pub and restaurant that serves some of the city’s best sandwiches and burgers.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Learn about the Local Culture at the Hjemkomst Center

Entrance of Hjemkomst Center

Steve Cukrov / Shutterstock.com

Though incredibly close to downtown Fargo, Hjemkomst Center is not actually in the city.

You’ll be crossing the border and making your way to Minnesota—but you can do this simply on foot!

Replica of a church at Hjemkomst Center

Steve Cukrov / Shutterstock.com

Tourists usually visit the center to see the detailed copy of the original Hopperstad Stave Church and the still-functional Hjemkomst Viking Ship.

If you are interested in the history of Norway, you’ll want to pay a visit.

Display of a viking ship in Hjemkomst Center

Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A German Kulturfest is held here every year.

If you are in town during this event, don’t miss your chance to join in the festivities!

Final Thoughts

Fargo has a pioneering spirit alive and well and an incredible range of cultural influences, attractions, and activities that go well beyond what you’d expect from a town of its size.

No matter your interests, you will find something fun and enriching in Fargo.

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