It’s easy to find yourself just north of normal with these things to do in Fargo, North Dakota.
Fargo is the state’s largest city and is home to approximately 125,000 residents and counting. Aside from being a fan favorite in the Midwest for college football and hockey, the city also gained international recognition from the 1996 Coen Brothers film Fargo, though the movie was actually primarily filmed in Minnesota. But beyond modern media fame, Fargo is so much more than its iconic name, it’s a place brimming with a surprisingly hip downtown, eclectic food scene, and a vibrant arts community. A few days is all you need to fall in love with Fargo and its quirky small-town charm.
Straddling the Red River and the North Dakota/Minnesota state line, Fargo reaches the furthest eastern corner of the state and was the perfect jumping-off point for my travels through North Dakota. I explored the city’s downtown on foot, finding it easy to get around and perfectly safe traveling on my own. While my travels kept me mostly in downtown Fargo, I managed to venture beyond the city streets as well to uncover a few more hidden gems that made me love this town even more.
This list of things to do in Fargo is perfect for a two to three-day itinerary to kick off your road trip through North Dakota or wherever your travels take you.
Unique Things to Do in Fargo North Dakota
See the Woodchipper in Fargo
Before you do anything else in Fargo, kick off your stay with a visit to the Fargo-Moorhead visitor center. Located at the corner of I-94 and 45th St. the town’s main visitor center is the location of the famous Woodchipper. In the 1996 film, Fargo, the Woodchipper scene became an iconic symbol of pop culture and you can only see it in Fargo. The original Woodchipper used in the movie, signed by the Coen brothers themselves, sits inside the visitor center. Outside, you’ll find its replica you can take a photo with.
Fargo is a friend of the arts
When walking around town, I found Fargo to be almost covered in art. From the colorful murals on the outside of buildings to the art galleries and museums on the inside. For such a small town, the art community held a big space. A simple walk around downtown reveals colorful murals that you can map out with the mural map to locate the 18 different murals in town. Some of the most popular murals are the Greetings from Fargo and the Silver Linings Wings. Also, be sure to check out Art Alley, a designated street of legal street art where artists, any artist, are free to express themselves.
Free to the public, the Plains Art Museum, is another must-visit if you are a lover of the arts. The three-story art museum features over 4,000 works from local, regional, and national artists in its permanent collection, plus rotating exhibits. Stop in at the the several art galleries in town to shop local artists and crafters. I highly recommend Gallery4; a fine art gallery owned and operated by local artists. The co-op gallery space also doubles as downtown Fargo’s visitor center, where you can pick up your “best for last” club t-shirt.
Is North Dakota your 50th state to visit? If it is, be sure to join the “Best for Last Club” where you can get a t-shirt celebrating North Dakota as your last state to visit in the U.S. Some people even purposely “save” their visit to ND as their last state to visit just to get the t-shirt.
See a Viking ship and Stave Church
Visit the Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead to see a full-size replica of a Viking ship and a Norwegian Stave Church. Out of all the things to do in Fargo, I have to say these were two things I didn’t expect to see.
Technically located in Moorhead, across the river, the cultural center dedicates its exhibits to telling the story of the Hjemkomst Viking Ship that set sail in 1982 with a crew of 12 to sail from Duluth, Minnesota to Bergen, Norway. The star of the story is the life-size replica of the exact ship that made the voyage some 40+ years ago. Learn about the voyage and why it still resonates with locals and visitors alike.
While you’re there, be sure to also stop at the Hopperstad Norwegian Stave Church in Fargo. The Scandanavian Stave churches were first built in the 900s in Jelling, Denmark, with nearly 1,000 built, but only 28 remaining now in Norway. Artist, Guy Paulson, built this replica Stave church in honor of his Norwegian ancestry and the Scandinavian culture in the Fargo-Moorhead area.
Where to eat and drink in Fargo
I have to say, Fargo’s food scene impressed me the most. I was fully expecting a bunch of chain restaurants, which there are plenty of, but I also found plenty of independent restaurants serving a variety of ethnic foods, traditional Scandinavian dishes, and modern food halls and eateries to round it all out.
For the traditionalists, you can’t leave Fargo without tasting one of their traditional Scandinavian dishes, such as Knoephla, Hotdishes, Lefses, Sweedish meatballs, and Smorgasbords. Check out the Boiler Room for a classic take on the Knoephla and the Prairie Kitchen for traditional Lefse and Swedish Meatballs. I learned how to eat Lefse by buttering the tortillas, shaking cinnamon and sugar and wrapping back up to dip in sweet jelly.
For other ethnic food options, there were several spots highly recommended by locals, including Leela Thai Kitchen, Passage to India, and Ishtar Mediterranean Cuisine.
More modern restaurants have added to Fargo’s hip food scene including the Beer and Fish Company, North Pints and Provisions, and the city’s first food hall; BrewHalla. I ate at Mangata Wine and Raw bar where I enjoyed raw oysters, a glass of red wine, and an oyster shooter made with oyster, sake, cocktail sauce and lemon. You can also shop local storefronts in between eats and drinks.
My favorite spot for breakfast and a fun vibe was definitely Marge’s Diner. I also found the fun and funky tasting room at Wild Terra a great place to taste some ciders, play a board game, and chat with the locals.
Where to stay in Fargo
While there are certainly several options for hotels in Fargo, I absolutely loved my stay at the Jasper Hotel. A modern favorite with Scandinavian details, the Jasper Hotel oozes elegance and historic charm that I just didn’t expect to find in Fargo.
The hotel feels like a true hidden gem in the city that exudes exquisite taste for anyone visiting Fargo. Located downtown, you’ll enjoy walking distance to almost everything and endless city views from the room’s large floor-to-ceiling windows, decorated with velour curtains that accent the room’s luxurious nature. Opulent bathrooms and plush robes added a spa-like feel to my room.
Whether or not you’re staying at the Jasper Hotel, dining at the hotel’s restaurant, Rosewild, is one of the best things to do in Fargo. With mostly local produce and meats from local farms, it’s easy to enjoy fresh tastes and unique plates. I tried everything that caught my eye. Roasted mushrooms, fried trout, and whipped potatoes with “more butter than potato.” I also spent a few happy hours sipping on an old fashioned with views of the city streets outside, making my time in Fargo truly memorable.
Getting to Fargo
The Fargo Metro area is a quick 3.5-hour drive from Minneapolis, Sioux Falls, and Winnipeg. The Hector International Airport in Fargo also offers direct flights from major cities throughout the U.S. Find direct flights from Denver to Fargo (how I arrived), plus Chicago, Las Vegas, and more. And while it doesn’t take much more than 10 – 15 minutes to get anywhere in town, I suggest renting a car if you are flying.
*all images are taken by me and are subject to copyright.
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