Most of what people know about Fargo, North Dakota, comes from a movie. As the setting for the 1996 film Fargo, it doesn’t portray the town in the best of light. But the city is so much more than just the butt of joke. The city of Fargo sits along the Red River just across from Moorhead, Minnesota. Collectively, you may hear the metro area referred to as the “FM.”
The town boasts a welcoming atmosphere and a strong sense of community. A thriving art scene with numerous music venues, art galleries, and theaters lend to the city’s vibrant culture and thriving economy. With North Dakota State University at its heart, Fargo embraces education and innovation, fostering a dynamic and diverse population. The city’s economy is robust, driven by industries ranging from healthcare and technology to agriculture and manufacturing.
Is it a good time? Ya, you betcha! From museums to breweries, there’s no shortage of things to do in Fargo. If you are looking to spend your weekend in a city with a heck of a lot of character, these are 12 things you can do in Fargo.
12. Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center
(image via Visit Fargo-Moorhead)
At the Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center, travelers will find a wealth of information about the city and all of its diverse attractions and activities. Discover special events, cultural insight, and the numerous dining options available in the city. We recommend starting your weekend getaway here.
Fans of the movie will love seeing the famous woodchipper from the film, complete with the plastic leg of Steve Buscemi’s character. Take pictures alongside the famous film prop and show the photos off to your friends and family. The visitor’s center is also a great place to get some souvenirs!
11. Bonanzaville, USA
(Fargo-Moorhead CVB,CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr)
Bonanzaville, USA, is easily one of the Fargo highlights when it comes to exhibitions. The outdoor museum offers a journey back in time, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the history and heritage of the Red River Valley and the broader Midwest. Bonanzaville, USA, consists of more than 40 historic buildings, as well as numerous artifacts and exhibits.
Among the preserved historic buildings include homes from the pioneer days, as well as schools, businesses, churches and much more. Additionally, special events are held throughout the year, such as cultural festivals, craft fairs, historical reenactments, and seasonal celebrations.
10. Red River Zoo
Great for the whole family, the Red River Zoo offers a diverse array of animals from around the world. Visitors can observe and learn about species like red pandas, gray wolves, river otters, Amur tigers, and a wide variety of birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
The Red River Zoo is actively involved in conservation initiatives, supporting the protection of endangered species and promoting responsible stewardship of the environment. The zoo offers engaging educational programs and interactive exhibits that allow visitors, especially children, to learn about wildlife, ecosystems, and the importance of biodiversity. Families should also be sure to check out the beautiful botanical gardens.
9. Roger Maris Museum
(DaveZ28, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
The Roger Maris Museum pays tribute to the legendary baseball player, best known for breaking Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record by hitting 61 home runs in 1961. Roger Maris achieved this milestone while playing for the New York Yankees.
Located in Fargo, North Dakota, the museum houses an extensive collection of memorabilia, artifacts, and personal items that belonged to Roger Maris. Visitors can explore these exhibits to gain insights into his remarkable career and personal life. The Roger Maris Museum is an integral part of the local community, celebrating Maris’s roots in Fargo and promoting the values of dedication and hard work that he embodied. For baseball fans, this is an absolute MUST.
8. Thunder Road Family Fun Park
(image via Instagram)
Thunder Road Family Fun Park is another popular, family-friendly entertainment destination in Fargo. Thunder Road is known for its go-kart tracks, which offer thrilling racing experiences for both kids and adults. The park features a variety of tracks and kart options to accommodate different skill levels. During the warmer months, you can take to the bumper boats.
Further, the park includes well-designed miniature golf courses, providing a fun and leisurely activity for families and friends. Other activities at this family fun center include batting cages and arcade games. It’s the perfect place for a kid’s party or casual family outing, where everyone can channel their inner child.
7. Fargo Air Museum
(Motorjed, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
The Fargo Air Museum preserves and showcases the history of aviation, with a particular focus on military aircraft and their significance. The museum boasts a remarkable collection of aircraft, including vintage warplanes, historic military aircraft, and civilian planes. Visitors can get up close to these beautifully restored flying machines.
The museum is a community hub for aviation enthusiasts, veterans, and those interested in the rich history of flight. It provides opportunities for community involvement and participation, allowing guests to interact with the community and gain some unique insight as to how things really were.
6. Fargo Theatre
(AJ LEON, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
This historic theater features an iconic Art Deco design prevalent in the early 20th century. The Fargo Theatre hosts live performances such as stage plays, concerts, and other special events. It even acts as a movie theater, screening classic movies, documentaries, and independent films – celebrating art in its many forms.
The theater hosts a variety of special events, including themed movie nights, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and more. On top of that, the Fargo Theatre often features art exhibitions in its lobby, showcasing the work of local artists and contributing to the visual arts scene in Fargo.
5. Fargo Brewing Company
(image via Instagram)
The Fargo Brewing Company is a popular craft brewery located in Fargo, North Dakota. Established in 2010, it has become a cornerstone of the local craft beer scene and offers a welcoming and community-oriented space for beer enthusiasts.
Select from a wide variety of craft brews, from IPAs and stouts to lagers and seasonal brews. Take a tour of the facilities, gaining insight into the brewing process, allowing guests to see how their favorite beers are made, and learn about the craft of brewing. The brewery hosts events, live music performances, and other entertainment, adding to the lively and social atmosphere. It’s also worth noting that Fargo Brewing Company is committed to sustainability and environmentally responsible practices in its brewing process.
4. Proof Artisan Distillers
(image via Instagram)
Of course, not everyone is a beer drinker. Fortunately, there is another option: Proof Artisan Distillers. A craft distillery located in downtown Fargo, the distillery produces high-quality, handcrafted spirits, taking pride in its commitment to quality and its dedication to the art and science of distillation.
Proof Artisan Distillers produces a range of craft spirits, including vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey. Their spirits are carefully crafted in small batches to ensure exceptional quality and flavor. Using locally sourced ingredients, the distillery creates a connection to the region and supports local agriculture. As a recognition of their efforts, their spirits have won over 30 national awards.
3. Bear Creek Winery
(image via Instagram)
For wine connoisseurs or anyone looking to get away for the weekend, the Bear Creek Winery offers a winetasting and lodging experience where you can relax for the weekend. Tasting hours are from 12 pm to 6 pm daily, while tours are available on Saturdays.
Relax among their breathtakingly beautiful vineyards and grab a glass of wine with your friends or family. The winery provides house-made snacks such as cheese plates, hummus plates, and pizza. The winery is also available for private events, and by joining their wine club, you can attend special wine-tasting events during the Summer and Fall.
2. The Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center
(Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center Heritage is a cultural and historical museum located in Moorhead, Minnesota, just outside of Fargo. The museum focuses on Scandinavian culture, celebrating its history in the area. These displays explore the customs, traditions, and history of Scandinavian immigrants who settled in the area.
The most famous part of this museum is the Hjemkomst ship. This remarkable replica of a Viking vessel was constructed by a local resident, Robert Asp, in the late 1970s. The ship’s name, “Hjemkomst,” means “homecoming” in Norwegian. It is a testament to the enduring ties between Scandinavian immigrants and their ancestral homeland.
1. Plains Art Museum
(Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flikr)
The Plains Art Museum houses an extensive collection of art, including contemporary, modern, and traditional works. Visitors can explore a wide range of artistic styles and mediums. The museum features rotating exhibits that showcase local, regional, and international artists. These exhibits offer fresh perspectives and introduce visitors to new artistic voices, meaning you’ll never have the same experience twice.
The museum is committed to supporting local and emerging artists, providing a platform for them to showcase their work and gain recognition. And when your brain needs a break, and your stomach wants a little attention, visitors can sit down for a bite at the café. Additionally, the museum store offers art-related merchandise, books, and gifts.
Summary
As you can see, Fargo has a lot to offer everyone. If you are looking to do more in the surrounding area, check out other weekend trips from nearby Fargo, North Dakota.
These areas are perfect for a quick day trip or a long weekend getaway. Explore our favorite things to do or peruse some pre-built itineraries.
