The catchy tagline of Fargo, “the city of far more,” is spot on. Before my trip, I didn’t know what to expect, but Fargo exceeded my expectations.
Although Fargo is in North Dakota, it’s closely linked with its sister city, Moorhead, in Minnesota. So you’re basicallyticking off two states in one go.
When I told my Canadian friends I was heading to Fargo, they all started talking about the 1996 film Fargo by the Coen Brothers, which put this little Midwestern city on the map.
But there’s so much more to discover about Fargo than a film, from its vibrant arts scene and funky boutique stores to great dining.
In this post, I’ll share fun things to do in Fargo, including must-see attractions, dining options and my favorite place to stay.
Top Things to Do in Fargo, ND
Go Shopping Downtown & Beyond
First off, if you’re into shopping, you’ll love Fargo. It’s packed with cool boutiques and quirky little shops.
I had a blast browsing through places like The Nines for boho clothes and More than Words for books and stationery. Oh, and if you’re into vintage stuff, don’t miss Carmine & Hayworth.
Looking for unique gifts or souvenirs? Handpicked Goods and Alina have got you covered.
If you’re into crystals, there’s an awesome shop in West Fargo called Mystique Moth.
If you prefer everything under one roof, hit up West Acres Mall. They even have a cool Roger Maris Museum for all you baseball fans out there.
Explore the Vibrant Arts Scene
Fargo has a thriving arts scene that you shouldn’t miss. The Plains Art Museum has amazing contemporary pieces by both international and local artists.
Plus, they’re always hosting cool events and exhibitions, and there’s a cute little souvenir shop on the ground floor.
If you like concerts and movie nights, visit a local gem – Fargo Theatre, which has been operating since 1926. It has an art deco vibe and shows classic and international films and live music shows.
The historic theater sign is probably the first thing you notice when you’re wandering around downtown. It’s like a beacon calling all movie and music lovers.
For those of you who like to get your hands dirty (in a fun way), there’s a place, Clay Your Way, where you can paint your own pottery or join a ceramics class. The atmosphere is super chill, and the prices are reasonable.
Snap Photos with Fargo Murals
If you’re anything like me and love a good photo op, downtown Fargo will be your playground. There’s street art on practically almost every corner.
For that Instagram-worthy Fargo shot, head to 641 1st Ave N. You’ll find this gorgeous postcard-like painting that says “Greetings From Fargo.”
But wait, there’s more! Just between Black Coffee & Waffle Bar and Silver Lining ice cream shop, you’ll see cool ice cream cone-shaped wings with a halo. While here, you can grab a scoop or a waffle.
Check this website for more information about where to find other Fargo murals.
Discover Fargo’s Scandinavian Heritage
Here’s something I didn’t expect – Fargo has a big Scandinavian heritage. There’s a replica of a full-size Viking ship at the Hjemkomst Center. The center also features a Norwegian stave church.
If you visit in the summer, you can catch their annual Scandinavian festival, complete with Nordic meals, souvenirs, Viking storytelling and weaponry.
If you’re in the mood for some Scandinavian souvenir shopping, there’s this cute little store downtown called STABO. They’ve got all sorts of traditional stuff like Norwegian sweaters, Viking jewelry, and even trolls.
To get a taste of Scandinavia without flying to Europe, visit the Sons of Norway restaurant. They serve Scandinavian-inspired cuisine.
Travel Back in Time at Bonanzaville
Bonanzaville is a living history museum with over 40 historic buildings on 12 acres. Walking through this pioneer village, you feel like you stepped into the 1800s or 1900s. You can explore a general store, schoolhouse, rail depot, hotel, and more to get an insight into Fargo’s earliest settlers.
Every building has its own story, complete with displays and artifacts. They’ve even got an impressive collection of antique cars and tractors.
During “Pioneer Days” in the summer months, you can enjoy live demonstrations. It’s a beautiful, interactive experience.
You can ride in horse-drawn wagon rides or try traditional crafts.
Admire Aviation Exhibits at Fargo Air Museum
For all aviation enthusiasts (or anyone who thinks planes are cool), the Fargo Air Museum is a must-stop.
Two hangars filled with aircraft and interactive displays are sure to entertain you for hours. The museum has a wide variety of planes ranging from military fighter jets to civilian aircraft of all eras. Most of them are still in flying condition!
You can climb into some of the cockpits and imagine what it would be like to fly one of these machines.
In addition to the impressive collection, the museum hosts fun events such as monthly education day camps and flight simulators.
Check Out Fargo Woodchipper
Remember that Fargo movie I mentioned at the beginning of this post? Well, there’s a replica of the famous wood chipper used in the film at the Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center. It’s certainly a unique and quirky photo opportunity.
You can pretend to be pushing a fake leg inside the woodchipper, just like the characters in the creepy movie scene.
Chill at Broadway Square
Broadway Square is downtown’s Fargo community hub and gathering space. It’s home to an ice rink and warming house in winter. In the summer, it’s where many free events, concerts, and other fun activities take place.
Make sure to check their calendar for the latest events.
Have a Bite to Eat or a Drink at BrewHalla
Brewhalla is a must-visit attraction in Fargo, no question about it. I absolutely loved the vibrant atmosphere, the market, and the little local shops.
The place is like a giant hangout spot, with indoor and outdoor seating and local food vendors. Picture oysters, artisan ice cream made with milk from a local dairy farm, local craft beer, and wood-fired pizza all in one spot.
Brewhalla also offers accommodation and a venue for events.
Take a Stroll in Lindenwood Park
Lindenwood Park is a great choice if you need a break from all the action or want to do something more outdoorsy. You can take a walk along the banks of the Red River, rent a bike or kayak, or have a picnic. The park also has a campground.
It’s a great place for family fun, especially if you travel with little ones.
Speaking of family fun, the Red River Zoo is another popular family-friendly attraction in Fargo. It features over 600 animals from around the world, including adorable red pandas.
Sample Local Brews
Fargo has several fantastic breweries and distilleries, each with its own unique flavors and styles. Some popular options include Drekker Brewing Company, Fargo Brewing Company, Junkyard, Swing Barrel, and IceWind.
Fargo offers a free craft and draft pass, making it easy and convenient for you to enjoy the best beers in town.
Where to Stay
Jasper Hotel
When it comes to accommodation in Fargo, Jasper Hotel is hard to beat. It’s conveniently located in the city center, only 10 minutes from Hector International Airport.
The rooms are comfy and have pleasant decor. If you can, book a room on the top floor for incredible city views. One of the highlights of my trip was watching the sunset straight from my bed, overlooking the cityscape.
The hotel is full of thoughtful touches, from books and citrus-scented toiletries to a complimentary coffee bar in the mornings. As someone who cares about natural beauty products, I appreciated that the toiletries were free of sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and mineral oils.
The fifth floor has a well-equipped fitness center and relaxing sauna, perfect for staying active and rejuvenated during your stay.
Their on-site restaurant, RoseWild offers a rich selection of dishes and drinks, making it a convenient dining option.
This summer, Jasper Hotel offers a special package called “48 Hours in Fargo,” which runs all summer long and includes a two-night stay at the hotel with add-ons like a welcome tote bag featuring Fargo’s finest goodies, a photo op on the hotel’s 5th-floor outdoor terrace with a celebratory champagne toast, and a $50 property credit.
Where to Eat
This list of the top things to do in Fargo wouldn’t be complete without some dining options. So, let’s talk all about food.
Fargo is known for its diverse food scene. Here are some of my favorite spots:
Black Coffee & Waffle Bar: This trendy spot is perfect for breakfast or brunch. They serve a variety of delicious waffles, from savory to sweet. The coffee is tasty, too. I loved “Naughty Waffle,” but “Loaded Potato” also looked very tempting.
Nichole’s Fine Pastry & Café: This charming café is a great place to stop for coffee and a pastry. They offer a variety of baked goods, desserts, and light lunch options in a cozy setting.
RoseWild: Conveniently located in the Jasper Hotel right next to Broadway Square, RoseWild offers a menu inspired by the rich agricultural traditions of the Midwest, with a focus on local ingredients and seasonal flavors.
Original Dairy Queen: Don’t miss one of the oldest Dairy Queen locations operating since 1949. It serves classic treats that have been favorites for generations. It’s located at 24 8th St S Moorhead.
Brewhalla: A vibrant food hall with a range of vendors offering everything from wood-fired pizza to artisan ice cream. It’s a great spot to hang out, grab a bite to eat or drink, and enjoy the lively atmosphere for lunch or dinner.
Thaikota: If you’re craving some more exotic flavors, consider Thaikota. They serve authentic Thai cuisine with fresh ingredients. Their Pad Thai and green curry are a must-try!
Sons of Norway: For a taste of Scandinavia, visit Sons of Norway. They offer traditional, comfort Scandinavian dishes.
Mezzaluna: This upscale restaurant is perfect for a special occasion. Its creative menu features dishes like pork tenderloin, shrimp fettuccine, steak, and a variety of innovative cocktails.
Rustica Eatery and Tavern: Located in Moorhead, just across the river, Rustica serves rustic American cuisine with a modern twist. Their menu features wood-fired pizza, pasta, and more.
Vinyl Taco: For a fun and casual dining experience, head to Vinyl Taco. They offer a variety of tacos, burritos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes, all served with a side of great music.
Fargo Food Trucks: If you want to spice things up a bit, Fargo also has a pretty decent selection of food trucks. I recommend Taco Bros and PickaBob Grill & BBQ.
So yeah, Fargo has this excellent mix of artsy vibes, great food, and small-town charm. If you get a chance to visit, definitely go for it. I had a great time, and I bet you will, too.
Kamila Jakubjakova
Kamila is a freelance writer and blogger who traveled to 50+ countries. On her blog Expat in Canada, she shares tips for life and travel in Canada. When she isn’t writing, you can find her sipping a cup of tea or exploring the great outdoors.
