9 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Fargo, ND
Fargo is the largest city in North Dakota, located in the scenic southeast Red River Valley region bordering Minnesota. Along with Fargo's neighboring city of Moorhead, Minnesota, the two make up one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the upper Midwest. Plenty of tourist attractions entertain visitors in Fargo, as well as several cultural and sightseeing opportunities.
Other places to visit in Fargo include the Red River Zoo, the Plains Art Museum, and the Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center — celebrating the city's status as "North of Normal." All these things to do are family-friendly in Fargo, making the city popular for family vacations. And if you are traveling with kids, be sure to check out many displays and activities at Bonanzaville.
Make the most out of your North Dakota vacation with these top things to do in Fargo.
1. Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center
The Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center is a good first stop in the Fargo area. It's constructed just off the interstate to look like a grain elevator, and inside, visitors find an array of information on things to do around the area. Also on-site are iconic cultural attractions that help define Fargo's "North of Normal" campaign.
One of those attractions includes a photo opportunity with the famous woodchipper prop from the movie Fargo. Other picture-worthy and shareable installations include the colorful bison statues outside and the North Dakota Celebrity Walk of Fame, including more than 100 different celebrity signatures and handprints.
The painted bison statues outside the visitor center are also strewn throughout town. The surrounding Fargo region has 20 of these painted bison, which are fun to bump into on a visit. They are often sought out by aspiring and professional photographers.
Address: 2001 44th Street S, Fargo, North Dakota
2. Fargo Air Museum
The Fargo Air Museum has piqued the community's interest with all things aviation since 2001. Comprised of two colorful hangars filled with aircraft from throughout the ages, the museum features many planes in its collection that can still fly, as is occasionally demonstrated on the runway outside.
One of the main focuses of the museum is education and cultivating interest in the aviation industry, and popular Aviation Camps help achieve this goal. Also at the museum is an extensive aviation library, a gift shop, and military memorabilia.
The Fargo Air Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. Children under five receive free admission. Military veterans also receive discounted entry.
Address: 1609 19th Ave N, Fargo, North Dakota
3. Red River Zoo
The Red River Zoo is a family-favorite place to visit and a popular Fargo attraction. The zoo was opened in 1999 and continues to grow every year. It currently encompasses more than 22 acres and a long list of conservation accolades. The zoo specializes in native wildlife and exotic species that live in similar climates to the Red River Valley.
Animals that call the Red River Zoo home include amphibians, birds, fish, reptiles, and mammals. Just a few residents include peacocks, gray wolves, and North American river otters. Special encounters facilitated by the zoo allow guests to interact with either a porcupine, red panda, or baby camel. The zoo also has an active education program for adults and children.
The Red River Zoo is open daily throughout the year, except on major holidays. Admission is free for Zoo Members.
Address: 4255 23rd Avenue South, Fargo, North Dakota
4. Roger Maris Museum
The Roger Maris Museum is dedicated to the hometown hero of modern-day baseball. A former outfielder for the New York Yankees, Roger Maris grew up in Fargo and Grand Forks and, in the 1961 season, hit a record 61 home runs, the first to surpass Babe Ruth's 60 home runs in 1927.
The museum contains all manner of memorabilia related to Maris and is a wonderful place to reminisce about baseball's greatest players. A screening room shows videos and clips from this era of baseball. Also on display are autographed balls, replica locker rooms, and other historical souvenirs.
The museum is situated within West Acres Mall and is open seven days a week. There is no admission to wander into the museum. The surrounding mall provides several stores for an afternoon of window shopping.
Address: 3902 13th Avenue South (West Acres Shopping Center), Fargo, North Dakota
5. Plains Art Museum
The Plains Art Museum features a permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. In the permanent collection are works by Andy Warhol, David Bradley, Edward S. Curtis, and George Morrison. The museum also highlights works by local artists, showcasing some of North Dakota's artistry.
Be sure to check the museum's calendar to see current displays and future exhibitions. Admission is free to the Art Museum, and various after-school programs and Artist Talk series give extra value to this non-profit institution.
Address: 704 First Avenue North, Fargo, North Dakota
6. Lindenwood Park
Lindenwood Park is one of the most popular outdoor attractions in Fargo, encompassing several park amenities, a campground, and plenty of open green space. The park also features bicycle and kayak rentals, perfect for its several bike trails and designated kayak launch onto the Red River.
An iconic pedestrian bridge crosses the Red River from Lindenwood Park, arriving at Gooseberry Park in Moorhead. Gooseberry is a bit smaller but offers similar amenities like playground equipment and picnic shelters. Gooseberry is also a jumping-off point for other trails in the area.
The campground at Lindenwood Park has over 40 reservable sites for RVs. These back-in sites include electric and water hookups. Their prime location along the Red River, but close to the city center, makes them popular throughout the season (May through September). Reservations can be made in January of the same year.
7. Bonanzaville, USA
Bonanzaville encompasses 12 acres of land and more than 40 historical buildings with thousands of artifacts. It's operated by the Cass County Historical Society and is one of the region's largest historical attractions. both the Cass County Museum and the "Pioneer Village" of Bonanzaville dive deep into the culture, history, and people of the Red River Valley.
Among the historic buildings, other museums, like the Dahl Car Museum and Telephone Museum, appeal to special interests. Regular programming and events at the complex give even more reasons to visit.
Bonanzaville is open seven days a week between May and September. The outdoor village doesn't operate throughout the winter, but the museum is open on the weekends between October and April.
Address: 1351 Main Ave W, West Fargo, North Dakota
8. Catch a Movie or Event at the Fargo Theatre
This Art Deco theater was built as a vaudeville theater and cinema in the 1920s and now presents independent and foreign films. This historic space is also a venue for plays and other live entertainment. The restored building is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Since 2001, the theater has hosted the Fargo Film Festival in March, which currently includes five days of screenings and community fun. Other regularly scheduled events include tribute bands, magicians, and comedian performances. Large groups and private parties can book the theater for special events.
The Fargo Theatre has something playing every night of the week and special events on most weekends. The theater schedule goes well into the evening, providing one of the most popular places to visit at night.
Address: 314 Broadway N, Fargo, North Dakota
9. Hjemkomst Center
The Hjemkomst Center is home to the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County. It's in Moorhead, Minnesota, across state lines and a mile walk from downtown Fargo. At the facility, the Hopperstad Stave Church replica and the sailable Hjemkomst Viking Ship attract the most visits, standing as tangible icons of the Norwegian history of the area.
The Historical Society also maintains several permanent and rotating exhibits pertaining to the county. The Hjemkomst Center also hosts various special events throughout the year, including a German Kulturfest and the Scandinavian Hjemkomst & Midwest Viking Festival.
Address: 202 1st Ave N, Moorhead, Minnesota
