Things To Do
in Fargo
Fargo is the largest city in North Dakota, nestled along the Red River with a growing arts and college culture. It blends midwestern hospitality with a vibrant downtown and family-friendly outdoor spaces. The city experiences a four-season climate, offering hot summers and snowy winters that shape its activities.
A gateway to the nearby plains, Fargo anchors a dynamic region known for festivals, museums, and riverfront charm.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Fargo-Moorhead Visitor Center, where you can learn about the region's rich history and culture. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local café, sampling some traditional Midwestern fare. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the Red River, appreciating the scenic views and historic architecture.
Head to the Plains Art Museum to explore its impressive collection of contemporary and traditional art, reflecting the cultural tapestry of the area. Grab lunch at a nearby bistro, indulging in locally sourced ingredients and flavors. Afterward, visit the historic Fargo Theatre, taking a guided tour to learn about its fascinating past and architectural significance.
Conclude your day with dinner at a trendy restaurant in downtown Fargo, where you can savor a fusion of flavors that showcases the local culinary scene. Afterward, catch a live performance or movie at the Fargo Theatre, immersing yourself in the vibrant nightlife. Finally, take a peaceful evening walk along the riverfront, enjoying the twinkling city lights reflecting on the water.
Begin your day with breakfast at a charming local café known for its artisanal pastries and coffee. Afterwards, head to the Plains Art Museum to explore its diverse exhibits and engage with the local art community. Take time to appreciate the unique sculptures and installations both inside and outside the museum.
Enjoy lunch at a nearby eatery that showcases regional cuisine, perhaps trying a famous hotdish. Post-lunch, visit the North Dakota Museum of Art, which features an array of contemporary artworks and rotating exhibitions. Engage with the interactive installations that invite you to experience art in innovative ways.
For dinner, choose a cozy restaurant that offers farm-to-table options, ensuring you taste the freshest ingredients. After your meal, attend a local theater performance or an art gallery opening to appreciate Fargo's vibrant cultural scene. End your evening with a relaxing drink at a local brewpub, sampling regional craft beers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🏠1-bedroom apartment in city center (monthly) | $900-1,300 |
| 🚗Gasoline (per gallon) | $3.00-4.50 |
| 🛒Groceries for one week | $60-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly Midwestern hospitality
- Strong riverfront and park spaces with family-friendly activities
- Cold winters and potential travel delays due to weather
- Limited public transportation beyond the city center
Places to Visit in Fargo
Visit one of these nice places.
A historic Art Deco cinema in downtown Fargo, ideal for exterior and interior architectural shots and nighttime neon.
Iconic midwestern storefronts and street scenes along Broadway provide classic urban photography opportunities.
Riverside views and sunset reflections along the Red River; great for landscape and cityscape photography.
Wooded trails and scenic overlooks offering nature and skyline contrasts, particularly during autumn light.
Food in Fargo
Fargo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A comforting casserole staple, typically based on meat, vegetables, and a creamy binder. Found on many restaurant menus and home tables.
Must-Try!
A traditional Scandinavian flatbread, often served with butter and sugar; available at markets and some cafes.
A local-style stuffed burger with cheese inside the patty; widely available at pubs and burger joints.
Fried walleye dishes common along river towns, often served with fries or slaw.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market featuring local produce, breads, crafts, and street-food vendors in downtown Fargo.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet others warmly with a handshake; being on time is appreciated in business and social settings.
Friendly small talk is common; topics like weather and local sports are good icebreakers.
Safety
Tipping in Fargo
Ensure a smooth experience
In the United States, standard tipping is 15-20% before tax for good service in restaurants; rounding up at casual venues is common for small tables or partial service. Bar staff often expect tips per drink or a small amount for overall service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; cash is still useful in smaller venues. Tap-to-pay and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days, occasional thunderstorms, and long daylight hours. Ideal for riverfront activities, festivals, and outdoor dining.
Milder days with colorful foliage; comfortable for walks and photography, but evenings can be cool.
Cold and snowy with short days; excellent for winter sports, cozy restaurants, and scenic snow-covered scenery.
Variable temperatures and spring showers; wildlife activity resumes and city parks begin to bloom.
Fargo at Night
Hiking in Fargo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Riverside and parkway trails along the Red River offering easy to moderate hikes and sunset photography.
Wooded and scenic loops with city views suitable for short hikes and nature walks.
Airports
How to reach Fargo by plane.
The primary airport serving Fargo, located a short drive from downtown with regional and some national connections.
Northeast North Dakota option about a 2-2.5 hour drive; serves broader region with domestic flights.
Major hub about 235 miles south; convenient for many domestic and international connections with frequent flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A growing mix of families, students from NDSU, and immigrant communities contributing to the city’s culture and cuisine.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Locally cherished college team with enthusiastic fan support; games are a major regional draw.
College and local leagues; many gyms and arenas host games and community events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Fargo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Fargo restaurants offer vegetarian entrées or plenty of sides; ask for veggie pasta, mushroom dishes, veggie burgers, and salads. Look for spots with flexible menus or customizable bowls.